New Year in the Herm

Drove up to the old homestead over New Year's to celebrate with Mom and Dad and some of the siblings and their kids. It's been several years since I've celebrated the Holidays with them, so this was a special treat. Thanks to La Nina, the weather cooperated, and the drive was uneventful.

My first stop was LaGrande, Oregon, where one of my sister's and her family live. I took along the Jane Seymour version of "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and we had a fun evening with the nieces, watching movies and making Italian sodas, and in general making sure they were plenty spoiled.

The next day I left LaGrande and drove up to the Herm. The first night was a "Sound of Music" slumber party with 3 more of the nieces. We laughed and sang and ate so much popcorn we were sick.

Sunday was New Year's Eve, and after church we gathered with my brother's family for our traditional New Year's Eve snacks. We ate cheesy dip, and chips, and crackers, and little smokies, and in general had a great evening. We also had a rousing game of Phase 10. And by 11:00 PM, I had decided it must be midnight somewhere, and I hauled myself off to bed.

New Year's Day dawned with watching the Tournament of Roses Parade, and getting to use Mom's Instant Pot for my traditional blackeyed peas. I also baked up a skillet of cornbread. And here's my handsome father enjoying some. Not to brag, but it was the best batch I've ever made.

Later in the afternoon, the family all went over to my brother's house for New Year's treats and football games.

Such a fun New Year's weekend, and special for me to get some quality time with some of the nieces and nephews.

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