WV-Bradburys

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas

Today has been a wonderful but somewhat empty day in some ways. We had a very special Thanksgiving dinner at the Lodge at Rocky Ledges with Monica & Paul and family as well as Paul's family and my friend from work, Laurie. The atmosphere was perfect, a big roaring fire in the stone fireplace, snow flakes flying outside with the winter winds whipping through the trees and lots of food and most of all love.

Of course we missed Jimmy and Jen so much but were able to talk with them on the phone for a little while. Since they are in India and could not be with us, Monica did the next best thing, a picture of the two of them right next to me at the table. Hopefully next year at holiday times, we can be with them

in person, then all will be well.

Time with families and friends is so very precious. We should cherish each and every moment that we have with each other.

It will be Christmas soon and this is the first year that we will not spend Christmas with Jimmy (and Jennifer since she has become a part of our family). I have had the privilege of having my wonderful son with me (and the rest of the family) for 31 Christmas', but this year will be so different. It is hard, as a mother, to be apart from her children, but we as parents have to "grow up" and attempt to let go, no matter how difficult the task may be. I know that God is always watching over Jimmy and Jen and will keep them safe, bring them back to the states very soon. And for that, I am very thankful.

God has surely blessed our family in so many ways recently. He has watched over me and has given me a "One year Cancer Survivor" status. He has blessed Monica with a job so greatly wanted and has worked for so diligently and Paul with the Ranger position at the Girl Scout Camp. He has blessed me with a wonderful husband for 35 + years, grandbabies that bring so much joy and sunshine to our lives, and safety for Jimmy and Jen as they have explored and experienced life in India for several months.

May God continue to Bless each and everyone of you. May you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas and remember to keep Christ in Christmas and in your hearts. May the New Year bring you happiness and comfort in all that you do.

DE'BARN DE'BARN .....

I had to post this one as it is a milestone occasion. The front of the barn is painted and the scaffolding is down for the last time. What a wonderful site to see. Of course the two sides and the bottom half of the back still have to be wire brushed and painted, but as John always says "It's as good as done". I am taking before and after photos for Jim and Jen to see when they come home but won't bore the rest of you with them. Thank goodness for technology (computers, digital cameras, and the web).

Bradbury Mountain Marvels...........

Well, the sewing room is 99% completed and I am in heaven! I just can't seem to find enough time to do all the sewing and quilting that I would like. I have so many unfinished projects and my mind is in a whirl as to all the future ones that I want to do. I am currently taking two classes at the quilt shop to make a beautiful fall sweatshirt jacket and a rag jacket. I will be teaching a rag quilt class the last part of October. That will be interesting.....as most of the students probably know more than I do about quilting. But it will be fun I'm sure.

The mountain spread is getting bigger all the time. John continues to work on the "new" barn (Barn #2). This project has been more trying for him than any other that he has done. He has continuely put too much pressure on himself and always thinks that he should get done more than possible. I think this is a Bradbury trait (or a curse), I'm not sure which. He almost has all the siding on.