I did have some old friends from work come for lunch one day. Deneen had just been promoted to sergeant at work and the other friend, Junior, has worked his last week before his retirement becomes official in the spring. The third guest, Tammy, works with them. For lunch I fixed chicken and dressing, chicken and dumplings, baby green limas, layered salad, homemade rolls, banana pudding, and coconut "poke" cake. We had a good time visiting and I enjoyed hearing all the latest news from work. A lot of people have come and gone in the past year.
I gave Sgt. Yon a red velvet cake for his retirement gift.
The newly promoted Sgt. Mears loves pound cake.
Later in the week we attended a Christmas gathering at the home of an old friend, Linda. It was a gathering of church people, neighbors, and former school teachers who had worked with Linda. It was a nice evening and the food was delicious.
Christmas Eve there was a candlelight service at church. Singing the carols, reading the scripture and taking communion all brought to mind the reason for the season. Our new pastor and his wife are doing a great job and we are fortunate to have them at our little Methodist church.
This was our finger food fellowship for two following the service. It was pretty good.
Christmas Day was blah. There is just no other way to put it. When you spend the day without family, it is just not the same. Bubba grilled steak for lunch and that was the highlight of the day.
Finally on the Saturday following Christmas, Amy and Amelia arrived and it began to seem like Christmas for us. Following a simple supper, Amelia handed out presents and we enjoyed the evening together. Amelia liked the dress with the sequins and did some very expressive dancing for us. Rather than buying gift cards this year, I took a chance and selected two sweaters for Amy that she actually seemed to like. I had bought four sets of towels to give to Amy and Darryl together because after helping them to move in, I perceived that was the only thing they might possibly need in their new home. Amy and Darryl gave us a Keurig. This is something that I have been debating for quite some time so Amy made the decision for us. My cousin, Vicky, sent a rack for the k-cups and several boxes of cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. I really think we will enjoy it -- probably not for morning coffee since I drink a pot every morning but for my afternoon breaks or just when I want a cup of something hot. Bubba likes the hot chocolate very much.
Amelia reminded me of her mom checking out how many presents
she had under the tree.
The next day, Sunday, we had our traditional Christmas meal of turkey and dressing with all the trimmings. Following lunch, Amy announced that she needed to go to Target (30 miles away) so Bubba kept Amelia so I could go with her. I have determined that Target is addictive for some people. I cannot remember Amy ever coming from Atlanta to visit without having to leave to go to Target. What is there about that place?
Bubba cooked the turkey in "The Big Easy" which gives a crispy brown crust like fried
without the grease.
Amy is actually wearing her new red sweater. Success!
Amelia loved this $6.00 puzzle of the United States. She put it together pretty quickly.
She also told us all about the western states that were acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.
She is wearing the sequin dress to play.
Me and my girl!
On Monday, Amy left to go back to Atlanta leaving Amelia with us for the week. She and Darryl were going to the Rose Bowl Parade and Game in Pasadena where they were very disappointed when FSU lost.
Amy said that her favorite float was the one with the original cast of
"The Love Boat" on it.
On Tuesday, we packed up and left for Opp to spend a few days camping at Frank Jackson State Park and visiting with Joe and Judy who had arranged to have John for a visit. He and Amelia were happy to see each other and played well most of the time. Judy, of course, outdid herself preparing food for us. Bubba had smoked a ham and we took them out to eat one night, but for the most part she cooked and it was GOOD. She made the very best cheesecake that I have ever eaten and every day around 2:00, we sat down with a cup of coffee and a slab of cheesecake. I guess that this is the point where I should say that I have gained 5 - 6 pounds. I'm hoping that since I have eaten everything I could possibly be craving and plenty of it, I will be able to get back on track when we return home. As usual, we enjoyed our visit in Opp. Joe and Judy are great hosts!
Amelia made a list of things she wanted to take camping with her.
Amelia enjoyed playing with John's race track and cars.
Amelia wanted her picture made with this leaf.
She told me that she loves nature.
And yet another picture of Amelia and her leaf.
We took Amelia back to Atlanta on Monday the fifth and she returned to school the next day. She was excited to be going back. With sub freezing temperatures forecast for the week in Atlanta, we decided to return home early where it was warmer and to get out of the way while Amy, Darryl, and Amelia prepared to fly to Disney World this weekend where Darryl will be participating in a marathon along with members of his family. That's what I call living in the fast lane. There is no way that I could do that much going in that amount of time. I think they are all tired. I know Amy is.
We enjoyed our time with Amelia. She is a delight. She is smart and funny and so loving. One morning she got up and went in our bedroom looking for me. Bubba said that she kissed him on the nose and said, "I love you, Paw-Paw" and then headed for the living room. We (Amelia and I) slept together two nights and she wants to sleep close. She would rub my arm and tell me over and over that she loves me so much. She also told me that my neck was "squishy". Another item to note from the week is that Paw-Paw has now watched two Tinker Bell movies. I don't know how many times I've heard him say that he hates animated movies. I guess it just depends on who asks him if he will watch it with them.
This little girl is our heart. She brings such joy!
We're looking forward to the new year. The cold weather is not conducive to camping, but we will go when we can. We have a few little projects around the house to work on and of course the yard is full of leaves now so there is plenty to be done outside. I'm getting back on the treadmill. My heel is just not going to get well it seems so I guess I'll just grit my teeth and walk. I actually enjoy walking and watching a tv show or movie on the ipad. We want to do more fishing this year for sure. It's also about time for our annual movie. I'm thinking Unbroken would be a good one. So....2015 bring it on. We're ready!
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