Half Way Through December

It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through December...of 2011. That we’re near the end of the year is one thing. That we’re in the second decade of the Twenty-First Century is quite enough. We were with Aunt Mar the other day when she was writing a check. She asked for the date and Jenna gave it to her. Then she said, “19...?” because Jenna didn’t give her the year. I’m like Aunt Mar--eleven years into it and I still find it hard to believe we’re in the 2000s.

CHRISTMAS BREAK. The kids have finished school for the fall semester since I wrote last. They’ve turned in projects, been on field trips, and had parties. Now school is out for two glorious weeks! Other things are winding up for the season as well. We had our final Awana Club meeting last week and the Scouts have their Christmas party tonight.

We are doing well with our Christmas shopping which makes me wonder how we managed before we could shop online. I hope to put our Christmas cards in the mail today. And one of the best things is that Vicki and Jenna have turned our kitchen into a candy factory. (Well, that last one tastes wonderful, but I know the day of reckoning will come when I step on the scales.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKI. We celebrated Vicki’s birthday a week ago Saturday (the 10th). We actually celebrated three times. The first time was just the two of us on Friday evening (the 9th). The boys went to a Parents Night Out fundraiser at their school and Jenna stayed with Mom and Aunt Mar while we went out to a favorite Korean restaurant in West Nashville. After satisfying our appetites with two bowls of dolsot bibimbap we browsed for a while at McKay Books.

The following night all five of us went to see the Christmas musical at Cornerstone Church in Madison. They did a great job, but none of us were prepared for it to be two hours long. After the show was over we went to Logan’s Roadhouse for a late supper.

Mom and Aunt Mar took us to Cracker Barrel on Tuesday night to round off the celebrations. Between all that, the Christmas candy, and some office parties I have eaten way too much. ’Tis the season, I guess.

ASLEEP AT THE TABLE. This news falls under the “it could be so much worse” category. Yesterday Aunt Mar was sitting at the kitchen table when she fell out of her chair. Her head hit the floor and she split open a 1.5 inch gash on her forehead above her right eye. We took her to the hospital and now she is sporting six stitches and a nice bruise. While at the hospital we learned she has a touch of pneumonia and has cracked her left pinkie finger. She was released to go home last night after receiving antibiotics by IV. I’m sure she’s going to be plenty sore this week, but we’re glad she can be home.

A CHRISTMAS POEM. With Aunt Mar and Christmas on my mind I’ll share a poem she wrote in 1991.

Just a few days till Christmas, what will I do
Job to be finished, can I possibly get through
Baking, shopping and cleaning all to be done
And decorating the tree should be lots of fun
Why must I let all these things worry me
When I have good health and live in the land of the free
The Lord is so good, our blessings are many
I’m slowing down to enjoy Christmas and the visit of Old Santa

I heard Aunt Mar read this poem aloud not too long ago. When she did she pronounced the last word “Santy” which rhymed somewhat with “many” from the previous line. She usually pronounces “Santa Claus” the normal way.

Joe