We woke at 7 am to exchange gifts. First coffee, hot cocoa, and biscotti was made ready. Then gifts were dispersed between the two of us. Libby, our calico cat, got in the action too, playing in the boxes and with the gift wrap. She is happy-happy! From Japan, we received slippers, a lidded bowl with little serving plates, a tie, coasters, a change purse, jewelry. Thank you: Wade, Kana, and Taishi! From me to Russ: 2 sweaters, 1 shirt, 3 CDs, 2 pr. of socks, 1 pr.of shoes, a coffee mug set, a belt and a white t-shirt. From Russ to me: 2 skirts, a dressy sweater, 2 books, and 2 pr of slacks. He hit a half off of clearance sell at Macys, and found some VERY nice clothing for me at Target prices! Yeah Russ!
Yesterday I received a phone call from my father's first cousin, Jim Davis. It was so good to hear from him! I recognized his voice right off, and good thing, because he said, "Hi Kathy, do you know who this is?" He had received my newsletter, and thought he would give me a call. It had been 2 or 3 years since we had communicated, from what I can recall. My prayer for Christmas has come true, as I have heard from several extended relatives and friends. Jim said that he had been to 3 funerals in 3 months for our family. Sadly, that is about the only time family can visit any more, so in a way, it is a happy time to be together, even though it is to memorialize a family member upon their passing.
Last night we rehearsed for a trio with our pastor's wife, Sharon. Then, the 4 of us went out to dinner at Lone Star steakhouse. Yum! It was a nice Christmas Eve. Today we will have church (a special service I will share with you later), and then will go to Pastor and Sharon's house for lunch, gift exchange, caroling around her baby grand, and playing games. No church scheduled for tonight, so it will be a relaxed afternoon rather than rush-rush.
I pray each of you will spend the day knowing you are blessed, no matter what your circumstances or surroundings. For all of us, it is a realization that we have it so much better than we deserve. And things could be worse!
Merry Christmas!
1 comment:
It was really nice to read about your and Russ’ Christmas! I can picture you two sitting, opening presents and smiling and laughing while you occasionally sipped coffee and hot cocoa. Getting a call from Jimmy (that’s what Dad and Mom always called him, so I can’t get that out of my head!) must have been the best present you could get.
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