Left home around 9:30am after wrapping the pressies, unpacking the dishwasher and repacking it, making the bed and showering. Herbie fed and watered the beasties and was still ready before me. Needed to arrive early as his daughter said instead of staying over with us, they'd be at grandmas' early to visit with dad so he can see the kids.
Not a white Christmas, there was only a little white on the ground at the houses around Mabels'. Herbie drove and we made good time, arriving just after 11.
Brad had a new-to-him Dodge truck - with some great upgrades like the reverse camera. Herbie said too much technology for him, he just wants an older 2-door step-side Chevy truck with the bench seat. Must be a 4WD though, can't go without that in Michigan.
Helped wirh the food, haven't made mashed potatoes from flakes in a box before, but Julie needed me to read the instructions for her.
Petey really enjoys my cooking. She told Herbie that she'll come stay just for the food :). Herbies kids and grandbabies arrived as lunch was finishing, with pressies for us. Dakota was a little fussy until she'd been fed and slept a little, then she was all smiles. First time we've seen her awake. She's a cute little thing. Chad was keeping himself amused in great-grandmas' playroom, but eventually came and opened his pressies. Hope he likes them. The 3 kids got their mum a new large screen TV which was promptly installed.
Did some clean-up and left around 2pm. Stopped at Julie and Rons' new house which is looking good. They hope it'll be finished in January and that they can move in, before driving home.
Ellie is not looking good, her back legs have stiffened so that I can't tuck them under her anymore, so she was just lying on her side which is not conducive to her being able to eat. We arranged some hay bales and draped her over them, giving her an additional bale to support her head. I think I'm going to have to shoot her as the paralysis is getting worse, not better. She doesn't seem to be in pain, and no longer tries to spit at us. Poor girl. At least she isn't shivvering anymore but she seems resigned. I'll decide tomorrow after seeing how she is in the morning.
Herbie likes the vetkoek, I tried one tonight. Hmm, not bad. Need to experiment with fillings. Maybe make them up into breakfast sandwiches to freeze so Herbie can take them with to work. Much better than buying crap to eat from the convenience stores even though they are deep fried.
Poor Anni missed us today. Let her into the house when we got home and she needed some Herbie-time, so he lay on the floor with her.
I'm feeling much loved and blessed, and have high hopes for next year being better than this one.
Goodnight :)