Snow and Ice!

~Snowed all night... about 6-7 inches, then it rained, then it froze, and the snow started again.  My windows were frozen.  I hear it has been in the fifties in Jax....sounds toasty warm to me!  Heading back on Friday!  Cannot wait to get back into warm weather...... it was nice to see family, and have snow on Christmas..... but I miss Jacksonville!

 Mr. G's truck with a coat of ice!

view from front poarch

Life in the Ghettos of Poland

~Our next novel, Milkweed, takes place mainly in the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland.  Ghettos were set up in most cities in Poland as a holding tank for the Jews.  Most ghettoes were near railroad stations and factories for slave labor and easy transport to other locations.  Below is the testimony of two people who were children during the Holocaust.  The purpose is to give you an idea of what life in the ghetto was like. For more information about the ghettos during the Holocaust click HERE.

White Christmas

~Woke up this morning to about an inch of snow on the ground and snowflakes falling.  It was a WHITE CHRISTMAS!  When I got in my car to go pick up my parents, my windshield was covered with snow... it was kind of cool!  I also went to visit John's grave...the brother I am always talking about.  He would appreciate the fact that you guys laugh at his stories a lot....... I always visit him at Christmas... it was his favorite holiday.

 the front yard

 the back yard

 afternoon presents

 Patrick Gibbons

 driving was hazardous

dangerous driving!

Christmas Eve at the Gibbons Home

~All the Gibbons Family got together at my sister Janet's house to celebrate Christmas in Massachusetts.  It is supposed to snow tonight!!!!  

 Brian Gibbons and Mrs. Gibbons

 Bill, Annie, Dan, and Shamus Gibbons

 Sheila and Mike Gibbons

 Dan Gibbons

 Kathy and Jennifer Gibbons

 Bridey Meghan and Jennifer Gibbons

 Bridey, Janet, Kathy Gibbons

 Pauline and Joe Gibbons

 Ma and Dad, and Philip Gibbons

 Mr. G and his parents

 Jennifer, Danny, and John Gibbons

 Frank Gibbons and Mr. G.

 Eddie Gibbons and Mr. G

 Sean Quinn and Joe Quinn Gibbons

 Anne Quinn Gibbons

 Mary and Phil Derrick Gibbons

 Thomas and Everett Gibbons

 Frank, Everett and Mr. Gibbons

 Emily Gibbons and Mrs. Gibbons

 Santa stopped by!

 John Gibbons and Santa

 Ben Gibbons and Santa

 Mr. Gibbons and Santa

 Katie Gibbons and Santa

 Meghan Gibbons and Santa

 Patrick Gibbons and Santa

 Dan Gibbons and Santa

 Bridey Gibbons and Santa

 Bill and Annie Gibbons and Santa

 Anne Gibbons and Santa

 Shamus Gibbons and Santa

 Janet Gibbons and Santa

 Emily Gibbons and Santa

Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons and Santa

Hockey Night in New England

~Went to watch Patrick Gibbons #64, my brother's son, play hockey tonight.  He is fifth grader playing with seventh graders!  I wish we had more hockey in Jacksonville.... it really is exciting to watch.  We also all watched the Patriots defeat Jacksonville..... my loyalties are to both teams..... but am definitely more of a Patriots fan.  Celebrating Christmas with the Gibbons family Monday night...and their are a gazillion Gibbons family members... I  will post some pictures...... by the way...it is COLD up here.... and I miss my people in Jacksonville!  Snow is expected on Christmas here, just a small amount.... but 6-12 inches of snow are expected on Thursday......... Christmas is the only time of the year I like snow........

 it's even colder than it looks

 #64 Gibbons

shaking hands after the win!

Colonial Candy Company

~Went shopping at an old family owned candy company (they actually make all the candy right there in this big old colonial house), Colonial Candy, then went to the movies with the Gibbons kids.  We had fun and saw the movie Rise of The Guardians...... AWESOME movie!  After the movie and dinner we came home to open up some preChristmas presents..... like my new hat?