We had a wonderfully productive day! We wanted to get out and about but our goal was to stay clear of any malls, shopping centers, etc. We were successful in doing that and made our way across town doing some things that were meaningful to us. We first went to Miranda's work and visted her and then Glen went to the Salvation Army and donated his Christmas bonus. I had received a dividend check from some stock but chose to buy myself an espresso machine!
We then went to the Willamette National Cemetery to check in on Daddy and Claire. Mom, Renee, and Simone....are you ready for this? The gravemarker is in! Here it is....
It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! I was SO moved!!!! As we pulled up to the area was his was placed, there was a sea of grave markers so I knew his would be there. I, of course, started crying! But it wasn't sad crying. It was that feeling of being emotionally satisfied and the tears just flowed. I am so so happy we did this, dear family. I hope you are too! I can't wait for you to see it in person!!!
After that stop, we headed over to The Grotto. That was marvelous because it was cold and rainy and there was hardly anyone there. PERFECT!
While we were at The Grotto, I lit a prayer candle. This is so powerful for me because it is not only in remembrance of my dear loved ones, but I also use it to set my intentions for the New Year. What I want to do, what I want to accomplish, and I contemplate the kind of person I want to be. I know it's a lot to ask of one $6 candle, but hey, it works for me!
After that we decided to head into downtown to get a pint at Kell's. On the way there we were driving along 82nd Ave and saw this amazing sea of Canadian Geese in a high school field! There were a lot of geese in the foreground but the picture I wanted to share with you shows the thousands of geese that were in the field in the background! Check it out! This was SO cool!
Our stop at Kell's was lovely. Just another wonderful part of our day. We had a pint of Guinness, some soda bread, I had a salad and Glen had him some lamb stew. The man loves lamb!
Okay, so we're all tucked in for the night. We have leftover soup, a fire, some books, the newspaper, and a good supply of eggnog and spiced rum to entertain ourselves until Santa arrives! Not sure which Christmas mug I'll use tonight! I've got a grand collection going and just added two new ones today, compliments of Miranda's employee discount!
We'll have to computer running tonight to watch for Santa! It's become one of our traditions to watch for Santa on NORAD's site. Gotta love technology!!!
Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful, and safe Christmas Eve!
Enjoyed that, thanks,
Posted by: Sharon@norah'S | December 24, 2006 at 04:41 PM
Thank you for sharing such a lovely magical Christmas Eve! Love to all!!1
Posted by: GMa Jean | December 24, 2006 at 08:39 PM
Again, you gave so much more meaning to Christmas Eve for us all by sharing the picture of your Daddy's beautiful marker. And the wild geese are fantastic--like a dream.
Posted by: GMa Jean | December 24, 2006 at 08:46 PM
Hi All,
I wanted to add it has been a cold, rainy, miserable day, a perfect Portland winter wonderland. Visiting the cemetary was good for both of us, a very calming effect (Michelle failed to mention a few missed turns in traffic that got my blood pressure up for a bit) and the Grotto is a very beautiful, tranquil place, Michelle finds much comfort there.
We found additional comfort at Kells too...
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Love,
Glen
Posted by: Glen the Husband | December 24, 2006 at 08:52 PM
Thank you Michelle (and Glen) for sharing your Christmas Eve with us. The kids (and grandbaby) were here and are gone now, and I was beginning to feel a little blue.....but when I saw Daddy's marker it was just what I needed. For some reason I always miss Daddy the most during Christmas, but this really helped. And I loved the picture of all those geese, I can only imagine it must have been quite an amazing sight in person. Much love to you all....
Posted by: simone | December 24, 2006 at 10:57 PM
I can well imagine what you must have felt at the cemetary. I'm sure that was a soul-touching experience for you.
I remember eating lots of soda bread when I was in Ireland. It was everywhere!
Steve's falling asleep in front of A Christmas Carol. I think it's time for us to tuck in :)
Posted by: Lilli | December 24, 2006 at 11:52 PM
Merry Christmas to you, Michelle. Thank you for all the inspiration and creativity that you bring to the world. I love it!! Here's to another year of art and blogging. Merry! Merry!
Posted by: ArtsyMama | December 25, 2006 at 03:57 AM
Thanks, Shell.
Loved it, Love You.
Posted by: renee | December 26, 2006 at 02:20 PM
That's great that your dad's gravemarker had finally c0me in. That is very meaningful to you and your family. I also loved the picture of the grotto, we have those in the philippines and I loved going there, so peaceful.
Posted by: Malou | December 27, 2006 at 12:35 PM
that sounds like a perfect Christmas Eve!
Posted by: andrea | January 01, 2007 at 09:27 AM