
In a nutshell, the beginning of our Christmas 2011 was full of tiny surprises:
First, Truett lost his hearing aide in the middle of the night, and we suspected his favorite green recliner gobbled it up like it has on many things in the past. I had my friend Gary, come over and we turned the recliner over, only to discover no hearing aide, but two bandanas, seventeen toothpicks, one paperback novel, and popcorn kernels.
This was not a good way to start Christmas morning when I had so much to do. Nevertheless, I gave Truett a second hearing aide and told him, "We'll deal with it later." However, there seemed to be a squealing sound emitting from Truett's crotch; and sure enough, the missing hearing aide was resting between his legs. I know this seems really minor to most of you; but to me, on Christmas morning, it was just one more crisis I had to deal with. The good news is, the "lost hearing aide" was cleaned and put in the dehumidifier to rest.
Also, I was thrilled that the Lotto was finally won by some lucky person; even if it wasn't me. Playing a dollar a million has cost me a lot over the past few weeks!

Truett, once again, wanted to help me cook this Christmas morning. At last, I gave up and said, "Okay! You whip the egg whites until they are stiff, and then use this potato masher and smash up that squash!" The other side of me wanted to scream, "Get out of my kitchen with that stupid scooter!" But, hey. I am thrilled that some part of Truett's brain is aware that there is a life beyond his veiled mind. Thank you, Jesus!
Meanwhile, Truett suggested we open presents. What games we play without our children! I handed Truett a large present and his eyes lit up. "What is this?" he asked. And then I felt foolish. Truett wrapped the darn Super Scrabble Game; yet, he was like a child full of wonderment. That's when I took deep breaths, and quietly said, "I don't know, honey. Open it!" And then I squealed, "A Super Scrabble Game! Just what I wanted!"
I must let you know that Truett is making progress. Progress in moments. Geeze! How many times can one fall which causes blood on the brain, and NOT be affected? It's a slow progress; but I see Truett making progress. Once again . . . "Thank you Jesus!"

Meantime, Mom (aka Ms. Alice) finally woke up around 10:45 and came into the living room. I gave Mom her presents; and like a child, she took the bow off of the Godiva chocolates and put it in her hair. Too many emotions rose up in me. She needed to feel special. She needed her children. She needed her husband to celebrate Christmas 2011. Yet, all she had was a half-broken caregiver . . . ME! (Sorry, Mom. I wish it were more. I wish I could dote on you; but I know you understand.)

Our Christmas 2011 continued at Merry Jennifer's home. This would be The Merry Gourmet. Thanks, MJ, for hosting Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year! Great food!

I found it very interesting and heart-warming that Merry Jennifer's husband, Sam, questioned his dad about how to cook hams . . . the difference between hams . . . how much time . . . the sauces, etc. You see, Big Sam, as we refer to him worked at his father's restaurant . . . The Magnolia Restaurant, in Lake City, Florida. In fact, when I taught at Niblack Elementary School back in 1974-1981, I would go the the Magnolia Restaurant and have coffee with my teacher friends. Sometimes, I would take Merry Jennifer and she would order cherry cokes. Little did I know that "young Sam", MJ's husband, was helping in the back of the Mag after school. I think that Sam is wanting to carry on a cooking tradition passed down from his grandfather to his father.

When Truett and I drove into Town of Tioga around noon today, I mentioned to Truett that there were no children riding "new bikes". Where were the children with their new toys? And then it dawned on me that today's city children are not outside riding bikes or four-wheelers. They are probably inside their homes playing video games.

Parents! We have to wake up and get these kids back into nature! Of course, Truett said we didn't see the children because it was noon; but, I disagree. It has everything to do with technology!

It was a wonderful Christmas Day 2011.
I hope your's was as well!