Christmas 2013

Growing up, Christmas was always a time to be with family, to decorate the house, family gatherings and Xmas carols, Midnight Mass, and mom's and dads and brothers and sisters and sons and daughters gathered around the tree and around the dinner table.  After we moved to Florida it was pretty much just Rich and I, except for the year that Denny and Krystal and the kids came home, or with our good friends Don and Linda who were our neighbors for several years.  Then it was celebrating the holidays at whatever RV Park we were at, pot luck style, but lots of fun meeting and making new friends.  

This year, for the first time in about 6 or 7 years, we actually have a Christmas tree up again and we are spending the holiday in our new home.

Christmas Eve - The day began as any other - sitting on the lanai having our morning coffee.  Today we had company..........

About 1:00 in the afternoon, Rich made his pumpkin pies ( three of them).  I had picked up a couple of steaks at the local meat market - so put them in to marinade.  Dinner was grilled NY Strip Steak, baked potato, grilled asparagus and garlic break.  Delicious!!!  We relaxed and watch a movie and about 9:30 before it was over, Rich finished off the first pumpkin pie.   Presents were wrapped and under the tree.................as we called it a day. 

Christmas morning, we were up about 7:30 and enjoying our morning coffee once again on the lanai.  Joining us this morning were the resident ducks, perched atop boat house.

The tree lights were on and the Christmas music playing as we opened our gifts.  Santa was very good to both of us.... Rich got stuff for fishing including a fish weight, anchor and rope, he got shorts and sandals, and a new thermos and lots of chocolate!  Santa gave me a new watch and pocket book, a deep fryer and a day at the Spa including a massage, facial and much more!  I love you SANTA RICH!

Then it was time to get dinner started - the meat and potatoes in the oven.........  Since Nick and Tonyia do not have family to spend the holidays with, we invited them to join us for dinner.  A few days earlier, we had dinner at their place and they surprised Rich with a VERY unexpected XMAS gift.  A Coldwater Outfitters, Fish Fillet Station, for the dock.  He'll now have a place to clean and fillet all the fish he wants!  Thank you Nick and Tonyia. 

Dinner was excellent.   If you've never used the oven  a for cooking - they are wonderful. 

The ham, studded with whole cloves and covered with a pineapple and brown sugar glaze came out deliciously moist.

Fresh made biscuits, scalloped/Au gratin potatoes,  fresh green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic and cherry tomatoes, and glazed carrots completed the meal. 

After dinner the guys spent most of the afternoon down on the dock fishing.  They would have taken the boat out - but it was a bit too windy..........  Tonyia and I spent the afternoon on the lanai playing Mexican Train.  We all enjoyed a little holiday cheer, be it a glass of Sangria, Eggnog and Cinnamon Whiskey, or just a plain old can of beer.  While the weather was beautiful and the guys tried real hard - the fish were just not biting.  Rich is holding about the biggest one for the day!!!

Of course the highlight of the day was hearing from Denny and the family.  He called early in the day and Rich and I both were on the phone for a while.  And Santa was very good to them as well.  

Back in November a special Soldier friend of Denny's contacted him and wanted to do something special for him and his son.   According to the post on facebook this Soldier wrote:  "you are largely responsible for mentoring me and helping pave my career..... Thanks goes to you."  This is what he did.    Our grandson, Dalton is a huge Colts fan and Bryan Grantham was able to get 2 autographed pictures from multiple Pro Bowl center Mr. Jeff Saturday signed "To Dalton and Dennis.... God Bless...#63 Jeff Saturday".  According to Dennis. Dalton was in awe with a smile from ear to ear!  Picture below of Dennis and Dalton with the photo, joined by our grand daughter Chauna. 

Rich and I are so fortunate.  A beautiful family and so many great friends. 

 Merry Christmas.