Thursday, December 22, 2011

on the winter solstice

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We had such a nice winter solstice. I feel like today was my true Christmas gift--it was just so natural, everything worked out as I had hoped, everyone was happy. And we were all together.

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on the winter solstice
We started out with such a delicious lunch at Crushcakes in Carpinteria. I had the best huevos rancheros ever! Actually, all the food coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. Faith got a delicious looking salad. Certain of us could not resist a cupcake--Faith and I split one.

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After the lunch we went to Carpinteria State Beach to go tidepooling. It was a great day to be there--a minus tide and no crowds--beautiful sunny weather. It was refreshing to be out in nature. The boys adored it.

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In the afternoon we colored and listened to Christmas music. For dinner we had soup and biscuits and a big tray of cookies for desert outside by the fire.

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The soup was this chicken and rice soup. So simple and yummy. I also made a split pea with barley, and Rainer ate bowl after bowl! I was really surprised and so pleased.

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After dinner I set out a huge tray of cookies and we carried it outside with mugs of hot tea.

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Ken made a big fire and we sat around. Winter solstice--yay!

By the way, we are taking Rainer in for out-patient surgery in the morning to get his port removed. I'm not a big fan of handing him over for surgery. Hopefully this is is last ever (it should be)! Say a little prayer, please, for all to go well, if you are so inclined. Thank you!

5 comments:

Sarah said...

I'll be thinking of you guys with the surgery recovery and all the tidbits that go along with any medical procedure. Your photos are stunning, I sometimes forget that not all the land is covered in freezing frost and fog as it is up north right now, your beach pictures are really spectacular. And...well the cupcakes made me once again hungry, definitely something I don't need to be at 1am. Hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful Christmas and keep enjoying your time together on break.

Rain said...

Will be praying that all goes well. Blessings.

Tia said...

Praying that all goes well. Merry Christmas!

Love from Cleveland.

HeatherLee said...

I cannot remember how I found your blog. But, since you live in my dh hometown and you are waldorfy I just keep reading. I have been praying for your little one. I am so pleased he is getting his port removed. He must be so excited!

Laura said...

Hope all went well with Ranier's surgery. Thinking of you.