Icy Storm Troubles

The ice strom knocked out our power last Thursday, December 11, 2008,  and it has not been restored as of this afternoon-Tuesday, December 16, 2008. We are on our 6th day. We have a generator. Kate and Scott are also still without power. They have a generator as well.

I have taken lots of pictures to blog, but cannot upload them from this work computer. We have no internet access at home either, as well as no lights, no water, no heat,no refrigeration,ect., etc., etc. The generator does give us some services temporarily, for some relief.

We have no Christmas tree, and the Christmas Village is still boxed. The outdoor ornaments are stacked in the garage, though there is a wreath on each of the two front doors. No Christmas cards have been prepared , and the few we have received are in a pile-not hung as usual. The battery operated window Christmas candles were given to help a few who did not have enough lilghting at night. But there is more to Christmas than a beautifully lit tree, gaily wrapped gifts, and colorful decorations. There is the spirit of caring and the spirit of sharing, which have been evidenced during all  this ordeal by many, many people, who help and accept help with a smile on their faces and a extended, warm hand.

When we are back to normal I will start to blog  regarding this experience.

Busy Days!

Heather, Teelin and Monet  drove down to visit yesterday. (She may be here a while with the ice storm predicted.)We have been having a great time with her. Mike and Jocelyn dropped in today, while Kate and Louisa were here baking cookies with Heather (or at least trying to!) Heather's friend Michelle came by in the late afternoon, and Kevin came for dinner. FUN!


                                               Mike doing a magic trick with Louisa. How does that cracker come out of her ear?

Mike entertaining the little ones with bubbles.

Mike, Jocelyn and Teelin

Working on a gingerbread house.

Everyone enjoys decorating!

Uncle Kevin helping.

Almost done.

Oh NO! Earthquake hit!

Uncle and Niece introducing themselves at afternoon Tea.

An experienced iphone addict

A neophyte iphone user!?!?!?

Boston Shopping Trip

My wonderful daughter-in-law and her Mom and Aunt invited me to go along with them on a yearly shopping trip to Boston. What fun! How nice to be asked!!! (Thank you again!)
 A chartered bus delivered us to Downtown Crossing, where we shopped in Macy's and a few other stores. Then we hoofed it to Fanueil Hall through the busy streets full of people and decorations, where the bus awaited for us to store our packages.
In the need of refreshment, we then walked to the North End, which is Italian, to a little place called Bella Vista, a cozy littel restaurant serving great Italian cuisine and vino in little ceramic pitchers.
 After lunch, we stopped into Mikes- a famous bakery- and had quite a time choosing from all the cannoli, cream puffs, cheese cakes, lobster tails (no real lobster-just puff pastry 12 inches long filled with three types of cream!), and more. The decisions were not so tough with a little wine in us to help!
Back to Fanueil Hall with more shopping in all the great stores. As we got tired, the pretty Christmas lights illuminated the air around us,  spreading a feeling of peace and contentment, and of course, Christmas.
We ended our day with a drink at the local Cheers, boarded the bus and came home -tired, happy and shopped out!!


                                                         Connie enjoying the bus ride!

Jilliane-a beautiful model trying on coats.

Some carolers cheering the shoppers on.

All Smiles

Sorry, Jill-the cow will not fit on the bus!

A store on the 'corner' with a clever name in the North End.

Lunch!

Decisions Decisions

Perfect!!

Who is that guy with the cigar?

Cheers!

More filled bags!

Moby Ornamet!

Pretty Ladies

Merry Christmas!