CHRISTMAS 2021

We traveled to Ohio for Christmas this year. Our flight to Detroit went smoothly and was on time. We connected with Tina outside the terminal and headed for her home in West Unity, Ohio. It was an overcast day with light rain showers. We stopped in Ann Arbor at the Trader Joe's for a few items before leaving the Detroit area. Then it was onto Western Ohio where Tina and Justin have a 20 acre ranch.

After we settled in we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Tina and Justin.

    Sierra & and House Mate 

Saturday, December 18th:

This was a quiet day around the house as it rained most of the day. We could not walk around much of the property because the soil was really saturated and muddy. After reading a number of articles on my iPhone or iPad I  grabbed a Lee Child book to read. It was an OK read but sometimes taxing in it's story line.

In the evening we enjoyed some family time around the fireplace.

Sunday, December 19th:

Klara arrived in the wee hours of the morning by train from Montana. Her arrival was on time and the station was only about a fifteen minute drive.

We arose just before sunrise which here in Ohio was about 0815!

After a leisurely breakfast the girls went off to the barn to do chores. I wandered around the pond for awhile, then did some reading and organizing our Christmas gifts.

In the afternoon we did about a 3 mile walk along the county roads. One has to be aware of the small inclines that might block drivers views of walkers as there are no shoulders, and the speed limit is about 50 mph.

We also took time to fill several bird feeders, and I hope to do some photography of bird activity around the feeders in the coming days.

Tonight's dinner was some grilled elk that Klara had brought from Montana along with a delicious salad.

It is wonderful to have us all together.

Monday, December 20th:

It was a beautiful sunrise but I was not dressed for going outside. The temperature was about 25˚F!!

Another quiet day in Ohio. It was cold and blustery today so there was not much bird activity. We did get out for a walk once again.

                                                                        A local barn

Today I am reading excerpts from a very detailed biography of Winston Churchill. He was quite the character, and could be an imposing person. He certainly was persistent in Britain's fighting Naziism.

Tuesday, December 21st:

Today we experienced Freezing Fog which occurs when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or lower, according to National Weather Service. The fog produces drizzle, the droplets freeze when they come into contact with an object, creating a coat of ice. This weather phenomenon dissipates as the day warms up.

    

    

 

George was recruited to be the cook of the day. He made a batch of csirke paprikas which was delicious as usual.

Wednesday, December 22nd:

It was a rainy day, but we did not let that deter us. We were off to the Toledo Museum of Art and the Glass Pavilion.

This is a lovely museum and I liked the openness of the displays. The descriptions of the works were clear and interesting. They have also incorporated some digital descriptions as well.

The Glass Pavilion was a bonus as it houses a display of glass works The glass objects at the Toledo Museum of Art comprise one of the most comprehensive and historically significant collections dedicated to the medium in the world. 

 We spent several hours here and enjoyed it tremendously.

On the way home we made a brief stop at Costco for a few items such as more avocados, fresh pineapple, and some meat.

Once back home we relaxed, read, checked our mail, and enjoyed a hot cup of cocoa.

In San Diego gas is $4.79!

View from the sunroom

                                               A stormy sunset

Thursday, December 23rd:

Today was spent making preparations for Christmas which is celebrated on Christmas Eve.

 A working Farm

    Pickerel Homestead

The tree was decorated, gifts were wrapped, and advanced food preparations were done. One of the items was cherry rum balls.

Klara had brought a jar of marachino cherries that had been soaking

in rum for about two years. These are then hand wrapped in a  coating of grated chocolate, walnuts, and a little bit of apricot jam. Once the ball is made it is then rolled in chocolate sprinkles. They are most delicious and a real treat.😋 And a labor of love.

At various times we all went for walks along the road.

Friday, December 24th:

My contribution to the culinary duties was to make an Apple Pie for 

Christmas Dinner, which I did this morning.

In the afternoon we visited George Bible Park, a local park which is quite small but was a nice change of pace. I took my camera and did a little photography -- 

The Christmas celebration was casual and traditional. We all sit around and one person opens a present. Then she/he picks a present for someone else to open. It is a slow process but fun and enjoyable. Baby Jesus and the Angels were quite generous.

Saturday, December 25th:

Light rain again this morning. We enjoyed a breakfast put together by Justin and Tina. It was a nice change from the usual cereal and fixing fare.

We enjoyed our traditional Christmas meal of roast turkey which George carved, creamy vegetables, homemade cranberry sauce, and finally some apple pie. It was quite the feast.

Sunday, December 26th:

I have been having a battle with my digestive system. Tina bought some Lactaid caplets to use when I eat dairy. You take one anytime you are eating something which contains dairy. I usually use lactaid milk with my cereal, I just had not even heard of these caplets. They seem to help.😋

We enjoyed browsing our new books, and gadgets. 

I again wandered about with camera looking for subject matter :

Not much traffic today so our walks went smoothly.

Monday, December 27th:

Today I got my long lens out and tried to capture some birds at the feeder as well as in a bush or two. It was another gray overcast day so the lack of light was an issue, but I enjoyed the practice. The birds were small: American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, Downy Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, and a Cardinal.

(These are record shots as the light was really overcast and the feeder was definitely part of the picture.)

    Song Sparrow

       American Goldfinch

Snowy Scene

American Goldfinch

    Downy Woodpecker

    Downy Woodpecker

Tuesday, December 28th:

Another quiet day in Ohio. Wet snowy day with little desire to venture out. We did go for a walk though.

Klara was off by train early this morning. She has a long ride with a stop in Chicago to change trains. She will have about 4 hours there so she will venture into the city but remain near the train station. She will get home in two days after an overnight stay with friends in the Great Falls area where she will pick up her car.

Wednesday, December 29:

Snowy day. We also did our packing up of gear and presents.

Got a walk in between snow flurries - 2 Inches of snow fell.

    Tina's Mule: Ima

    Ring-neck Duck    

    Cardinal

    Fresh wet Snow

   Tina and Papa

 Thursday, December 30th:

Had a nice breakfast and then we were off to Detroit to start our travel back to San Diego.

In spite of the dire news of flight cancellations and delays our travel went smoothly. The flight from Detroit was on time and took us to Salt Lake City where we had a layover of about 90 minutes, before our flight to San Diego. The San Diego flight was delayed by about 30 minutes and went smoothly.

Once in San Diego we met our shuttle as directed and were home about 30 minutes later. After bringing in our bags we called our neighbor who was taking care of Sierra and then went down and had a warm welcome from her.

 

Sierra later scaled the bed and was quite comfortable and at home.

In summary this was a very relaxed trip and wonderful to see the girls, and Justin. The Christmas celebration and tradition was wonderful and we were all thankful for the safe and healthy visit.

Wish you all a healthy and happy New Year.