Monday, January 5, 2009

Thank you and Happy New Year!

Many, many thanks to all of you for your kindness and concerns, your thoughts, prayers and wishes for my family, my brother and the new year.


We had a safe trip and a good trip. My brother, Steve, is doing better than we expected. He was very happy to see us and we spent Friday morning with him. He has such a determination and will to live. He showed us around the lovely facility and we took some photos and met some of the wonderful caring people that were there with him. When it came time to leave, it was hard, but I knew he would be ok.



That same afternoon, we also visited my husband's father who was in the Brethren Village in Lititz. He has been ill and recovering from a stroke and some surgery. He was very happy to see us too, and we spent the afternoon with him and my husband's great grandmother that resides at the home. She is 101 years old. We had Otis and Riley along and they brought smiles to the faces of everyone.



We enjoyed a delicious New Years dinner at my mother in law's of pork and sauerkraut (for good luck), and it was so good to be with all the family.













Otis and Riley were played out till the weekend was over.












One thing for sure, Otis and Riley love a road trip and enjoyed coming along with us.






We saw the most beautiful sunset on our trip.



And now we are safely home and ready for the new year. Hopefully we will all be blessed with joy, happiness, health and prosperity in this new year. Best wishes!


13 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Donna,
I am glad to hear your brother is doing better than expected. It looks like you had a good time visiting family on your trip. Happy New Year to you too!

Deb said...

Hi Donna
What wonderful news that your brother is doing better! What a loving family you have!! Having Otis & Riley along must have brought a smile on the faces of all that reside at the home :-) They look like they love road trips! Your New Years dinner sounds delicious (I love sauerkraut too) :-)

Rosie's Whimsy said...

Happy to have a good report on your brother. The place looks cheerful and that alone will help.

It is good to have that whirlwind of visits with family but equally wonderful to be back safe and sound at home.

Happy@Home said...

Hi Donna,
I'm happy to hear that your brother is doing better. How nice that you could bring love and smiles to your family members who could use some cheering up.

Love those cute pictures of the pups.

Glad you are safely back home and I wish you a happy and healthy 2009.

Hugs,
Kim

Sheila said...

It's lovely to hear that you had a good visit with everyone.
Good news that your brother is so positive, it helps so much when a person is ill.
I know when my sister takes her dogs to visit Dad in the nursing home, they bring smiles to the faces of the residents.
I'm sure Otis and Riley enjoyed the attention, they always look so bright and full of mischief!

Zuzana said...

Lovely pictures of your wonderful, near and extended family.
I am glad to hear that your brother is doing better.

Anonymous said...

Even difficult trips can bring us moments of joy. I know how much this must have meant to your family. I'm keeping you all in my prayers.

Mimi Sue said...

I'm glad things are going well. Looks like you all had a lovely trip. Mimi

Donna said...

I'm SO glad your brother was feeling a bit better!!
Wonderful photos! I had a Big Laugh when I scrolled down and saw Otis (I think)...Driving!!!HAHAHaa...at least it Looked like he was at first!!!
Thanks for the fun post!!hughugs

Suzanne said...

Happy New Year, Donna. Glad to hear you had a safe trip, and that your brother is receiving the best of care. I'm sure that is comforting for you to know.
Otis and Riley must have been the hit of the party!
Blessings to you in this New Year.

Fifi Flowers said...

Good to hear your family is better!
101... WOW! That's great!
Happy New year to YOU!
ENJOY 2009!
Fifi

Surprises are around the corner... and you are included in my surprise! I will let you know when!

Sue said...

Hi Donna. glad to hear your brother is doing better and I thought I read it wrong at first but your husbands great-grandmother is 101!! God bless her...and it's nice to see the boys had a good time...

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Donna
So sorry to hear about your brother being ill -- I will add him, and you, to my prayer list.
Your visit to see your husband's family looks so pleasant, how wonderful to have so many generations together in one place!
Otis and Riley always brings a smile to my face -- they do look like they enjoy a car trip!
I hope 2009 will be a good year full of many blessings for you and your family.

Hugs, Pat