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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

For The Last Time This Year


As has been my habit every Wednesday for this past  year, I have been recounting and recording my daily joys. This will be my last Wednesday post, because this year will officially begin on a Friday. So during 2021 my weekly joys will be posted then. Looking back this has been a painful year, but I have managed to find joy every single day, even on the worst days. 
Thursday night I plan on taking an hour or so to myself to re-read all the posts just to try and relive the day to day happiness I found in the middle of a dreadful year. If any of you feel so inclined please join in with your own joy diary next year (which sounds funny since next year is officially in two days)

Wednesday: The biggest joy for the day was having DIL3 and Son3 around the house, talking with them, then watching Christmas Vacation together.

Thursday: I needed a couple of stocking stuffers so I ran out at 8 a.m. to beat the rest of the holiday shoppers. I actually went to two off the beaten path stores with very few customers and was done, home, and having a hot cup of coffee a little bit before 10. The rest of the day was spent mostly leisurely getting ready for Christmas. At 3 we watched a Swedish Walt Disney compilation, which DIL3 has watched every year, while we drank Glogg and feasted on saffron rolls. I loved being able to share her traditions. Later in the evening we were able to participate in Christmas Eve services via live streaming. I was the last one in bed leaving the house clean, the table set and food prepped for an easy Christmas morning.

Friday: TheHub and I woke very early, and for the first time ever had  leisurely cups of coffee and conversations while listening to Christmas music. Later when Son3 and DIl3 woke and came downstairs, The Great Unwrapping began. Afterward my sister and BIL came over for brunch, then we went to Son2 and DIL2's house to give them their presents. They were still in quarantine following 1st degree exposure to covid (fortunately neither of them got it and both tested negative at the end of their time) We put the gifts on their porch then stood outside while they were in the doorway, talked for a few minutes then left.

Saturday: We had nothing to return, no need to go to the grocery store and basically just had a lazy day at home putting up our gifts and enjoying the tree lights. We did go out driving that night to looks at a couple of areas with beautiful outside decorations, then picked up BBQ. DIL3 declared the best part of winter in the south is the availability of delicious, freshly cooked, hickory smoked bbq in the winter. It seems normal to us but was a novelty for her.

Sunday: After streaming church services and a Webex Sunday school class, TheHub and I ran down to the lake place for a couple of hours to check on everything. After we returned our middle son and his beautiful wife were through with their quarantine and came over to visit. We still all wore masks, and only did the elbow bump, but it was wonderful to be able to visit with them. DIL3 made more delicious saffron buns served with coffee this time! Perfect!

Monday: Looking out the kitchen window there is a redbud tree in the back yard. It was covered with finches. Both purple and regulation house finches.  It was quite beautiful to see. 

Tuesday: Tuesday began the defrocking process. I like to start the new year with Christmas gone, however I also tend to alter some it into New Year's decorations. I like the lights and brightness from Christmas to remain without the traditional Christmas look. It is a process, but it is something I like to do. 
We also played a new to us board game "Mind the Gap". It was a lot of fun with a lot of laughs. 

I can't believe I only have two more days to find joy this year. I am so ready to turn the page from this unusual (not necessarily in a good way) year. I know magic is not going to happen, and when the clock strikes midnight everything will become all goodness and light, but I am hopeful that before the new year is up we have transitioned into a friendlier year. 

I hope you find joy daily and peace through the new year!

23 comments:

  1. Lots and lots of joys. Which have me smiling from across the seas.
    I am heading off to do a shift on the crisis line shortly. It is New Year's Eve here and I expect the lines to be running hot. It is a joy that I am able to be there.
    Love the last line of your post - and echo it to the world.

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    1. I am almost positive the lines will be busy. I am so glad you will be the one some are speaking to!

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  2. Sounds so peaceful and lovely and I love Saffron buns.

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    1. I did not know I loved them until I ate them! Delicious!

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  3. I love Zooey when she sings. I like her as an actress too. How wonderful to have family around. I'm happy for you. A wrapping party, sounds like fun and then you went out to deliver gifts. Busy, busy, busy! I don't take down decorations until after New Year's although I have been know to have them up until February. That won't happen this year because I only put about 15% out! Happy New Year to you and your family.

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    1. I think she has a quirky voice, but I love it!
      I like to take them down by New Years Eve, have the mess put away and welcome the year uncluttered by it. Well, or have the new year only cluttered by stuff that is non Christmas!

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  4. You have done such a fantastic job with this. I might at least chose this for one of my monthly challenges this year. I think it's a great way to stay positive. All the best to you and your family in the new year!

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    1. I am keeping this going because it has forced me to see the good things in a very sad year.

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  5. Good for you, this definitely has been quite a year! We had a snow storm yesterday and it's very cold and very windy today so the Christmas lights are all on here. More bad weather predicted for New Years Eve and Day. Here's wishing you and yours the best in the New Year. I've always like to hear Zooey, she has a great voice, thanks for the video!

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    1. Oh Pam I probably should not tell you it was 67 degrees today and sunny. It was like a spring day. Stay warm my friend!

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  6. I love hearing how your DIL3 loves the southern Christmas and hospitality. You sure hit the jackpot with those lovely girls being added to your family. I hope you enjoy your reflection on all your weeks of capturing joy. I know your year was not easy, beyond Covid.

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    1. I am beyond lucky that my sons choose such wonderful women to share their lives. I love each of them dearly!

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  7. I've said this before, but, I'll repeat it - I love how you find joy in each day. Enjoy your evening, tomorrow, reading over the joys of the year that is ending. Here's to more joy, next year! Wish you and yours a very happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you Bless! I look for it each and every day and it is always there, even on the most rotten, hurt filled day!
      I hope you and your daughter have a wonderful NYE and NYD that con tines throughout the year

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  8. I'm so glad you got to spend time with two of your sons - I hope you will be able to travel to see your other son in 2021. Wishing you all the best for 2021!

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    1. I think I am going to bite the bullet and buy a blooming rv so TheHub and I can just drive to Oregon without having to be around crowds or staying in hotels. I do not get to see her often but I usually see Pip at least twice a year. This has been miserable!

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  9. It has been a real pleasure to ready your joys each week. It's been a good reminder to me to find those moments in each day. Not that I've written them down, but despite the pandemic I can truly say, it's been a good year for me. I'm well aware I'm very fortunate in that!

    Happy New Year Anne, to you and your loved ones. I wish you all the best in 2021!

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    1. I hope I will continue this. I have been reading them today and it makes me remember so many things that were wonderful.

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  10. I love your December 31 post! No words, no comments, just the title. Perfect and darkly humorous 😊

    Happy new year, Anne!

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