On Monday, Dec. 8, I woke up thinking I’d better get prepared as the weatherman was predicting a Nor’easter storm with several inches of snow.

I wrote my news and then went to Wolberg’s Electric where I had ordered light bulbs. When we remodeled our kitchen in 2005 we kept the old wagon wheel chandelier. When I bought new chimneys, they would only take narrow light bulbs. That meant I had to order them special, but the bulbs do last for two years.

Next, I went to BJ’s for a 44-pound bag of dog food for Ginger and Reba.

As I drove up, I spotted my sister, Pat Sykala walking towards the store. We visited in the store, and then parted.

The storm begins

Tuesday, Dec.9, loomed on the horizon with snow in mind.

My granddaughter, Danielle Ricketts stopped in at 7:30 a.m. trying to decide what to do.

Her boyfriend, Matt Babcock, had started for Ravena to take Zoey to his mother for the day. He got to the bottom of the letter S and brought Zoey back to Danielle, and them went to his work in Coxsackie.

Danielle adjusted to missing work and enjoyed spending the day with Zoey.

My grandson, Brandon Clark, also missed work that day, as his driveway was filling up with snow.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, came and it’s still snowing. Danielle had to miss work again because her driveway was impassable. Brandon stayed home again as his long driveway was knee deep in snow.

My daughter, Marcia Pangburn, went to work, because her driveway got plowed out. And Berne-Knox-Westerlo School closed for the second day in a row.

Matt Babcock stayed home from work to plow us all out with the new plow he bought last winter.

It is beautiful out but Saw Mill Road is like riding in a buckboard. There must be ice in layers under the snow because we bounce up and down.

Thursday, Dec. 11, came and school reopened and everone is back to work.

I wrote out bills and then wrote out about half of my Christmas cards.

Winter concert

In the evening, my daughter, Marcia picked me up to go to the middle school winter concert. My granddaughter, Kyra Swan, is in the eighth grade choir. They sang beautifully, and got us all in the Christmas spirit.

The first song was “The Fox” and was fast and cute. Then came “Mary, Mary” about the Nativity. “Safe and Sound” was just that, feeling secure. “Together at Christmas” and then “Have a Merry Christmas.” The “Best Day of My Life” was as the title suggests.

The drive to school was beautiful. All the trees were completely covered with snow.  Since Marcia picked me up I was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Things improve

On Friday, Dec. 12, I drove for the first time since Monday. I hurriedly, got my errands done so I could go with Brandon to Schoharie to pick up his children, Samson and Nichole, for the weekend.

I enjoyed dinner with their family and then we watched an old movie, Waterworld. I had never seen it before. It was interesting, but I hope all the ice never melts, and I don’t want to live in a boat.

Saturday, Dec. 13, was exciting for me. Matt, Danielle, and Zoey picked me up, and we drove to the East Berne Firehouse to wait for the arrival of Santa Claus.

Brandon, Jenn, Samson, Nichole, and Iain joined us there. Santa Claus arrived in a fire truck. He had to land at the new firehouse property on Route 443 and be brought over.

The children were so excited. They all sat on his lap, and told him what they wanted for Christmas.

Each child received two gifts. The fire company served pizza, soda, fruit, and cupcakes. It was a wonderful party.

Santa Claus was accommodating to all the families and posed for many pictures.

It truly was a day to remember.

Back to normal

Later, Nichole spent the afternoon with me, and then we joined the rest of the family for pizza.

Nichole spent the night with me, and we met the family in church on Sunday, Dec. 14.

I spent Sunday afternoon writing out more Christmas cards. Brandon picked me up at 5 p.m., and I had dinner with them. Jenn prepared noodles with chicken in Alfredo sauce. It was delicious.

Then I rode with Brandon to take Samson and Nichole back to Schoharie.

It was a beautiful week with all the snow and filled with love.

Brandon brought my artificial tree in from the garage. I have wrapping to do and I’ll soon be ready for Christmas.

Christmas in the Barn

Christmas in the Barn will be on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. in the barn at the farm of Brian Whipple at 2548 Berne-Altamont Road (Malachi Farm).

Dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and share in the narrated reenactment of Jesus’s birth.

Want to go Caroling?

The Knox congregation of the Reformed Church will be visiting the homes of many in our community, bringing songs of Christmas joy, and sharing the glow of the season. We organize at the Knox Reformed Church hall at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 23, and you and your family are invited.