December 19/week of parties and guests

Even though life and Christmas is going on day by day.. and my Mom encourages us to "continue with our daily things" My Dad is always on my mind. He is still in the hospital, but we are seeing improvements... small ones, but improvements all the same. And all of us, continue..... so, this evening, we had our Christmas get together with the "Brentwood power equipment folks"  aka, where Ed works... aka... family. 

Just a time to get together, to celebrate not just Christmas, but the wonderful blessing that this extended family all works together. Dave being the owner... Nate the manager and Ed, one of the small engine mechanics... little Reagan is so blessed to be brought up in such a manner...

Dave looks "worried" (not)... maybe hoping that no one orders lobster!!! (and no one did!!!  LOL) that's Lauren and Johnny..... too

serious conversations happening all around the table....

Reagan and Auntie Lauren, checking out the amazing fish tank that was in the restaurant... it was a fun evening, good food, wonderful company and conversation, and a change to be reminded of how good things really are.....

This time of year, the boarding kennel begins to get busy once again. Livy was just thrilled to see that one of our guests for a few days is her brother!!! (not of the same litter, but of the same Mom)..... he lives close by, so Livy is always happy when they can be together....

We don't have much snow right now, but it's very cold.. too cold to be outside long for playtime. So the mudroom serves a good purpose for that!!!!

And then another party of the week... my dog club's annual Christmas pot luck supper and then charity auction..... again, just a fun time to take a break, and have a chance to sit and talk with the friends I have. (we are often just spending a few moments together between dog classes or at meetings....)  cute little tree put up by some of the members....

and the tables with cute decorations, and really good food. I am a pot luck gal, because I find that people always bring "their best things"... and there was much to choose from!!!!

I brought Danny Boy with me, and Mary and Scott had Peace with them. Both of these pups will be turning in soon.. Danny to neads of course, and Peace goes onto CCI. This is good "work" for them, and they both did really well....

We had a good turn out this year.....

Everyone filled their plates, and settled in for some good eats and visiting.....

Afterwards.. we have our auction. This is where the members donate "mystery" gifts.. with clues.. and we bid on them, never quite knowing what you might get. The monies that are made are donated to some "project" that we chose ... it's fun, and full of laughs and surprises.... Wayne is always our "volunteer auctioneer"....

Deciding as to whether it's a good buy or not.....













All these gals have been friends for many many years...not just "in dogs" but in real true life friendships.... maybe because my Dad is going threw his thing, but I am in a real sense of appreciation this year for all the many blessings that I have....