Christmas 2011

Our funky Christmas tree with brightly colored lights is placed in my new downstairs office area. Yes, that's a football game on the tv screen. Courtney & Chris were here yesterday and ended up snoozing/watching football downstairs. It's so cozy down here now that I have a fireplace.

It's been a whirlwind Christmas season. We had our annual Christmas party on Dec. 17th, so we had to be decorated by then. Bob was travelling quite a bit, and we were behind in the decorating festivities. For the first time, Bob didn't even set up his Christmas village--just too much to do.

We had a new caterer this year for our party. Bless Mary Moore--she has been our caterer for many years and she passed away last year. So very sad.

We used a new caterer who was very good - A Catered Affair. The food was great and the staff was even better. Two of the staff were TC Williams teachers--they reminded me of those days teaching in Random Lake and Woodbridge.

Verna came up from Rocky Mount--always so special when she comes to visit for this party--especially since her plate is pretty full with two kids currently engaged and weddings to be planned!

I always love seeing friends at Christmastime--seems I don't get enough time with long-time friends. I was just thinking about how lucky I am that I have had the best friends thoughout my life. Starting with Christy, my best friend in Harmony, Minnesota. I saw Christy & Steve last year in Richmond. It had been so many many years--so much fun. Then in college, there was Kris Krejci McGuire who just came out here to visit--the same as always, fun and funny. My everyday friends here are too numerous to mention, but I sure have fun with Willie, Cathy & Maureen, all my Realtor pals, my neighborhood pals, my book club friends.

I haven't sent out my Christmas cards yet, but we've received so many. I hope all of us card senders can help keep the Post Office in business. I love getting photo cards! I intend to send my cards out late--maybe tomorrow.

We had Christmas Eve at Linda's house--all the presents were opened and we had a wonderful evening! We all tried to have less gifts this year, but there was no evidence that was the case. Linda's grandchildren had lots of fun, and they made the evening special for all.

Today is Chritmas dinner at our house. Bob is making Mother's Norwegian meatballs, and I've started the bread.

I've been trying to weed out some of my Christmas decorations--just too many. I'll take photos today and post more photos later.

Merry Christmas to all!