Winter Open House

Since my work responsibilities have changed, I wasn't able to host a winter open house this year during finals week or the week before classes, as I've done some years in the past (those times are just too busy, and I need to be at the office). But I still wanted to host something, so I decided to try it in February. By the time I looked at my calendar for this month, it was clear that I'd have one chance at squeezing it in: last weekend. I'm so glad I decided to make it work; it was a lovely afternoon of conversation and treats. About a dozen people came, almost half, I think, who were first-timers. It's fun to introduce people from different spheres of my life, and to share some hospitality in the midst of the day-to-day routine. So here's what I made:

spinach artichoke dip with veggies & crackers
ham & cheese palmiers
honey mustard popcorn & spicy maple popcorn

banana bread
cinnamon raisin scones
sugar cookies

apple cinnamon water
hazelnut black tea
homemade hot chocolate (in the crockpot)

And, several guests brought me flowers--such a treat!

Christmas in ABQ

It's already hard to imagine that it was only a few weeks ago when we were there...we've just finished the first week of classes here, so I thought I'd better get this post written before too much more time passes!

We spent about 8 days back home in ABQ, and it was lovely! Of course, it was also bittersweet since it was our first Christmas not seeing the Cook side of the family. We know they had a great time in Missouri, and we're looking forward to being there again in 2018.

As always, we enjoyed all the delicious food--New Mexican, breakfast burritos, and home cooked meals and treats:

At The Shed in Santa Fe--not really
traditional New Mexican, but good. 

Mom's famous lasagna
on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day breakfast: egg casserole and all kinds of treats. 

Christmas dinner, when I ate way
too much smoked turkey! :-)

Pie!

Weck's! We sure missed
being there with Mark's family!

Our last meal out at Garduños--so delicious!
And they made this meal for me even though it's not on the menu anymore. 

We also had a few big adventures. One day, we took the Rail Runner train to Santa Fe and spent the day exploring. I hadn't been up there in several years, and Mark had never taken the train. My Mom was happy to coordinate the outing, and we enjoyed Dad, Grandma, and Julie's company, too. It was pretty chilly in the morning, but with all the sunshine (and compared to what we're used to now in NW Ohio), it was a beautiful day. We stopped in to see a couple of the historic churches and did a lot of window shopping. After walking around all day, we were worn out, but we'd all had fun.

We also got to check out Dad's cars. We drove to church in Verdella Jean, the model A he's had for several years now (a 1929 four door). Dad also drove us around in that car to look at lights on Christmas Eve. 

We also each got to drive his newer project car, the rat rod Roxie (a 1928 two door Model A, chopped and channeled, with a 1953 Mercury Flathead V8 engine). Fun, though I prefer being a passenger, myself. If our nephew is reading, Dad says you're welcome to come visit and drive her sometime, too! ;-)

Another day, Mom and Dad took Mark and me to the Tent Rocks National Monument. They'd hiked there for the first time back in October, and since we were having such fantastic weather (highs near 60!), the four of us decided to go. We actually had to wait a while to get in because there's a limited capacity, but it was a very cool hike, with spectacular views from the top. 

We also enjoyed staying with Grandma, spending time with Julie and Ben, and seeing Grandpa Mike. Here are a few other random pictures:

The great views from Grandma's to the west.

Grandma's tree

one of Mom's trees

the Sandia mountains
Everywhere you look in ABQ, there's a beautiful view.

modelling the scarves Julie knit for us this year

Thanks to all my family for making this such a special time together, and happy 2018!