As promised, photos from the trip south of here!
Melteski Family Reunion.
Pictures in Hamilton Park the next day.
And this last picture was taken by Chloe.
It was so wonderful to see so many family members. Sorry sisters in South Jersey, I never pulled the camera out when I was down there – but it was great seeing all of you too!
Sorry about the lapse in communication, but I've been sick ever since the ride back from Jersey City on Sunday, April 17. Today is the first day I've felt somewhat human!
I've just downloaded all the photos that were taken during the trip to see sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, counsins, neices, nephews, daughter, son-in-law and two adorable granddaughters. I promise to post some of those soon, but in the mean-time, here is a picture that just makes me smile.
Hope you're having sunshine in your neighborhood. Send some our way if you are!
Yes, you're right. I have been MIA. But it's a new year, and I'm hoping to move ahead and be better about posting more often.
So, here is my year (or a little part of it) in pictures:
A winter drive to work.
Greetings to new great-nephew, Greyson.
A driving trip to Florida.
Sunsets from the deck.
Getting the garden in.
A lily on the pond at the Hospice house where we bid farewell to our much-loved brother-in-law/brother.
A new grandson.
A family gathering in Sea Isle City.
Fall in our backyard.
A foot operation.
Christmas 2010 at our house.
And so I wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous new year. Here's to friends and family!
This week was catch up at work, and as you can see I haven't posted lately, so here's a glimpse of last week.
My trip to South Jersey was fine, but traffic wasn't. Having made that trip at least 30 times during this time of year, you'd think I would expect it. But I got there none-the-less.
I spent 3 nights at my sister JoAnne's house. Had Thanksgiving dinner at sister Michele's and leftovers on Friday with a game of Trivial Pursuit.
I believe these guys were absolutely thrilled that there was so much food preparation happening.
My nephew Kevin, and his girlfriend Jill, braved the crowds at 1am on Black Friday to stand in line at Best Buy. They might look perky here, but I know they were pretty tired by mid morning!
I did get to stop and visit with Phoebe and Chloe, which is always fun no matter how short the time.
So onward into the Christmas season we go. There is snow on the ground, the temperatures are around freezing and there is still a whole lot of roofin' going on. I'm hopeful it will be done by Christmas...VERY hopeful.
I spoke with Beth today, and she's going to send me some gift suggestions for the girls – but I've had a few ideas of my own.
This is from Neiman Marcus’ Christmas Book. An edible gingerbread house, (made by confectioners from Dylan’s Candy Bar) is made from “cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints, gumdrops and a candy-encrusted roof.” That's not all. A lollipop tree is waiting on the inside. Yup, Chloe and Phoebe would love this. My pocketbook however, at $15,000, does not.
Guess I'll just wait for the list.
Last weekend I was in Jersey City to help celebrate Chloe and Phoebe's birthdays. The party was held on Saturday at Alstead Farms, in Chester, NJ. All I can say is that every kid there had a blast. It was wonderful watching all of them run from the massive hay bale mountain, to the tractor wagon train, the pony rides and feeding all the animals. As chilly a day as it was, no one seemed to mind. Hot chocolate and hot cider helped warm little and older hands alike. So here is the day in pictures.
Chloe and friends on the tractor wagon train.
Phoebe calling for the goats. Chloe having a serious conversation about them.
They know there are carrots somewhere.
The haybale mountain.
Phoebe on the right with Bella and John.
One happy cow girl.
Cake!!!!!
Even Nona had a great time.
I have emerged from the depths of the hardest time of year at work for me...Christmas. When everyone is enjoying the end of summer, I'm trying to figure out how to design holiday catalogs. Believe me, snow in September is hard to come by. Ahhh, but it's almost over for another year.
I celebrated a weekend of birthdays with Nick,my favorite two girls and their parents. Beth, Phoebe and I share October birthdays. It was a beautiful weekend. Fall is coloring our world here in Vermont.
On Friday we went to Shelburne Farms.
The Farm Barn is full of animals that kids can pet, milk, feed and pick up.
Chloe has mastered the art of picking up Chickens.
Chloe, Phoebe and I got down to look at a calf named, "Latte."
We saw 10 little piglets and their big mama.
We had a great time. When we got home, we went out into the garden and guess what we found!
Chloe and Phoebe were able to take their pumpkins home, but I'm afraid grandson, Sean in Florida might not get to see his. There's always next year's pumpkin patch, though!
While I picked green beans in the garden, Chloe gathered ladybugs.
I know how lucky I am to have such a beautiful family. A wonderful weekend was had by all. I so wished it didn't have to end.
Maybe you're old enough to remember the cartoon, The Jetsons. George Jetson often stood before a big screen that projected the person he was talking on the phone with. All of that seemed pretty crazy and far-fetched, but many years later it has become a reality.
Skype allows you to make free phone calls using your computer. If you have a web cam in your computer, you're all set. You can purchase a webcam for $40 or less, which is what I did since I don't have a web cam. You can download Skype here
Last night Nick and I were sitting on the deck watching the sunset...
Nick brought his computer outside to see if anyone was on Skype. This is who we saw.
Jessica and Sean! Skype has allowed us to keep connected to our little grandson in Florida who will grow up far too soon. We are so glad that we can see him every week to see the progress he's making. He's just so cute! We feel very lucky.
And just in case you need to see another picture that is just too cute, here you go!
As promised, here are some pictures of my visit with Nick's family.
No more trips any time soon. Sad but true. Looks like I'm here in Vermont for a while. Anyone up for a visit?