Christmas with Janet, Jerry, Pat and Pudge

Yesterday Pat, Pudge and I drove to Rochester to have Christmas with Janet and Jerry. It was bitter cold, but the roads were dry, so that was good. Entering into their home was heart warming. The decorations were beautiful—the tree, decorative holiday pillows, a fabulous snowman collection, and the ceramic Christmas tree and nativity set I made of ceramics many years ago. Janet had the table set so pretty.

We sat around and caught up with one another. I hadn't been to their home since last April. I think that's the longest period of time for me to be away. Pat and Pudge brought Janet up to date on the happenings in Arizona. We watched a DVD I had made of old, old movies my dad had taken of events in and around our church in the early 50's. While Pudge didn't know anyone other than my siblings and me, he said he enjoyed seeing all of the old cars.

Janet and Pat 

Pat and Jerry

Pudge and yours truly

English plum pudding made by Pat. It is our grandmother's recipe.

For lunch we sat around the dining room table and enjoyed the large array of sandwich makings, potato salad, fruit salad, and then dessert: homemade English plum pudding, made by Cousin Pat, Christmas cookies made by Janet, and rosettes. Everything was delicious!

I treasure these times together for we never know how long it will continue.

Busy, Busy Week

This past week was really busy. It all began with two concerts Sunday, which were wonderful! I enjoyed being in them so much.

Tuesday evening I was the guest of Ellen Chalifoux for the Bethany House Christmas party. It was a lovely evening of dinner and games, held at Brackett's Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. I had a delicious chicken dinner. The following morning I didn't feel so well. I think the flourless chocolate cake I had eaten at the party didn't agree with me. That caused me to cancel a lunch appointment I had with a dear friend of mine. 

Friday was a very busy day. It started with a prime rib dinner held at my church. My friends, Bonnie and Debra were there, too. Prior to the dinner, our choir director, who is also pastor of senior citizens  at our church, introduced our junior high pastor, Heather, who was holding her new Saint Bernard, puppy, Hadley. Hadley joins Jingle Belle, who is a 4 year old St. Bernard and weighs 140 pounds.

After leaving the stage, Heather brought Hadley to our table and I got to hold her paw during the prayer for dinner. She is really sweet!

The guest for this event was the great great grandson of Charles Dickens, George Dickens. In an hour and a half, he performed the entire story, A Christmas Carol. I was blown away with his acting! He played every character, with no costume changes. He used his top coat, top hat, and cane to perform different functions throughout the play. Amazing!

Only 4 hours later I joined my friends Linda and Jay at the Volkswagen dealership. Linda is my saleslady and her husband is the General Manager of the dealership. I have become friends with them and they asked me out to dinner. Where did we go? To Brackett's Crossing Country Club! Honestly, I was so very full from the meal at my church that it was difficult for me to eat much at dinnertime. Also, my friends gave me a tour of their beautiful house which is on the golf course.

Christmas Concerts

I'm happy that I have been feeling well enough to sing in my church's Christmas concerts this year. As in the past, we were given a CD of the songs that we will be singing. In my opinion, this is an excellent tool. One can have it on it the car, or in my case, in my CD player. I have listened to it over and over while making dinner, addressing my Christmas cards, eating lunch, and so on.

Tonight we have our dress rehearsal. Our guest performer, Steve Green, will be arriving and we'll hear him sing for the first time.

I have invited Linda and Jay Radue to the Saturday night concert. Linda was my saleswoman when I bought my 2016 Beetle. Her husband is the General Manager at the dealership. I have gotten well acquainted with them since buying my car due to learning Jay was dealing with a tumor between his left ear and brain. I assured them I would be praying for him and his doctors. He has had surgery. The tumor was benign, but his hearing in that ear is lost. A small tumor has been detected in the same location on his right side. My prayers continue. I have invited my cousin John to the Sunday afternoon concert.