Coffee and Adventure

  Love, laughter, traditions, foods, songs and a hint of sorrow. This is our first Christmas without my father. Each year since our move to the DC Metro area, we would drive to Pennsylvania to visit with him. Since my mother's passing - my father continued his weekly/daily schedule. Breakfast then to his local gym to spend a few hours talking and a good hour working out. Though he would tell me he spent two hours working out - and the rest of his time "educating" young beginners. My father's last Christmas was during his stay in a retirment home. Our youngest daughter invited her boyfriend to meet her grandfather. The young 19 year old played card games with my father and a few of his new "friends" for two hours! Love, laughter, traditions, food and songs.  As I shopped downtown at local businesses - my heart felt heavy seeing some of my father's favorite Italian pastries. I purchased a fresh Panettone and a dozen Pizzelles. I found myself smiling once a...

  "Coffee is a liquid hug for your brain." - Unknown I begin my morning by brewing my favorite coffee - topping it off with steamed almond milk.  Right now, I want to embrace the moment.  The still of the morning. Our dogs have been given their breakfast - they return to their favorite spots.....one on the couch and the other curled up on a cozy oversized doggy pillow.  My mind rewinds - conversations I have had with teachers at school and parents. The students have been talking about Christmas, Santa and their personal Elf since the day after Halloween. Parents are already worn out. Teachers are anxiously waiting for the holiday break to arrive. Hang in there I say......only one more week.        I can [honestly] say I miss those days as a mom of three.  The Friday after Thanksgiving was huge.  And not for hitting the outlets. No, it was for bundling up and heading to the Christmas tree farm.  The smiles on their faces. The traditi...