This post is in the similar spirit of Monday Morning Entertainment, just on a different day. As those of us in the USA are coming off Thanksgiving, the time is right for this post.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Given my mother-in-law’s health situation, it was not a normal thanksgiving for us – but we still found time to be thankful through a simple lasagna dinner for three.
Meanwhile, earlier today the family unanimously agreed to bring Hospice into equation. Although not an easy decision, it was the right decision.
With December starting Sunday, it’s time to set the stage for your celebrations. The list isn’t long, but there are some good month-long celebrations as Calendar Awareness Month and Awareness Month of Awareness Months Month. (Got to love those two.) December is also the time to celebrate the stomach with quince & watermelon, tomato & winter squash, eggnog, and fruitcake. (Thanks to Sun at Simply Charming for pointing me in the direction of Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcakes. December also celebrates Tie Month, Stress-Free Family Month, Operation Santa Paws Month, and Love Your Neighbor Month.
Although Thanksgiving is a day of peace, the holiday shopping season has burst onto the scene with a furry. Personally, I try to stay away from the shopping areas during the madness, so let’s end November and set the stage for December with George Winston’s Peace. Besides, for some, the white of winter, will be a common sight.
A Frank Angle 
Hugs, Frank.
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Elyse,
Many thanks. Stuff like this is never easy.
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I am with you on the difficult decision, aFA, especially since I, alone, had to make that very difficult decision for both parents recently. Courage and strength coming your way.
On another yet happier note…you’ve just got to love the “Love Your Neighbour Month”.
Say what, Neighbour?!!
Raye
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Raye,
Doing that alone … wow … there was four of us, including me at the bottom of the pecking order. Nonetheless, I know we have much support! 🙂
Meanwhile, December has good celebrations … and quite the variety!!!!
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Sending you my thoughts, Frank…
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Marina,
Received … thus many thanks! 🙂
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Thinking of you and the family, Frank. I remember when we had to do the same for my dear dad. *hugs*
I loved the beautiful video and piano accompaniment. 🙂
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AD,
You know all too well. As I told me family, not easy – but the right decision. Many thanks! …. and knowing your love for the piano, I’m not surprised you enjoyed this piece.
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Having gone through a similar situation 15 months ago, I send you prayers and strength. Take care of each other.
I love George Winston
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Audra,
Thanks for the support. Never an easy thing to do, but as you know, right is more important. Cheers to your love for George Winston.
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I’m glad you were able to find a way to enjoy Thanksgiving despite your family’s difficult circumstances. Sending my thoughts your way.
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Carrie,
Thinking I would do the prayer, I was starting to struggle … but my wife came through with something from her childhood. Very fitting … and we enjoyed the dinner! Thanks for the warm thoughts.
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My prayers and love, dear Frank, I love George Winston too. Thank you, love, nia
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Nia,
Thank you so much as I can sense your thoughts from many miles away. … Hooray for another George Winston lover!
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Best wishes in dealing with a difficult family situation. Hospice does much good for all. Good to bring them into the discussion.
I was out and braved the shopper traffic on my way to and from the grocery. Not busy there. We needed a few last items for our family meal. It couldn’t happen yesterday. Thankful to make it home safe.
If I can get my brain fixed, I plan to post a short update on comet ISON. It has been an interesting journey.
Peace
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Jim,
Thanks for the best wishes … and cheers to your upcoming family gathering. Enjoy! …. and I know you will come through with an update, but as per the news, thoughts are survival at this point.
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peace to you, Frank – your video share, perfect music to keep playing over and over during December. a reminder to slow down, enjoy the beauty found in nature and of course, relish the wonderful taste of Kentucky Bourbon fruitcake. 🙂 all the best regarding your mom-in-law. definitely a challenge…
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Sun,
Yep … no fun and challenging time. And to think she would love to try that fruitcake! 🙂 Thanks for the good thoughts.
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you’re welcome Frank – thanks for the mention. much appreciated. ☼hugs
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Hi – I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I had to make this choice twice. With both parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xx
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Kimberly,
You know, so thanks for sharing and for the thoughts and prayers.
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Best wishes to you and your family Frank. I’m with you on avoiding shopping. There is nothing anyone could possibly be selling that would cause me to enter a store today (or most days, for that matter!).
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Alex,
LOL … I remember your store-avoidance mechanism! You may want to add The Onion Store to your online treasure trove of ideas. Meanwhile, thanks for the best wishes, and cheers to your cup this morning.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you on Mom ..
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Bulldog,
Many thanks for your kindness.
