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| This must be the tree frog mom or dad as it croaks atop this branch a few feet from the white foam nest that is rapidly disintegrating. We now doubt that they’ll mature into tadpoles since the environment in the pool is not conducive to their maturing. |
Yep, the power goes out here as often as it does in Kenya. With no generator for this house and one hour of battery left on my laptop, today I’ll post quickly wishing all of you a Merry Christmas with a few photos and a poem I wrote over 20 years ago, to read at our holiday table each year.
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| On our way to the Marloth Park Farmers Market, a few blocks from our home. We count the days until they return to our yard. |
This year, there’s no holiday table. Leon, the owner of Jabula Lodge was so kind to introduce us to a lovely couple, Lynne and Mick, whom we so enjoyed on two occasions before they were scheduled to return to their second home in the UK.
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| More on the way to the store… |
Lynne and Mick, like Leon, have led us to meet yet another couple, good friends of theirs, Kathy and Donald, who also have a home in Marloth Park who have invited us for a happy hour tonight on Christmas Eve. We couldn’t be more thrilled.
We wish each and every one of our readers and their families a holiday season filled with a special meaning that fills your hearts with love. And to Tom’s brother, my brother-in-law, Jerry and his family: May this sorrowful holiday season be filled with great memories and storytelling of dear Lee, whom we lost only a few days ago. Her love and warmth will remain with us forever.
Here’s our poem that may be befitting for your holiday table:
What an awesome, heartfelt poem!! I'm sure your family is missing you this year, as is mine. But we have our closest companions by our side and can most certainly still feel that holiday cheer. Merry Christmas to you and Tom. I'm sure this will be a memorable one for us both.
Also, the giraffes are my favorite!!
Ashley,
Thank you so much for this sweet message. Yes, we do miss our families especially during this time of year. Making a move was a big event in your lives this year and I hope you are content in your new home. Memorable year? Unforgettable! And I too, love the Giraffes. Many more photos will come.
Thanks for being such a loyal reader. It's ironic that we used to live only 40 minutes apart and somehow we found each other here.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your little family in your new home.
Warmest wishes,
Jess & Tom
Jessica, thank you for sharing your emotional poem, just reading it brings back memories with our kids and family. The section about not everyone will be there in person and how much you miss them and remembering their smiles really touches my heart. This has been a crazy and different time for most of us and adjusting sometimes is challenging. It was so good to hear from you and see that you and Tom are doing well. Enjoy each other and cherish your time together.
Merry Christmas to you both,
Frances
Frances, how wonderful and thoughtful of you to write. This truly has been a crazy time for all of us and none of us can wait until life returns to some semblance of normal, whatever that may be going forward. We hope you, Keith and the family have fabulous Christmas and New Year and stay safe and healthy.
Much love always & Merry Christmas,
Jess & Tom