December holiday traditions - growing up this was a busy time for my parents as performers - so many singing gigs! We did family performances of Amahl and the Night Visitors with my parents, grandmother, and a couple of singing friends. My brother sang the Amahl part, but I played the flute bits for him, my dad was various kings (usually Kaspar so he got to sing the most fun bits), and my grandmother and I were the orchestra. I think this was just during one particular year, when my sister was kind of young. Mostly we just did family gatherings with tons of music. We were not very religious, but it was a good family time.

Our other grandmother was Swedish and we always made her amazing recipe for Swedish coffee breads - gorgeous tea rings and braided loaves flavoured with cardamom and cinnamon. We delivered one to each of our neighbours and friends on Christmas Eve (if there were not too many singing obligations for the parents!). My sister, daughter, and I still always make them - not too sure about my nieces. I always loved the visits to deliver them when my kids were small. We'd sit and talk for a while at each place, and tried not to get home too late! I only do a few now, but it is a good way to stop in on our neighbours who are few and far between. We don't see each other much otherwise!

Some nice green numbers coming in - looking good!

I had the wildest gallop I have had in years this morning - Jasper was certainly feeling his oats and once he started cantering, he just could not stop himself from pouring on the juice. There wasn't much I could do while his brain was in full run-like-heck mode, but luckily we were on a pretty steep uphill grade and once we were on a less narrow path he decided that slowing down was OK. Phew! I was pleased with myself for not panicking, staying well balanced, and getting things back under control. I think the next schooling session will involve a lot more calorie burning for him - he obviously has lots and lots of energy. Time for him to work some off 🥴

@zumbaforever a wedding in May! That will be lovely - is it in Canada? Your brother is smart I hope you feel better soon and that your husband gets through his knee replacement all right. Mine has had both knees and one shoulder done, and the first while is tough. Make sure he does all his physio every single day! It will be hard, but a few months down the road, he will be glad he did. Good luck!

@wishfuljune you are going to earn that workout gear - great plan! Stick with it, and then post some pics of you in the new outfit - we'd love to see it!

Last Call!

Week 1 December is about to end. Let's get these last weigh-ins done!

@Sta827
@conleywoods
@bowens1973
@micki48
@Pearl4686
@leni1us
@shawndalfloyd

Thanks!

@ashleycarole86 Oh no! I hope you feel better really soon, and then stay that way for a while. You must be so tired. I love the Disneyland pic of you and Brad, though. Must have been a blast.