December 25, 2015

Wishing all my readers a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in 2016!

December 20!

Since today is nearly over and it's December 20, I need to get busy.  There are only four shopping days until Christmas and I don't have a clue what to buy! As the years pass it seems like it is harder than ever to choose a gift for family members. Why is that? When they were children shopping was much easier. Then it was mostly about buying toys. I have been doing some Christmas baking and playing Christmas music as often as possible. But the shopping for gifts has me in a quandary. Hope I get it figured out in the next four days!

Yesterday was a busy day for many of us at church. Our women's group was approached many months ago to help with member's wedding reception in the church Fellowship Hall. Plans were made and early yesterday I and several others gathered to put the plans in motion. Our first priority was making appetizers for the guests. They enjoyed these while the bridal party posed for the photographer. We also provided the meal requested by the bridge and groom. The family decorated the Hall beautifully and the reception was beautiful. I didn't get home until about 8 p.m. and didn't do much else before going to bed. It was a long day but I was glad to be part of the process. It's always fun working together and having it turn out well.

Now if I can only get my shopping done and it turns out well, too!

Sweater Weather

When the Colts' game turned sour this afternoon, Ray decided to go for his daily walk and I left to pick up a few things. It's almost halfway through December and I didn't even wear a jacket--just a sweater over my long-sleeved top! The temperatures probably haven't been this warm in December for about 15 or 16 years. We're saving on heating bills but I'm sure the weather is going to turn colder in a few days and not be 20 or more degrees above normal.

A week ago I hosted a table at our Advent Glow women's event at church. We had lots of scrumptious food and entertainment was provided by a women's chorus -- The Marion County Extension Chords.

Lynda, Carrie, Gina & Nancy

The Marion County Extension Chords

Assorted Appetizers

We enjoyed a visual treat earlier this month when Ray and I with Pat & Max Walker visited the Indiana Historical Society's Festival of Trees. I didn't take a photo of each tree, but did capture a few images.

An upside down tree -- most unusual one!
Ray must have been tired -- his eyes are closed.

Pat & Max Walker -- the tree behind them has a musical theme.

Notice the upside down tree at the end of the hall.

Third floor view of trees on the first and second floors.

We don't have a big tree this year for the first time in many, many years. It usually took a full day or two to decorate our tree. This year we have a small ceramic tree that I made many years ago. I probably had it set up in 10-15 minutes! I hope your tree is the most beautiful one ever!