I'm Thankful, too.

This was the nicest Thanksgiving I've enjoyed in years. I am so full of thanks. Everything was delicious, done on time, cleaned up with little effort and the conversation sweet. Jason did an outstanding job on the Fried Turkeys...and the Baked Brie was out of this world. I had more fun preparing than in years past. I am so thankful for Michael's family and the full house. It was a perfect day.

The Holidays

I've always liked a formal dinner on Christmas Eve...all the fine china...crystal...silver...I can remember enjoying that growing up and have tried to continue it when possible over the years. I have always loved candles in the windows. One traditional gift....Robin knows...Thank you Notes. The art of letter writing has diminished over the years....fewer and fewer handwritten notes are ever sent. The computer generated letters with more news than anyone really wants to hear and emails have replaced them. To me, that is so sad. I have tried to encourage those I love by sending notes and still enjoy receiving one almost more than anything else. My mother and I exchanged letters for years and I have saved each one. I have letters dating back from the early 70's...Through the years I have received so much comfort, laughter and joy from re-reading them. Seeing the words she penned...hearing her tone in each sentence...remembering her wit...they are so personal. After my mother died, the letters became even dearer. I try to include a handwritten note in each Christmas Card I send. I like Egg Nog and Lebkuken and Fruit Cake...I used to enjoy Christmas Caroling...but haven't done that in years. I miss being in the Church Choir and performing during the holidays.
Thanksgiving and New Years are favorites of mine...Fried Turkey has become a recent tradition...and On New Years...anyone who knows me...knows....Sausage Balls and the Rose Parade.

Papa's Peppers

Anyone who knows Jason, knows his love of HOT SAUCE and Hot Peppers. It used to be a challenge to find a sauce he hadn't tried. The first time we visited Jungle Jims in Cincinnati...I went wild in the Hot Sauce SECTION...yep....they have multiple aisles of Hot Sauces. Anyway...over the years I have learned that Habaneros are HOT....and the seeds, if you touch them are "wicked" hot. Don't touch your eyes after touching the seeds. Wash your hands immediately. I have also learned to read ingredients...some of the funny labels on Hot Sauces are just gimmicks...and some of the stuff you just buy at Publix is the best!

Jason is growing peppers now. He has two plants...one habanero and one jalepeno. Looking good.

Hope none of our little forest friends decide to have a snack....YEEEOOOOOOWWWW!

Wedding in Wildwood

Sunday Jason and I made the trip to Wildwood, Florida for James and Martha's wedding. ( see Robin's blog for photo of the bride and groom) All of the O'Donnell's were there for a family reunion AND the wedding. It was nice to be included in this fun family weekend. It was a short 3 hour drive...Jason and I enjoy driving together...talking...seeing new areas. I made the mistake of relying on Mapquest for directions....OOPS!! we ended up in the wrong town on a street with the right name...had to call Michael and get turned around. Still made it with time to spare. After a lively church service, we witnessed the wedding service and then headed for a local BBQ for lunch.

On our way home we passed The Villages....golf resort community....very very nice!!! Must remember to tell David and Linda to check that out....her ONLY requirement is " there must be a Publix"....and there was....also lots of golf courses for David....very nice community.

Today Jason and I closed up our pool for the winter....that means....TURKEY DAY must be just around the corner. More later......

Flower Girl...Bride

How beautiful is this? My niece, Alexandra, was asked to be a Flower Girl in Courtney's wedding. Courtney has been one of Alexandra's care givers and really more of a "family" member...caring for Alex for years. She was married recently and Alexandra was her flower girl.

CONGRATULATIONS, COURTNEY!!! You look beautiful and Alexandra looks fabulous in a dress....I love it!!!!!!!!!!

The Baby

32 years ago I received the most treasured gift God can give...The Baby! She was a good baby, she was a great kid, and she has grown into the lovliest, smartest, most talented, creative and funny woman I know. I am always so proud to say, "she's my daughter."

She was always an excellent student, receiving awards in school. She graduated from FSU while she was married and raising two children. She can truly do anything she puts her mind to. She can sew, cook, create artwork on a page, she has an eye for decorating, she is stylish...she's a self taught seamstress and has created curtains and pillows and slipcovers. She is a mother, a friend, a prayer partner, a wife. She will always be "The Baby" to me. She will never know how many times her sweet smile or her hugs got me through difficult times. I have laughed more with Robin than anyone. I have appreciated her good counsel...a woman wise for her years....and....her new hair cut is FABULOUS! Thank you, Robin...for all you do for Jase and me...we love you very much!!!

