Merry Christmas

Rich and I sat here last night, just the two of us having finished the wrapping of gifts, and baking the pies for Christmas Dinner with friends.  We were sitting out on the lanai, just looking at the water and the Christmas lights across the canal on Phil and Doreen's house and we got to reminiscing about "Christmas Past."  We were remembering the time with family when we'd have 20 or 30 people at my parents house, or at an aunt and uncles house.  And the times when all my brothers and sisters (8 of them)  and their families would gather at my mother's house; she'd play the piano and we'd all sing Christmas Carols, the whiskey sours and venison meatballs...................the homemade fudge and ribbon candy!!!   Oh how things have changed!

But Christmas Day was really quite perfect.  I think this was the first year EVER that Rich was up before me.  It wasn't much past 7:30 am, when I heard him walking by the bedroom door saying....  "I think Santa Clause has been here!"   When I got up, the coffee was done.....the Christmas tree lights were turned on and the Christmas music was playing.   Santa was VERY good to both of us.   Besides those gifts that we get for each other, that are actually things we NEED.......we each got a pretty special surprise.  I got Rich two wall hangings for his office, the Wall Street Bear, and the Wall Street Bull.  He really liked them.  And I go a one hour massage and one hour facial at The Spa at Hammock Falls in Sebring.  Can't Wait!!!

We were invited for Christmas Day and Dinner at Nick and Tonyia's place in Sebring.  Before heading out I made my phone call to my brother Dave, but missed him and left a message I'd call later.  Wish we lived closer!!!!

So mid morning we headed from Sebring to spend the day with our friends.  Our son Dennis called to wish us Merry Xmas.  That's the call that Rich is always anxious to get so despite the fact that he was driving - he took the phone..... and they talked until the signal started to go!!! We love you Dennis and Crystal and Dalton and Chauna!!!!   And we miss you soooooooooo much!

   When we arrived....Tonyia had just taken fresh cinnamon buns from the oven and had a fresh pot of coffee waiting for us.  Delicious!  We took or treats to the sun room where we exchanged gifts.  Thank you Nick and Tonyia for the lovely set of mugs and the Olive Garden gift certificate.  We will truly enjoy them both!

Rich and Nick headed outside while Tonyia and  I started the first of two games of Mexican Train, interrupted periodically by trips to the kitchen to check the oven and finish the preparation of dinner, AND make up a batch of Eggnog and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey for everyone. 

Tonyia - dinner was fabulous!  The table festive and beautiful with the Holiday dinnerware, and the food was excellently prepared and delicious.  Dinner was Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, green bean casserole, carrots and dinner rolls, and of course Rich's pumpkin pie!   Thanks for the leftovers!!!!

As usual - the guys headed back outside.  Why not?  The day was perfect for a campfire, which is where they spent most of the day.  After cleaning up and doing dishes we cut the pumpkin pie and joined them outside.  Nick has done a great job building the fire pit and fireplace and decorating...... and we sat and talked and enjoyed the fire until after dark and it was time to hug and say our goodbye's.  It was a perfect day!  Thank you again Nick and Tonyia.

 
Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family!  God Bless you all!