Happy, Merry, Joyful

                                                  
Happy, Merry, Joyful!
Tis the season and I am all of the above. So  happy to have my children back under my roof, the silence is sometimes so LOUD I cannot stand it. I will take the loud, full house any day over quiet!
It was a Merry Christmas eve celebration once again in the Hellier house. Our open house tradition  began when Ted  and I were newly living together and has endured over the years....Almost 30 years now. We LOVE having all of our dear friends gather together, it is always a special eve for us and oh so full of JOY!
Joyful, for quite a few years now we have gathered at our friends home in Cape Elizabeth for an evening of great company, good food and Caroling! Ted and I always enjoyed and looked forward to our annual Caroling event.  When Ted was sick, this group of dear friends came to our home and we sat around the fireplace and sang our caroles as always. Ted  always in great voice was not as strong that year, as he was quite ill. He requested  "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman"  and thank goodness John Stuart carried us through. It was a lovely day, and thinking back I think we all had thoughts that this may be our last all together. Since that day 3 years ago, Pammie Mullen has not let a caroling gathering go by without singing Ted's favorite, This year, was no different... Pam & Peter hosted us once again... I am grateful for all of our dear friends who keep his memory alive.  A lovely way to wrap up a year.