Last Day of 2024

This afternoon we met our son, Steve, for lunch and then went to Emagine theater to see the 2:15 showing of Wicked Part I.  It was the first time for us to see the movie, but the third time for Steve, so he was able to fill us in on all the background.

The movie is 2 hrs. and 40 minutes long.

I saw the live musical at Apollo Victoria Theatre in London in 2015 but I don't remember knowing it was a prequel to The Wizard of Oz.  Part II of Wicked will come out in November 2025.

When the movie was over we came home to relax with a cup of tea and await welcoming 2025 in the quiet, peaceful surroundings of our home.  

Our granddaughter, Tiffany, shared these pictures of her sweet family recently in California.  She had some health issues that required surgery around Thanksgiving, but we're thankful she's feeling much better now.

For this last post of 2024, I want to thank you for following my blog and I pray God's blessings on you in 2025!  

Winter at Michigan Central Train Station

Last month I read that Michigan Central Train Station was opening its first floor to the public for the theme Winter at The Station.  Morning admissions were free, but evenings from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. were $10 per person.  The event schedule is November 22nd thru December 28th, on select days, so today's the last day.

My hubby and I went to the train station when it opened last June, but I wanted to return when it wasn't so busy.  I ordered tickets for last night, December 27th, and we arrived just after 5:00 p.m.  Yesterday was a work day for me, so I wasn't sure if my knees would cooperate, but they did.

It was still daylight when we arrived so I took a couple of outside pictures then, and another after the sun went down as we were leaving.  The lights were beautiful at night.

~ Sign at the east entrance ~

It was an unstructured event.  Guests could come and go as they pleased by eating at one of the restaurants inside the station, browsing items for sale in The Shop, sitting in the large open lounge area [people watching] while waiting for Urban Art Orchestra to perform or walking around the station admiring the beautiful interior.

Entering from the east side of the station these decorations were immediately visible. 

They had a photo station where pictures were taken and sent via an email or text.  Though not the greatest, below is our photo.  It was free and a nice keepsake of the evening so I can't be choosy.  

The beautiful main lobby where many travelers waited for their train in days gone by.

My hubby purchased the commemorative book, The Station, that is available in The Shop, and one of the book's photographers autographed it.

After we roamed around awhile we went to the large open lounge area to wait for the concert to begin.

Entertainment started around 7:30 p.m.  It was jazz music and quite loud, so we only listened for about a half hour and then made our drive back home.  I knew I'd be setting my alarm for 6:00 a.m. because we were anticipating 205 guests for Mansion Tea today, so it wasn't a late night out but I enjoyed going.  

Christmas Day 2024

I didn't set the alarm on my phone when I went to bed Christmas Eve night, and my hubby and I enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in for the first time in a very long time.  

What did I get for Christmas this year? My kids [and spouses] went together and got me a nice Cuisinart Food Processor, my hubby got me an Amazon gift card, the Downton Abbey DVD A New Era, and the second season set of The Gilded Age.  The grandkids gave me a teacup candle, a box of chocolate covered cherries, and a pair of tea-themed pierced earrings.

Our daughter-in-law, Sharon, invited us to their house for dinner on Christmas Day.  She enjoys decorating their house for all the holidays, and Christmas is no exception.  She usually  puts up multiple trees, but this year she just did one.  Many of the decorations on this year's tree are ones my mother used to put on her tree when Steve was young [faux popcorn balls, life saver garlands, gingerbread men, etc.], and Sharon has added to the collection over the years.  It has fond childhood memories for Steve.

Sharon has a cookie jar collection, and one was displayed on her cookie table.  She enjoys baking cookies and decorated sugar cookies are one of her specialties along with chocolate chip, and Scottish shortbread.

It was a relaxed, casual day so Sharon and Brooke wore their matching jammies.

~ Whimsical Christmas Tablescape ~

After dinner we watched a Christmas episode of Little House on the Prairie [guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye!] and the Christmas movie, Elf.  The movie came out in 2003 -21 years ago - and this was the first time I saw it!  Where have I been???

It was an enjoyable afternoon/evening but we didn't stay late because Thursdays are a work day for me at The Whitney.  

How did you spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve 2024 

Thirteen family members gathered at our house last night for our traditional Christmas Eve gathering [three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were absent].  Dinner was at 3:00 o'clock, followed by the reading of the Christmas Story [Luke chapter 2], birthday cake for Jesus, opening of gifts, and a wonderful time of sharing family memories.  

Just a light dusting of snow on the ground for Christmas this year.

Our Christmas tree was up and decorated [finally], and awaiting the arrival of our family.

Jeremy and me on clean-up duty after dinner!  It takes almost two days to prepare dinner and 30 minutes to eat it!

Ellie read the Christmas Story from Luke, Chapter 2

The youngest go first opening their gifts, so Ellie was first.

Then Landon...

Izzy Followed...

She's a Michigan State Girl!

~ Brooke ~

~ Brianna ~

Son-in-law, Dave, is the only adult I remembered to get a picture of opening gifts.

Our daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, Dave

Steve, Sharon, Brianna and Brooke

Jeremy, Samantha, Izzy, Landon & Ellie

~ Jeremy and Sam ~

Four of the six female Barkey cousins - Brianna, Brooke, Izzy and Ellie

Mother & Daughters - Sharon, Brianna & Brooke

Mother & Daughters - Sam, Izzy & Ellie

We FaceTimed with granddaughter Tiffany and her family in Californina around 8:00 p.m. 

And, of course, there was a celebratory birthday cake for Jesus - The reason for the season!

Lots of good memories were made on Christmas Eve 2024, and by midnight they had all said goodbye and went to their individual homes.

To those of you in blogland ...Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

ORCN Live Nativity and Candlelight Service

For several years our church has had a live nativity and candlelight service the Sunday night before Christmas. Members of the Romeo High School Drama Department and Music Department have participated.  This year it was held on Sunday, December 22nd and was well attended.  

It was very cold [25 degrees], but the animals didn't seem to mind, and for those who needed to warm up from being outdoors, hot chocolate and an assortment of 'Parlor Donuts' [a donut and croissant combination] were served before the 6:00 p.m. candlelight service began.

A Christmas candlelight service is so special, and almost every seat in the sanctuary was filled.

My granddaughter, Brooke, helped me attach a video of the candlelight service that a man in our church made.