Pork and Saurkraut

On New Year's Eve Mom and I decided to be traditional for once. We prepared pork chops, mashed potatoes, and Saurkraut. This was the first time I ever mashed potatoes. Usually we whip them with the mixer. In all, I will say it was good, but I'm not a great Saurkraut fan. It needs to be served in small doses and cut with some shredded apple. 

Anyway, this was in Pennsylvania where I always spend Christmas. When I move to Paris full time I don't expect to fly home every year. One reason for moving to Texas was so I could work at a job that would allow me to drive home or fly home for the holidays. And I have. And I'm not sorry. 

Only time will tell. 

December Snow 2009, before Christmas

I arrived on the 20th of December and everything was covered in snow! Mom and Karl met me at the Pittsburgh airport. Since then, I have seen both brothers, been shopping, gotten my body beaten by a bunch of seniors (people in their 60's+!) and shivered. Brrrr. It looks like Christmas. Tonight is the cantata at Mom's church and 10pm mass at mine. In between we will visit family.

Tomorrow we are expecting 6 of us for lunch. Ham for lunch and pineapple upside down cake for dessert. Mmm. And the weatherman has promised rain and cold. Nasty weather. Oh, well, makes us thankful for all we have.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Western Pennsylvania! I took Amtrak home this year. After a thirty hour trip I had a three hour break before a 10 and 1/2 hour trip. Chicago was sooooooo cold! I return on January 1st and 2nd and 3rd! lol

My mother and brothers are doing quite well. The only sad part- my ex-sister-in-law won't allow my nephews to see their dad (child support issues where she is in the wrong right now.)

I'll post more later but I wanted to get out the message that I am alive and well.

Nanna, my dear dog, is in Texas under the excellent care and love of her Aunt Cara. I never knew I could miss a dog so much or have a friend as precious to me as Cara. (Love you girlfriend!)