second christmas

Last day of January… I've done well with walking and haven't missed one day yet in 2026 although there were days of only 30 or 40 minute walks. It's all good though as I caught up on other days for a total of 194 kilometers! If we hadn't had plans for the afternoon I would have tried to make it an even 200. I have to watch myself a bit though… I can get too competitive with myself and love streaks!

Today's story is a stretch! John reads them to Ruth every day but says she doesn't remember from one day to the next… She's still hanging on by a thread but I hope these little stories about her beloved birds will keep her going.

Chapter 11 Cato and Bailey Wonder About Santa

Cato and Bailey had already gobbled down their toast, (Grace too), when Laura and Carm started rushing around piling things into a box. They wondered what was happening. Laura told them that they were going out to their Christmas celebration. There seemed like a lot of things in the box and some things seemed to be food. Bailey thought that the food should be for him and reminded Laura that he might be hungry and want supper, even though it was still early.

Laura told them that they were going to her family's house but that there would be too many people so they couldn't come. They thought that was unfair and wondered if Adia and Lupa would get to go. Then Laura put the dogs in a room down the hall so they knew that no one else but Laura and Carm would go.

Cato and Bailey remembered their dad Buzz telling them about how Santa Claus grabbed his legs one time so they decided that they were glad that they'd have to stay home, just in case he was there. Laura told them that he wouldn't be there, but they were happy just in case. Cato reminded Bailey that it was Christmas just a few weeks ago so this was like a second Christmas.

https://youtu.be/uXK4rD3Jg2U?si=UWBLaVyXBtyiKE-Y

It was a quiet afternoon at home except sometimes they could hear the dogs making a loud howling sound. Cato thought that they were being silly and that they should just play with their toys like she does. Bailey agreed. Grace told them that the dogs always did that when they were left home alone.

We celebrated Christmas with my family today - every year the party gets a bit bigger as the young kids (in their 20s!) start to settle down with long-term boyfriends and girlfriends. They are all lovely additions to our expanding family. It was our first gathering since Graham's funeral so there were moments of sadness and loss.

Adia and Lupa only partially trashed the bedroom - only half the covers were on the floor! I think our little trip out on the snowshoes this afternoon before we left may have worn them out a bit. I should have put the spy camera in the bedroom so I could see what they are really up to! 

Awesome!

"family together"

"laughter at gift exchange"

"home in the light (barely)"

"dry roads"