Growing Up With Five Brothers by Elizabeth MacKenzie P.H.D.

Thanks  for giving me permission to share this with others.Click ..to enlarge.

A Day to Remember

This is my third attempt at writing about our family gathering on New Years Day. For some reason when I reached a certain point my finger hit enter and all the information was destroyed.
Is someone trying to give me a message?

It was great to see all the family. Meagan was missing due to the flu ,but she was well represented by the  video of her sawing a huge log with the Forest Service. The amazing Meagan.
James mentioned that Ian and Dylan made a video (without his knowledge) about his Christmas gift. He said it was hilarious so I asked him to share it with the family. He did and he was correct. It was a little raunchy but very funny. Liz wrote a poem (during dinner) about growing up with five brothers. Liz is a talented writer and also very funny. Tricia told a story about one of her lab partners who was the life of the party, then the next day was told that none of his work would be used because he was so out of control. Funny but sad!
Joe (son) and John H. both told funny jokes. Zoey did a good job singing. At her age I was still shy about singing in front of family. Good for Zoey.
After all the silliness was completed, I was asked to sing. It seemed rather inappropriate but I sang "Mary did You Know"  A rusty voiced version, but  family was appreciative.  Actually, they just wanted dessert.
That's about it. We had a few visitors, always nice. No photos..too busy. I didn't even think about it until people were half way out the door. I did take a photo of my Christmas cards which I will post later.

Preparation

I love to prepare things ahead of time but it doesn't always work.  Most of the main dishes are in the freezer, ready to go. Now if I just had 4 or 5 ovens. The kitchen is filled with crock pots, chafing dishes and a wok (Joe insisted) Probably won't use it. May use a roaster downstairs to keep things warm.
Today I'll slice the cheese for the tomato/basil/ appetizer but can't make that ahead. Fruit keeps better if you wash it on serving day so no fruit plate as yet. Relish tray may be one I can do ahead if I wrap it well.

Still have the house to clean. Did the bathrooms...now if we drive over to the park and use the facilities bathrooms may stay clean.
I can bake the filled peppers..they taste better the longer they sit. I can also make a strata ahead and serve it at room temp.
Or I could just keep writing and get nothing done.
Be back next year.

Braving The Elements

Joe and I decided to have a quiet Christmas. After breakfast we enjoyed watching Midnight Mass for the second time. While we sat in our cozy home, branches were  flying outside our windows. When the wind settled down we decided to go to Coulon Park to check out the lighting, and take a walk along Lake Washington. In spite of the wind and cold temperature, we enjoyed the walk in the fresh air. It was difficult to take photos of the decor along the path since I wore my down coat and had to un-zip it to find my camera every time I saw a possible shot.
My best shot was of a hamburger. Ivar's clam isn't too bad.

A Beautiful Experience

Joe and I arrived at St. James about 8:45 P.M. so Joe would find a seat.
  Walking from the parking lot I overheard a couple talking," This is so exciting! Look, there is the TV crew."
It was a great experience and after viewing the mass twice I have decided that all went well. The piece  I was concerned about was powerful, beautiful, inspiring..everything good.
My New Years resolution is to try to be less critical of myself and others, so I only have a few days to let it all out.
As I listened to the recording I was distracted by a second alto who was so enthusiastic that it sounded like a motor was being revved up. But this was only a few times. This particular person is a good musician and adds much to the choir.
When the camera was on me, my eyes looked worried.  I was actually quite happy. Fr.Ryan had the same look ...it must have something to do with age.
Thank God, the camera saved it's close-ups for the lovely young people.
Besides the  beauty of the church, the music, the homily, I was impressed by this comment.
"Love those you find difficult to love".      This may not be the exact quote but you get the idea.
Love those you find difficult to love. Sounds good to me.
Enjoy the season!

More Photos

We climbed to this view in Yosemite. The tree is no longer there.

This is the view from the park on Queen Anne Hill

Requiem For a Wonderful Man

Just got word that our niece, Claudia, lost her husband. He has been suffering for quite a while She seems to be doing as well as possible, still, it will be a  difficult time for her.
I received the news just after I read the e-mail from the music office that our recording of the Requiem is ready.
 May he rest in peace!