Weekend Coffee Share....Come Sit with Me

It's another week of Weekend Coffee Share. I always love everyone's posts. Are you like me and try to visit everyone? It doesn't always happen but I try. I have loved getting to know different bloggers and I figure if they take the time to write a post, I'll find the time to visit, even if it's a week later. I truly enjoy what you all share and I often learn so much. 

Check out all the other posts on Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. I'm off to go visit some now. #weekendcoffeeshare.

If we were having coffee we might talk about:

The Weather: Nothing new to report. Rain, rain and just plain rain. Though we may get a few days of dry weather next week. 

What we're thinking about: While at work yesterday my co-worker and I asked many people how their Christmas was...I suppose we, like others, assume that's the right think to ask. And while we were met with "it was really good/great, how was yours?" we were also met more than a few times with answers that were sad. One persons significant other passed away on Christmas Eve, another lost his wife recently and this time of year is hard. At one point, I looked at my co-worker and said, "maybe we shouldn't ask that question anymore today". Then I heard of a young man who died in a car accident on Christmas day. So it has had me thinking of life, thinking of the sweetness of it, the bitterness of it, sometimes the shortness and unpredictability of it. Thinking of how we just assume we know what people will say, that we take for granted those answers we hope to hear, and maybe aren't sure how to respond when they are different. 

What we're thankful for: I'm really thankful that after these Monday holidays, I actually have the Tuesday/Wednesday off. It gives me a chance to reset a bit before I have to head back to work. 

Around the house: Christmas is still up, I'll take it down next Tuesday and Wednesday. I like to let Christmas linger awhile longer. Usually once I take things down I take stock of what I didn't use, what I should get rid of, etc...

For the love of food: We had a great Christmas...lots of good food so I'm taking it light on food this week. Simple meals. Christmas Eve we always have clam chowder in bread bowls. It's a family favorite and people look at me cross eyed if I even suggest something different. If you want a great recipe, here is the one I make. On Christmas morning I always make cinnamon rolls, and this year I made some bacon to go with it. I thought of trying some sourdough cinnamon rolls but because I have. never made them I didn't want to experiment. I might try them this weekend. I also made sourdough rolls to take to my inlaws. They turned out really good. The main Christmas meal was at my inlaws. I brought rolls and veggies with a yummy herb dip. 

This weekend I'm not sure who will be around for New Years Eve, but I'm thinking I'll make some wings. New Years day, we're going to do fondue and Raclette. I also need ot make some caramel corn for the post office workers. I make them some every year. 

What we're reading or wanting to read: I haven't had a lot of extra time to read, but today at the gym while on the treadmill and then a bit after getting home, I was able to finish the Kindle book A Special Kind of Advent. It was a sweet read with some really good takeaways tucked inside. If you didn't see my post last week, head over to see my list of 12 books from 12 friends for 2024. I'll share my 2023 reading next weekend. 

What we're listening to or watching: Still listening to the same audio book. I'm just about done because I realized it's due tomorrow and there's a wait list.   I've listened to a few podcast episodes. I also watched a a few episodes of Master Chef Jr (those kids are amazing. That's about it. 

Favorite Quote: I'm working on my post for #Sundaystills and #WQ year in review. Reflecting on the past year. I'll be posting that on Sunday, but here is one quote I found that I really liked. 

Favorite Photo(s): 

Almost forgot to get a family photo. My oldest and her family were getting ready to leave so we grabbed one real quick. 

Annual photo. My nephews have done this photo with my youngest since 2009. So funny. Then they "curl" her...we joke that they need to do this on her wedding day and when she's pregnant. 

Morning Christmas Eve walk on our road! 

Christmas morning gift opening. It takes us awhile because while some people pass out all the gifts and then everyone opens them all at once, I like to savor each person opening their gifts. 

Girls wearing their new hats from their Nannie/great nannie. 

Great Papa helping figure out a new game. 

One of my favorite gifts...this desk that goes over the treadmill. I can do my online work while walking at a slower pace. I set it at about a 4.0% incline and at about a 1.6 speed. This allows me to get movement and not just sit at a desk for hours. I love it. 

Random or not so random things: We had a nice Christmas. On Christmas Eve my in-laws my youngest daughter and a friend of hers and another friend of ours were over. My oldest and her family are with her in laws that day. On Christmas morning I woke up early to get the cinnamon rolls going and also the sourdough rolls. Everyone came over about 9:30 and we ate cinnamon rolls and bacon before sitting down to open gifts. Little ones are always so fun to watch. I think we nailed it. My in laws went back home to get ready for everyone coming down to their house in the afternoon. We arrived there around 1:30 and stayed till about 5:00. My nephews come over as well. 

I was off the next two days which was nice. Work has slowed down a bit after a busy holiday season and we aren't complaining. 

Today (Saturday) hubby and I went to the gym (I haven't been in quite a few months). I am determined to get back on track with exercise. 

I haven't chosen a WOTY yet. I'm not sure what route I'll go in choosing. I've struggled with sticking with a word and truly being intentional with it like others I read about..I have to figure it out...what works for me. I can't wait to be inspired by everyone else. 

New Years Eve we will just stay home. I don't even know who will be home. New Years Day we plan to have company over. 

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin