Life happens when you're not looking!

It is the beginning of a brand new year already!

When last we visited I was just back from the Mini-apple and preparing for a family reunion in September on the prairie. Needless to say, many things have happened, come and gone, transpired and taken their toll!!

Reunion was a food fest! There were dishes from the past, reminiscent my grandmother's faire and of course contemporary favorites so the young people would join us for meals. It was fun to catch up and to share with family. We kicked off with breakfast on Saturday morning and brought things to a close around the fire ring with a few refreshments. In between we had a family history trivia game, fun in the park and lots of catching up with pictures. A Family Cookbook was created from contributions from family members, young and old and it was a crowd pleaser.

Sister Barbara drew a wonderful family tree, with all the names from beginning in Europe to the plains and prairies of North Dakota. It graced a delicious cake and prints were available to family members.

The time to say good bye and it seemed the weekend had just begun. Time flies in the presence of good company! Of course as everyone left we vowed not leave so much time go by before we do this again! Spring of 2012! :)

Mid September my youngest moved to ND, following his 2 older brothers, who while not living here permanently, are working in the western oil patch. The oldest of the boys said, "It's a nice place to visit, but I could never live there! Where would I fish?" I will settle for the visits! :)

The last quarter of the year came and went with it's holidays and festivities, but I was otherwise occupied with the past creeping into my present. Don't you just hate it when that happens! :( Thanksgiving, Christmas and the ending of a whirlwind year came and went with just a murmur.

2012 is going to be the year! Live well, love deeply, be happy, and share the joy!

Until next time . . .