Christmas night

After a morning at church and an afternoon eating at Willie and Dana's...whew, I am full of Chirstmas, but without opening a present.

We got up about seven and walked our mile then got ready for services at ten. We went this time to the First UM in Sebring, a relatively large church, good repair, in downtown. Wow...all the nostalgia one could take: pipe organ with talented artist, stained glass windows, pointsettias, carols, brief message done smoothly, great singing by a young woman and a robust congregation in a packed house. I snivvled my way through most of the hymns trying to get the person in front of me to give me the same response I got last night at St. John UM where we went to candle light services...a complement, that is. But I found it much harder today to sing with out my voice cracking frequently when the organ swelled and the people sang. I truly love to sing Christmas hymns when the support is there. Whew!

It actually got hot this afternoon. I am still in shorts and sandals, but I will walk briskly to the car this evening...it has cooled off considerably.

Christmas dinner was ham and potatoes, mixed veggies and Aleene's corn bread creamed corn. All was delicious and the two other couples provided the family element.

Poor Amy had sick kids today and Jeff worked all night. I talked to Mary this morning at about eight thirty just as Jeff was getting home from work. They had a full morning planned with her children being at the house for opening of presents. I keep saying it, but reality is Jeff has gone from zero (or nearly so) to 100 mph vis-a-vis family activity. Usually a call to his house yields silent background and not female voices. Today, Mary answered, Karlie was prompting her mom and there was laughter in the background...and Mary said, "I'm just waiting for my husband to come home." Strange, but true words to hear from Newago Trail.

Anyhow, Christmas is almost done and we have a week to wait for the next major events...but we are loving our stay here...so peaceful and warm.

Peace.