It’s back to the office tomorrow but I felt compelled to “throw up a blog tonight…it’s been a very hectic few days.
My family gathered for our Thanksgiving meal at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. It was a bittersweet evening…our first holiday without my brother-in-law. My sister & her boys decided upon their family portrait to sit on the dinner (a photo mug) table and I offered a special prayer in honor of Rick’s life and in thanksgiving for the memories he gave us. That’s my oldest nephew, Jonathan above with his mom, sister #3. He’s the spittin’ image of his dad! I’m sure my sister had sadness and emptiness in her heart as we all felt a common void. The evening was nice though and the meal was scrumptious with delectable desserts. Kudos to my dear Mother who prepared the turkey/stuffing, ham and mashed potatoes. Of course, it’s not a holiday without Mother’s homemade pies!
Sister #4’s son brought his girlfriend and introduced her to our family…that was especially delightful. She’s cute and adorable! We didn’t stay too late…wanted to get up early (no, not like those “crazed” shoppers who wanted to be out shopping at 4:00 in the morning) to meet my girlfriend for breakfast and Black Friday shopping. It was about 9:00 a.m. when we left to start our shopping fling.
Shelley & I had breakfast at a local restaurant in downtown Selinsgrove and then it was off to shop. We no longer go to the malls or outlets…we go “thrift shopping” or as some refer to it… “second hand/gently used” stores. We also try to patronize the hometown shop keepers and specialty stores. First stop was The Mustard Seed…all clothing items were ½ off! I did well in there. I’ll try to get some photos posted of my riches. Just down the street was a new shop called “30 South”…anything and everything…there were items for just $1.00 in the front part of the store, furniture and even antiques. I found several interesting things.
Then it was off to the Goodwill Thrift Store…and on to a Salvation Army Thrift Store. Both stores are like department stores. We always manage to come away with brand name items and both happy shoppers! The above photo is a park an area landscaper installed in downtown Selinsgrove; adorned in decorated trees and a sleigh filled with presents.
We drove to a small shop across the river…shop keeper advertises in the local newspaper…Shelley & I being curious…set out to find this shop situated in an old train station. It was quaint but a bit on the pricey side with very unique gift items, jewelry and Vera Bradley.
The English Garden (above)
We ate at Wendy’s (fast food)…and visited each shop in downtown Danville. It was about 4:30 p.m. when I arrived back home. We had a good time and after my sister got to my house…I showed her some of my “loot”…very discreetly, too. Husband doesn’t need to know everything!
Saturday it was up and dashing over to sister #3…we visited her son, my youngest nephew. He lives in an apartment nearby her house and has a new puppy. She’s 12 weeks old and her name is Bailey! He got her several weeks ago. She’s a beautiful chocolate lab…as you can see! I took tons of pictures. Of course, I had to take her a toy and she had a blast with it. She had her first check up Black Friday
That’s Erik with Bailey and her new toy! “Man’s best friend!”
My sister & I drove to the Memorial Park to visit her husband’s grave as she wanted me to see their new headstone. It’s beautiful…he would be so proud of her. She had tears for a few moments and said she missed him so much but was able to regain her composure as we walked and talked in the Garden of Repose.
Cheerfully, we took in a movie at the mall’s Cinema Center. We got tickets to “Four Christmases” with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. An entertaining movie but frankly, I thought it was bit “slapstick” for Witherspoon…almost out of character for her. We enjoyed the humor and laughed together. Afterward we went for salads, garlic bread and iced tea at Garfield’s Pub and Restaurant. We walked our dinner off by visiting some of the stores inside the mall.
Dear Santa, I want one of everything!
Sunday…it was off shopping with sister #4, my niece and my Mother. We had an enjoyable time and even made a dent in each of our Christmas shopping lists. It was late when I got home Sunday night but fortunately I had today off. I took a picture of my trunk after our shopping excursion but am experiencing technical difficulties with my camera in the downloading process. Stay tuned.
Don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas…remember, too, family and friends are the true gifts at Christmas!
…in my little corner of the world…we consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice!
Reenie's Corner 