Friday Holiday Re-Cap.....

It's hard to believe that the week is coming to an end already.  We rush and stress and plan for Christmas, and then it is over.  Our Pastor reminded us that the Christmas season runs through January 12th, and we really should leave our decorations out until then.  BUT....I am so ready to get the house back to "normal".  We will wait until the weekend after New Year's Day, but then it will all go back into the attic.

Our December started with the memory of a wonderful Thanksgiving and continued through my birthday, lunch with my girlfriends, a visit from our son, Jeff, and another visit from Granddaughter Lauren, then our trip to Naples for an early Christmas celebration.

At Bonefish Grill with Jeff.

Shopping at Lakeside Village with Lauren.

The lovely real tree, decorated by our talented daughter-in-love, Kathy.

Tristan's nutcracker collection on the sideboard. 

Lunch outside, at Tommy Bahama's, in Naples.

One half of our church, on Christmas Eve.  By 4:00, it was standing room only.

The bounty for Christmas dinner, at our friend Helen's house.

Our little 'pencil tree' that we used this year.

Of course, the news of my brother-in-law's stroke put a damper on our Christmas celebration.  We texted and talked to my sister, Tammy, almost hourly the first few days.  The news is better now, with Bruce responding to touch and moving his right side, which he had not been able to move.  He still isn't fully awake, and isn't responding to commands yet (squeeze my hand), but the doctors are hopeful that he may recover, though cautioning that it will be a long hard year ahead for him if he is to make a recovery.  Tammy went home (to Georgia) yesterday and is going back to Tallahassee, to the hospital, today.  Bruce has a large family and they have all been there with Tammy. She told us not to come.  He is in ICU and visitors are limited...nothing we can do, etc.  I want to be there for her, but there really isn't anything I can do now, to help.  The time will come, though.

We have a funeral to attend today.  A Museum Board member's father died last week.  Since he is our treasurer this year, and I work closely with him, I feel the need to attend. Joe is going with me.  We didn't make it to our usual Christmas day movie, so we will see one this afternoon, when we return from the funeral.

December has always been a tough month for my family.  I'm glad to see January on the horizon.

I have enjoyed catching up with your Christmas posts, and still have a few to see.  I especially enjoy the little ones!!  Having that innocent, magical joy around the tree on Christmas morning is just the best!!

On to a bright and happy new year!!  Thanks for stopping by! Peace & blessings.