Best Life

 We were able to spend the morning "watching" Brianna.  She decided to "help" me sanding the top of the bureau.  Hah!  She made a drum set out of scrap wood blocks and "performed" a concert.     The sanding went quickly and only the front of the bureau remains to be completed.  Worst for last.  Ugh.  Tomorrow is another day. After a quick late breakfast, Paul and I headed out to pick up a few necessary items.  Top of the list - winter boots for me.  (Found on sale at more than 50% off!)  Target for socks (How can I keep running out of clean socks?) and clear nail polish.  Then we passed Asia restaurant and decided a late lunch/early dinner was appropriate after successfully manipulating through the traffic and crowds.   A late lunch = late quiet time.  But we are now re-energized and ready to start prepping for Christmas Eve dinner.  Spinach artichoke dip, broccoli casserole and brownies. ...

 Merry Christmas from the Sakkinens!                    Scott                    Mom                                   Karen          Layla   Alan                    Peter                    Paul               Brianna                                               Me                                Isis               Rebecca ...

 This morning we were delayed due to a badly behaving horse.  TK apparently could not stand complacently to have his shoes winterized (spiked).  Bah humbug! He thought it was funny.  Actually he always looks like he is laughing.  Too Cute! Brianna enjoyed her time on the ice.  With a temp of 28 degrees and a feel like temp of 14 (Bah Humbug!), Megan and I enjoyed the time ringside.  I also planned poorly by wearing boots that were not waterproof and promptly had wet feet after tromping through the snow.  Bah humbug! Frog Pond is in the Boston Common is a beautiful place I had never been prior.  Comprised of 50 acres it has something for everyone.  A playground, sledding, skating, dog area and tons of walking paths. The photos have no people in them but there were hundreds enjoying the area.  Despite the snowy paths, biting wind and chilly temps, kids were sledding, skating and swinging.  Families were walking and drinking hot c...

Our first snow of the year (we missed RI's first).  I love how pretty it looks, especially on the evergreens.  Christmas feels more like Christmas with cold and snow.  St Augustine was pretty all dressed up for the season with lights but my heart rejoices with a white Christmas. Of course snow was way  more fun when the kids were younger.                                                            Dan, Scott and Kevin 2005                                                                                Scott 2005 (He loved that hat!)         ...

 We finally met our great niece Lenora.  She is truly a bundle of cuteness!  Chunky cheeks, a full head of dark, glossy hair and perfect fingers and toes.  Thank you Nick and Linda for letting me get my "baby fix".  You guys are doing a great job!                                                                      Aunty Isis with Lenni And today is National Harry Day.  With my nephew Harry, nothing is boring.  With a sense of drama and high energy, Harry provides extra entertainment.                                                                   ...

 Looking back I came across 2022 on this day.  The kids purchased us tickets to the Axe Bar in Pawtucket.  Good times!  As I recall, only Kevin and Megan were actually able to score any points, but the rest of us made valiant attempts. And in 2011, Megan and I went with friends to Paint and Vino.  The picture of the night - a horse of course! Today I began the tedious task of paint stripping the bureau for Brianna.  Multiple layers of high gloss paint did not remove easily.  The bureau was originally purchased by Lucille as a young woman, painted and used by her boys, utilized in Maine for many years and then transported back to Cumberland.  A solid maple dresser, it is super heavy and should hold up to Brianna.   So many applications of paint stripper followed by sanding.  Two drawers are nearly complete with 6 more to go and then the bureau itself.  This should keep me busy until we return to the boat!  Of course I could...