Cherokee Legend

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone,
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

I read this recently and appreciated the reminder. God will never leave us nor forsake us. He cares for us. We are chosen, beloved and kept....maybe you, too, needed a reminder.

Noteworthy

Friday night Jason and I went to hear the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Last year I was trying to plan something special for Jason and decided that tickets to the Symphony would be ideal. Jason has always loved classical music. It was the best gift....I'm hooked. When tickets went on sale this year I purchased three dates. Friday was the European Tour. The program began with Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, "Italian". There was a guest cellist, Gregory Sauer, who played Kabalevsky, Cello Concerto No.1 in G Minor, Op 49. I was completely taken in...transported to a place I have never been...the music was so beautiful...I was overwhelmed.

Following Intermission, we heard Hindemith, Symphonic Metamorphosis of themes by Carl Maria von Weber. We have seats in the Orchestra section, 2nd row...seats 5 and 6. Right up front. I love the violins...I love watching the conductor...I am beginning to recognize the different instruments by sound...something I am sad to say I couldn't distinguish my Sophomore year in college...sadly I failed a Music Appreciation class. My mind was elsewhere in those years.

Today, I am so thankful for a husband who appreciates the fine arts.

I am already looking forward to January

Jacob's Birthday Lunch

You only had to look at Jacob's face to know he enjoyed his Birthday Lunch. Apparently, he has wanted to visit this restaurant ever since he first saw it. Another new restaurant in Tallahassee. Something about the outside was "welcoming"...and when he had a choice of restaurants ( a birthday tradition) he chose Famous Daves's. For all the times Robin has toted her camera...this would have been a real photo op. Wings at Famous Dave's....$8.95....Jacob's Face...PRICELESS!!!!!! Jacob's face had more BBQ sauce than the wings he ordered.

Jacob...you are the sweetest, most huggable 11 year old I know. I am so thankful that you are MY Grandson!!!!! Your quick wit is refreshing!!!! Hope you had a very Happy Birthday! An All- Star....a Pitcher....a Cub Scout....an "A" Student...you got it all Kid! Love, Papa and DeeDee

"Car 54 where are you?"

Some of you will remember that expression...anyway...I am still here. I was accused of spending so much time "blogging" that I had no time for my card ministry. What is a card ministry?
Years ago our Adult Sunday School class had what we called "Secret Pals". Our teacher and his wife had made a decision, after much prayer, to move to North Carolina. Marty wanted to be closer to her father, that was one reason that I remember. We had a huge class....everyone understood that this was an answer to prayer...but most were sad. One gal seemed "devastated". Stan and Marty ( the couple that was leaving) had also prayed for a replacement couple to take over The Circle of Friendship...that couple was Jason and me. That year I got the "devastated gal" for my Secret Pal. I worked very had all year long to send personal notes, gifts, be clever....prayerfully select just the right words, gifts to show my love for this gal....and I was very secretive....anyway....to make a long story short...this gal...is Linda Turner. She and her husband, again after much prayer, also decided to move away to North Carolina...approximately 13 years ago. After she left...I was devastated. I began sending cards....I spent all my time, energy and money selecting the best Hallmarks and then send personal handwritten notes to Linda after she moved. Over the 13 years....it has become challenging to find cards I haven't already sent. Hopefully we are both at an age that if I send a repeat she doesn't remember....since obviously I don't when I buy it a second or third time.
I love emails...I love blogs....but my heart will always lean toward a personal handwritten note or card. I appreciate them more when I receive one...and I like sending them. I don't care about the cost of stamps....well I do, but what's 41 cents if it really makes someone's day?????
I started spending more time in card shops lately and that is the reason for my bloglessness...is that a word?
The Bible says that the older women should teach the younger women...and so I would say this....Ladies, teach your children the art of writing thank yous. I don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate receiving a handwritten note. I don't know anyone....so if you miss my blogging...hang in there....I might just be sending you a handwritten note....Just call out...." Car 54 where are you?" I'll be right there.