Meredith Carson... Across the Pond and Back Again...

I know it seems a tad early, but today was the day for the annual Midland Santa Parade, and Santa himself (along with Mrs. Claus and the reindeer) came to town at the very end of the parade.  After a week at home with a very sick Lili (yes, again!!), it was good to get everyone all bundled up and out in the fresh air.  The girls got to try out their long underwear, and I gave my new "ridiculously warm" coat a go. The kids came home with way more candy than they got on Halloween.  We chuckled as some of the parade participants passed.  "The Weed Man" drove past and threw out all sorts of candy.  Somehow Emma also ended up with a "Weed Man" sticker on her new winter coat.  The Midland Republicans sped by in a red SUV with snowflakes painted on the windows.  They didn't have any candy to share, but a middle aged woman wearing a fur coat did smile at us and wave a leather-gloved hand from behind the closed passenger side window.  Even the Midland Un...

"A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men."  - Roald Dahl Today we enjoyed the Radyr Festival again.  This year's theme was the characters of Roald Dahl, and my girls were thrilled to once again march in the parade in costumes made my the ever-so-clever, Jane Morris.  What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning... Sophie and Emma as Oompa Loompas extraordinaire with THE man, Willy Wonka, played brilliantly by our good friend Michael. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) ready to be carried by Kevin Morris Mr. Twit, another brilliant Jane Morris creation Lili was so excited to meet Willy Wonka! And yes, of course, I'm having a spot of tea! All of the Oompa Loompas and Willy Wonka in the parade The girls were happy to get those green wigs off in the end. Lili was a happy bunny.  She loved all of the colors and music and activity. Hurray for festival day... our last one here!! "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole ...