After having four days off, I’m ready to roll again. We thoroughly enjoyed brother Richard and wife Helen, arriving on Thursday afternoon after a long drive down from near Chicago. They said they left snow covered countryside and the further South they came, the less of it they saw.

We were sorry sister Marie and Harold couldn’t come at the last minute as Marie had dental problems to contend with. They live in St. Louis so we will be able to see them sometime soon.

Becky joined us Thursday night for pizza and breadsticks……then dessert later. She had to drive to Jefferson City the next day to teach her class but she did get back in time for a very nice dinner, compliments of Richard and Helen.

They brought a beautiful crown rib roast that barely fit in my large roaster pan, baking potatoes, tossed green salad and all the fixings. When they said they wanted to bring dinner, they weren’t kidding. Helen thought of everything right down to the condiments and croutons for her salad. She had a chocolate bunt cake with fudge icing that begged for ice-cream to go along.

I would venture to say it was the best “Meals on Wheels” delivery anyone has ever had. We had a leisurely morning on Friday and then took in a gift shop before coming home to start dinner. Becky arrived around 6:00pm and everything was ready to come out of the oven….perfect timing. We spent the evening visiting and enjoying the short time we would have together.

They left the next morning and planned to stop in St. Louis for coffee with Marie and Harold……then arrived home around 6:00 that evening. Becky was off work for a three-day weekend….a State holiday for Lincoln’s birthday. We did some running and eBay shopping……before we knew it her three days were up.

So now we are caught up to today and the weather is the big issue. Dropping temperatures, wind, ornery sky and snow flurries off and on. I fed Napoleon good and the garage kitties…….then shut them up safely for the night. While Richard and Helen were here, Napoleon went out of his way to pose for them and show them how tame and what a pretty bird he is. They got quite a few nice pictures of him. He is a unique bird, that boy is!!

We are thankful for family, for their love and generosity…..for their big hearts. I know they were pleased to see Rocky looking well and able to enjoy the visit. When you can’t be with family other than a few times a year, it’s really special when it happens. Family and friends are two ingredients that make life so much richer…….

Until tomorrow, I am,
Essentially Esther