And just like that... Another year gone by

 Yesterday was 13 years since Bill Joe passed. I struggle with anger about it still. I will later (soon) get out my grief journal and catch it up.
Yesterday was also Daniel and Sarrah's first anniversary. A joyful thing to overshadow the sorrow.
So... since October, (my last post!) several things have changed..
The new blessing in July was not to be!
Baby Magnolia was born on her cousin John's first birthday- December 22nd.
Nickole has settled in to life with Glynna, and goes to public school in Lawton.
  I am still working on Estate matters. I think I am down to just a couple of major things, plus a few loose ends.

I got to come home to Oklahoma this week, so that Tom and I could get our taxes done. (I have spent more time in East Texas than in NE Oklahoma for yet another year.)
I am trying to clean out the freezer to make room for a third of a beef, which goes to the butcher on the 18th. (Which means I will only have 6 days at home this trip, as I have to be back In ETX by Saturday to help with the cattle while we have folks who can help us with them.)

In the usual manner of "but first!"... I am making jelly. Sam had a lovely amount of wild (sand) plums in the freezer. And a good amount of mulberries... which may be fodder for jelly another day. I marvel at the modern conveniences that make my life easier every day... Food processors, an Instant Pot. Slow cookers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners that run themselves.
And I cling to the memories of my life, and the women who came before me, as I use Arlene's wooden spoon to stir the plums as they cook. My grandmothers food press and wooden pestle that will mash the seeds from the plums after they cook... and eventually strain the seeds from the mulberries as well. Using the objects beloved women in my life have used brings me such happiness.

Mr C is starting to think about / plan retirement. Maybe in a year?

Have a blessed day!