We're in the midst of some preparation for a trip up north to visit Nicholas' family, but I wanted to stop by and talk about life lately. I've settled fully into pre-Christmas rest. This past week was filled with the last-minute busyness of mailing Christmas cards and shipping some Christmas gifts to my family, filling the stocking with a surprise for Nicholas, and regular, ordinary life things, like work, laundry, etc.But since all the Christmas errand-ing is done, now I can usher in a bit more of the fun Christmas things...

I welcomed the beginning of December with open arms. Yes, I love the anticipation of Christmas and unrestrained Christmas cheer. But also, I love that for me, December has meant a slower pace than November. The Christmas shopping is done, Christmas gifts are wrapped, and I need to bring gifts that we're mailing up north to the post office, just as soon as I finish reading a book my mom leant to me...

Hello! It's been awhile!We're doing great, life has just been full and the times I felt like writing didn't necessarily align with available writing time, so here we are. Tuesdays are great for a number of reasons, one being the super yummy latte on the table next to me at Houndstooth, and another being that they usually allow for some time to write. I worked on Thanksgiving, but since we discharged a fair number of patients, I was able to go home shortly after lunch! Leaving work early always feels like bonus time, and I tried to make the most of it. We had already celebrated an early Thanksgiving with my family up in MN, but I planned to make a nice meal for just me and Nicholas the day after Thanksgiving...

On Tuesday, we came home after an always-too-short visit up north to see my family in Minnesota. It was a lovely visit: cold and a bit snowy and very low-key. We woke up at 3:30AM(!) on Saturday in order to pack up and make it to the airport for our 6:15AM flight. We only brought personal items on the plane, and checked a bag, since we forget how much space winter clothes take up! I always feel less frantic when I'm not trying to juggle a personal item and a carry-on item...

I love the cooler months for the feel of them, in every way. I love cold-weather clothing, and candles, and the idea of slower, soothing months, where life doesn't feel so hectic. I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I love a good comfort food meal, that you can start in the afternoon, and let it simmer while doing laundry or a pre-dinner tidy of your home...