http://www.picturetrail.com/resler41/518730

The above is the link to the Christmas lights on our cul-de-sac. For some reason....I'm unable to get all six houses in the picture at once. It doesn't focus properly and I know it's something I'm doing. When I get up close...it's fine....but I should still have clear pictures, at night .... from a distance. Hopefully I'll figure it out but not tonight. Hope you enjoy. I'm STILL not done with the ribbon around my pillars (you'll notice they're not there). <grin> took them down for the 2nd time and am putting up nice thick velvet instead. See ya later.
~Pamela~

Pj..the pics are great!!!!!!!!!!!! Never thought about people putting up lights in Florida before! I bet you enjoy decorating those trees! I don't put a tree up anymore(just little ones) cause it is too hard on me and no one helps!

Emmy...that dress sounds fab! Boy all that food sounds so good!

Michelle..Yummmmm.p. butter fudge! That is the reason I taste them too!

Hi Owls.

I know it's been a long time since you've heard from me. I've had a lot going on here lately, so I haven't been getting online much and when I have....to be honest....I haven't really felt much like typing like this.

My father-in-law passed away on Nov. 28 from his pancreatic cancer. In November, his condition really deteriorated and over the weekend after Thanksgiving, we all knew he only had days left. He had hospice care those last few days and he died with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law at his bedside. Thankfully, he had pain meds, so he wasn't in too much pain.

My husband and I were so blessed that the night of the 27th, I had the night off from work to celebrate our wedding anniversary (we didn't celebrate it, but we didn't care). My husband got to go to his parents house and spend time with his dad that night and they said their goodbyes. His dad died very early the next morning.

Now we are focusing on getting ready for Christmas and helping my mother-in-law with the many overwhelming tasks to be done. Everyone is okay, the kids of course are resilient (sp?). Seems strange, but we are thankful that Christmas is coming so soon after because it gives us (especially my MIL) something to focus on. It's not going to be easy, especially for her, but we are all there for her and she knows that, which helps. She especially enjoys being with all the grandchildren and that helps in the healing.

Well, that's about all I can say for now. I just wanted you all to know that if I'm not around, that's why. I haven't forgotten about my online support buddies and I do peek in and lurk sometimes to keep up. Amazingly, I have maintained my weight loss so far in all of this. Gained a little here, came back off there....Sometime I'll have to tell you the bittersweet story of my trying to find appropriate clothing for the viewing/funeral because my clothes are too big.

I'm sure I'll post again before Christmas, but I wanted to say Happy Holidays to my Owlies.

Love,
Ally

p.s.--
PJ-I address this to you because I know you'll appreciate this: I haven't even been to see Irish in almost 2 MONTHS now!! OMG!! I didn't realize it had been that long until recently. I talked to Chrissy and she understands. She has an occasional ride on him and that other young girl rides him too (the one I'm not sure I trust being gentle on his old joints when riding him alone) I told my hubby that I am really going to try and ride this Sunday and I'm reeeeeeeeallly looking forward to it!!

I only have a minute (as I run out to my WW meeting....)

Ally-oop - I am so sorry to hear about your father in law! {{{HUG}}} At least he got to be around his family at the end - I am sure they are all thankful for that! I will keep your family in my prayers this holiday season. I hope you can enjoy it - even alittle!

Gotta run......WW is calling me....

Tara

Oh Ally - You sound so strong right now and I know that will help your MIL AND your husband. Lately it seems I'm at the age where many of my friends and relatives are losing their parents. Mine are now in their mid 70's and our time together is precious. I'm so very happy that he was home and with his loved one's went he left. God was good to him. I hope and pray that you are able to accomplish keeping your MIL occupied with the Christmas Holiday and that you can all talk about the many good times you all had together. I'm sure that will lessen the burden somewhat but still, as you said....it will be a difficult day for you all. I'll be thinking of you.

Tara - Good girl! Going to your WW meeting like a trooper. Bravo!!!!!

I've attached a photo of Bill and I from his company's Christmas party this past Saturday night. Seems to have lost some of it's clarity from resizing it so I stuck the larger photo on my picturetrail page and put the link on here. This way I'm not sticking a large or blurry picture on here.


http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...rname=resler41


I didn't take my digital camera that night. I decided I was going to enjoy myself and let someone else have that job for a change.

I feel strange attaching this photo and talking about a party when I just got done reading Ally's bad news. Life sure isn't easy. I hope you're all having a good Holiday season.
Love to you all,
~Pamela~