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All the best to you and your family Frank – hope the lasagna was tasty!
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GFB,
It was .. and the dinner wasn’t somber. Thanks for the good thoughts!
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Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law Frank. Adding my thoughts and prayers to those above.
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Madhu,
Thank you. She’s been fighting since July, but has been in a vicious cycle … so I have no doubt yesterday’s decision was the best one.
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So sorry you are facing this. My thoughts will be with you all. Take care.
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Georgette,
Thank you … comforting thoughts here help. Meanwhile, as I sit on the in-law side of the fence, I try to keep watch over the direct family.
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Happy December, Frank. I hope we get a day or two of the pretty white stuff. The video was very nice. (the snowmen made me smile). Wishing lots of love to you and your family.
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Hood,
I made “peaceful” the underlying theme in this post, thus I was lucky to find a great song to fit the theme. Meanwhile, many thanks for the good wishes.
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Frank, I know well how tough it is when loved ones are ill, but it sounds like you and your family are close. That makes a huge difference especially during times like these. Like you, I avoid the shopping madness, too. I do all of my holiday shopping online.
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Lame,
Tough times for sure, so thanks for your good thoughts.
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Happy Belated Thanksgiving! SO very hard to watch our loved ones going through sickness and the holidays can make it make it even more so. Frank, stay blessed….
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Laurie,
Many thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes and the kind words. Meanwhile, we try to stay strong.
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It is difficult when loved ones are so sick, but glad you all made the choice for hospice and have a sense of peace about it. I’m not sure that “happy holiday” is appropriate, but rather blessed holidays to you and your family.
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Nancy,
Well said in many ways. Although the family is at peace with the decision, it’s still hard to watch while being very draining. As the ‘in-law’ involved, I try to watch my place. Meanwhile, the best of holidays to you and yours!
PS: Earlier this week I was thinking about your reception room post regarding Advent. 🙂 Thanks!!!
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I think the thing I’d most say is that I’m sorry hospice is needed…but since it is, I trust this will be a small comfort in the day to day. I wouldn’t ordinarily think that December could be “Stress-Free Family Month.” Good goal–I’m a bit unsure, but I like that thought! Thank you for the nudge in that direction, Frank.
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Debra,
Happy to nudge toward peacefulness because other things are pulling and pushing us in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, to me Hospice is a double-edged sword with the edges representing opposites emotions. As sad as it is, I see it for the best and the right thing to do … but it still doesn’t make it easier.Thanks for the support.
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For me too, december is a special month… and not only ’cause I have my birthday! The stillness of this cold month (since I live where we get quite a lot of snow) give me the best attitude and insight to write… Actually I don’t get caught by the frenesy of “the-must-buy-gifts-for-everybody”… This is for the comercial purpose, which I don’t follow! These holidays means some extra time to spend with the family… Thanks for posting this lovely short-film, the music is calming and beautiful 😀
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Claudine,
Cheers your outlook for December, thus not surprising you enjoyed the music and images. Blessings for the fact that it’s your birthday month!
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mrs. A. during this difficult season. May God’s amazing grace be your portion.
Thank you for George Winston’s “Peace.” It was lovely (where did they find that perfect snow man?). Oh, I’m with you regarding shopping. I haven’t been in a mall in years, and certainly never during November and December. If it can’t be purchased online, it won’t be purchased.
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E-Tom,
I imagine I may visit the mall sometime in December … but probably during a weekend morning! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I know Advent is the season of waiting, but this type of waiting is difficult.
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Oh Frank I am so sorry for you, your wife, & family. May your mother-in-law be pain free. Hugs.
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Catherine,
Many, many thanks. It’s not easy to watch, but I know this is the best for all.
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Sensational video …. blessings to you and your family.
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Isadora,
Thank you for taking the time to give us best wishes!
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Hugs from me to you & your family Frank.
Black Friday imposing on Thanksgiving is just so wrong in so many ways. To each their own. But – I chose to stay with the family & save on quality time & my sanity instead of saving a few dollars.
Another reason to celebrate December – It’s my bday & that’s the way the year will end 😉
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Rosy,
Hugs from Wisconsin detected in SW Ohio. 🙂 Thanks. Oh my … now I have to remember, which you hint to New Years Eve.
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I just wanted to say I’m thinking of you all. Hospice was invaluable to my family both practically and emotionally, and I hope yours finds the same.
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Deborah,
Very true about Hospice … and all the words in many of the comments support Hospice’s work Many thanks for the support thoughts. BTW – I hope you see the post that is after this one (currently up).
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