A Look Back at 2017....

As the new year approaches, I find myself looking back over the past year and seeing what has come about.

I discovered the actual name of my heart condition after many, many tests and hospital visits.
It also explains a lot about my other conditions and ailments.  I know now what needs to be done to help. It wont be a cure.... it's apparently hereditary. They are talking a pacemaker in the future if the condition gets any worse, but I'm praying we dont have to go there...at least not for quite a few years.
In the meantime, I will continue to take my medications, I will do everything I can to get this excess weight off so my heart isn't strained any more than it already is, and I will do my very best to de-stress at every opportunity.

My mom's healthy has not improved- after several hospital visits it doesn't seem there are  any more answers than there was this time last year....or the year before. I look at everything and realize that her condition isn't likely to improve and given her advanced age, it is highly likely it will only continue to deteriorate.
I know there were reasons for moving to the UK when we did, but sometimes, when I think about it all, I wonder if we made the right decision. I know in my heart we did, I honestly dont think I would be alive had we not made that decision, but there is always the small bit of doubt that comes now and again.

My daughters health is worse, but she did meet and marry a lovely man, Charles, and for that I am over the moon. Julie is studying and in a few months can be qualified for a new job. One she doesn't have to be on her feet for hours at a time and gets paid a decent wage for the work she does.Things are looking up for them as well.

My son, Frank, is doing well. He has a lovely lady love who encourages him and works as a team with him to achieve what they want and need rather than dragging him down. Yet at the same time makes him accountable for the occasional slip up. They look forward to things, and make plans for things, and are moving forward. I pray this continues on into the future.

My youngest (late)son's wife, Kathy, got married this year as well to one of the sweetest men I've ever met. He is gentle, and kind, and adores her and the kids. He has stepped up and become the man I'm sure Clay would have approved of and if he were still with us- I'm pretty sure he and Thomas would have been very good friends if they had met.

Hubby and I are doing well. We both have good, steady, decent paying jobs. Our office is moving soon and then we can start looking for a house to purchase for our own. I'd rather not live in Manchester Proper, but I doubt that we can find anything in the same area we are renting in now. It's like Rodeo Drive here with the local celebs that live round us- and they are building upscale  retirement villages around us too..(I imagine it has to do with the close proximity of two gold courses to our front and back of the properties).
I honestly dont care as long as it's a decent quiet neighborhood and a house we can call our OWN. One where I can hang pictures and art and paint things the colors I want and have the carpeting I want or be able to sit out in my own garden in the summers evenings.

It's been a heck of a ride in 2017..... and I want to improve on everything in 2018.

Thanksgiving... The Manchester Christmas Market & Decorating For Christmas...

A few Photos......

Thanksgiving Dinner.....

Roast Potatoes

Spiced Apple Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Pecan Frosting

Baked Beans- Roast Turkey steamed Broccoli(with AND without cheese

Dinner Rolls, Gravy, Roast peppers/celery/onions/mushrooms and Sage and Onion Dressing

Table Set for 6-Me & Hubby, His parents. His Aunty P and my chosen sister, Li.

Manchester Christmas Market-
The next day me and Li were off to see the decorations in Manchester City Centre- and do a little Christmas shopping as well..... it would be rude not to!!!

All lit up just after dark.

 Mark & Spenser's Storefront Window Display.

Just as it was going dark.....

The first stall- The Chocolatier!!!!

Li said my eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree when we rounded the corner.... if she only knew!!!

Sneaky Cheeky pic of Li..... she actually photo bombed the shot so she cant get mad at me.

This was a statue spire- I think.

Big Old Fat Lit Santa .... FINALLY I got to see proper Christmas Decorations that I am used to!!!

Double Decker Bus in front of the Market.... I finally got to ride on top on the way home- didnt much care for it. 

Another pic of the stalls- and Li looking at a shop window. I think that one was L V.

Pottery stall.... Lovely merchandise!

And more stalls.....

And Dark with lights again.

Decorating the house for the Holiday-

Wear A Cap - originally a drinking game- but if we arent having a party- we dont drink much so we just shout out SANTA!!!!!! every time someone wears it!!

It hels to have places to put things when the holidays roll round.

Loved the red & green reversible ribbon sho much I decided to decorate my tree with it instead- I actually ordered 4 more lengths of it wrapped it round the tree and used the bow on this lamp as the tree topper!

My main Christmas Cards I sent out this year- had a spare- it fit into this Hurricane Candle lamp my daughter gave me- and added a bit of snow to the bottom. I LOVE IT!!! Probably my fav piece this year!!

This is a painted Rock... Either my sister, Nina, or my Niece Tiffi, made it for me!!!

And this is my kitchen window... you know I even have to have the Kitchen dressed for the Holidays!!

Trying out the new piece.....

Art for the Holidays.... My snowglobe my mom bought for me.... and my Mouse I bought for my dad's fav book when he was a little boy- Walter the Lazy Mouse. Yes- I have it too.

AChristmas Cards- and my I Believe bell from the Polar Express!!! I will ALWAYS Believe!!

My beside table and shelves.... My bowl of antique ornaments from my parents AND my grandparents 1st Christmas Trees!!

I had to have a wreath for my front door this year- so I bought a £3 one off Amazon- and decorated it myself with some red velvet ribbon, a Christmas card left over from last year- and my Elf on the Shelf- Spanky McSparklePants. He must love it there with the view of all the rooms - he hasn't moved an inch since he found that spot!!!

I think the tinsel draped on the Frames on the wall is a staple in the UK.... I havent see a single house that doesn't do this.

My Red and Green tree this year.

My inspiration for it- I need bigger, brighter ornaments for it next year- and more ribbon too. It shall be done!!!

The final styling for the Lamp & Card... complete with all my Grandbabies names ornaments

Hmmm..... the bed before it was dressed- but all the elements are still there...almost

Cant forget the Sleighbells on the front door!! We dont have a fireplace, so now when Santa come in the door, the bells will wake me up!!!! At least- in theory that's how it will work.

Yup- same tree as the Autumn leaves one- now with snowman ribbon wrapped round instead of the autumn leaves garland! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

& 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

EVERYONE!!!!