Santa’s helpers have come and gone.  We shopped and cooked and laughed ourselves silly.  I have so much fun cooking with these two. ( son EE and sil FP ).  We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, 22 guests.  And another 14 for Christmas Day.  Our tradition for the last 12 yrs or so is to draw names and make your gift.  My secret Santa this year was son DE and he made me this very special platter and I love it.  I know he is a little sad we are moving away.

Yesterday, sil FP posted a picture on Facebook of a pair of mosaics pots I had made for him several years ago.  It made my heart smile to know he still enjoys them and has found them a new home too

Last night we boxed up all the Christmas decorations and today we will start packing up household goods to take to our new home.  We’re hoping to get everything moved in two more trips.

I also managed to get my next hand quilting project pin-basted for the car ride up and back.  Actually, I know this will take many months to complete.  This will be Antique quilt #3, origin unknown.

I’m stocking up on some favorites for my VIP guests arriving tonight.

I made taquitos today with leftover roast beef.  These will go in the freezer to have on hand later for guests or whenever.  Avocados are generally plentiful this time of year.  Sure do miss our tree and free avocados.  Tomorrow is our trash pick up and a good time to clean out the fridge.  Need to make room for all the holiday ingredients.  I hate to admit I have 3 refrigerators and still run out of room.

FJ surprised me and got home just after midnight.  I surprised him by having the ~ albeit somewhat limited ~ Christmas decorating done.  Since we plan to move within the next month, I only set out my Santas and our tiny tree.  We will have a house full on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so need to put my focus on menu plans, shopping and food prep…….10 days to go.