Well, it's back to work tomorrow after 16 days off....sigh. Although I feel like I've been a slacker for over (2) weeks (haven't done a ton of reading), I did love being off and taking it day by day.
Looking back I spent a few days preparing for Christmas: shopping, baking and cleaning and then cleaning up. We had a wonderful Christmas and the best part was just being together. Although having a little one around certainly added to the holiday joy, next year our Christmas joy will multiply as there should be (2) more little ones to celebrate as well.
One Christmas was over I was able to spend a little more time with my cutie, tried new recipes (veggie lasagne and pistachio cookies and pecan pie were hits) and played with my new kitchen gadgets. We ate out a lot, met friends that we only see a few times a year for lunch, went to the casino one day (an annual thing), enjoyed a snowstorm from indoors and celebrated a quiet New Year's Eve at home. We went to see Saving Mr. Banks (loved it) and watched a wonderful documentary with James Gandolfini (3x). It made me cry -- a special man whose life was cut short at 51. The documentary is Alive Day Memories - have you seen it?
As for reading, I only finished (3) books during my time off -- Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life, Marta McDowell (library book); Sycamore Row, John Grisham (audiobook); (no review yet) and The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly; S. Hwang (no review yet). I do have (5) books I hope to read in January - Five Days at the Memorial; Sheri Fink; Gemini; Carol Cassella; Life After Life; Jill McCorkle; The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Art of Purring; Perfect; Rachel Joyce and One Vacant Chair; Joe Coomer.
How were your holidays? Have a wonderful week.
Glad to hear you had a great time off from work. I have heard Life After Live was good. Your other selections sound interesting too. I will look forward to your reviews.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie! And when there are three - what fun for you all! Good luck with returning to work!
ReplyDeleteMy holidays were nice, unfortunately they were punctuated with time spent at my day job, and a snow storm I had to drive through. Your 16 days off sounds much better! Any job openings where you work? ;-)
ReplyDeleteChristmas is definitely more fun with kiddos, so it sounds like you'll have many great holidays to come! =D
I have a few more days, but the husband goes back tomorrow and the youngest daughter starts school on Tuesday. I'm going to pretend I have to go back too so I can practice going to bed and getting up on time :(
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a great holiday. Happy reading in January!
ReplyDeleteYour break sounds wonderful! Goodness but your little cutie is getting so big so fast!
ReplyDeleteYou sure had a great break away from that work stuff!
ReplyDeleteI am also going back to work tomorrow and feeling upset about it! LOL. This long holiday was so good! Good luck with the return back to work!
ReplyDeleteI had time off too and felt like a slacker too. I guess our bodies know how to go on vacation mode when we have a long time off. And what a cutie she is! Enjoy your books this week.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had a great time. I feel for you having to return to work tomorrow. I have a little more time but I am dreading the big return.
ReplyDeleteLittle ones do make the holidays special - we need some in our family. I'm supposed to see Mr. Banks with a friend this week.
ReplyDeleteYou've been busy during your time off! Glad it was such a fun time. I've never heard of that documentary so I'll have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteIt's back to work for me too and I'm not ready! :)
ReplyDeleteCute picture of the little one! I have Life After Life on my nightstand too but just trying to finish a couple of books before starting another one.
I can't believe your granddaughter is so big now. Adorable. And congratulations on the new babies coming your way. Enjoy your reading.
ReplyDeleteCute picture of your granddaughter! Little ones really do make the holidays special!
ReplyDelete5 Days at Memorial is supposed to be amazing - enjoy!
You say you "only finished 3" books during your time off! LOL I was so excited to have read that many over the holidays, even though I was working and nursing a sick child and husband, most of the time. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful holiday season, Diane. Love the photo! I hope you have a Happy New Year!
Sounds like you had a lovely holiday! Saving Mr. Banks is one I'd love to see.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had such a good holiday time with your family. I love the glowing face of your little one. She must be loads of fun to be with.
ReplyDeleteI love his smile!!!!!
ReplyDeleteoops, her (?) smile
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