Vernal Empty Nest: New Year 2015

We had a great visit to Durham in November. Brad met me there after he attended a conference in Baltimore. Thank heavens Alicia took some pictures while we were there because it doesn't appear as if I got the camera out much. We did go take family pictures for Bryce and Alicia at the Duke Gardens. We were on Addy time and it had been raining so it was muddy. We tried to take as many as we could in a short time. Brad would run around behind me trying to get her to smile. As you go through the pictures fast, you can see her moving her head following Brad. Luckily, she is so cute, we were able to get a few for them to choose from.

Alicia took me to a plantation not far from home - the oldest one in North Carolina. Not large but still has original buildings including original slave quarters. It was a fun place to visit.

We ate at the Cheesecake Factory but Addy wasn't at her best that evening. She was hungry, we had to wait, she was just starting to learn to drop her food onto the floor. They put us in a corner of the restaurant, it was probably a good thing. Bryce says that was her worst outing. I love being able to just laugh about it and look forward to taking her again.

Christmas was fun and pretty quiet. So glad that Brock was able to come for a few weeks. Brad made it a couple days before Christmas. We have all become Duke fans by default.

Then it was on to the Burts for the Christmas bowling bash and party afterwards. The kids are all getting so old and fun to watch them play together, even with those who came a long way to visit. Mom and Dad should be very proud of their great family.

NEW YEAR - NEW PROJECTS

A monthly embroidery project for a full quilt at the end of the year. January - DONE.

Needed a house project during the long dark nights of winter. So we're experimenting with painting cabinets. Starting on the laundry room. If we like it, it's on to the whole kitchen. I have to be done by April because the yard will be calling. Here's the before --