A Time for Celebration and Remembrance

It's hard to believe it's already 2008, isn't it? I know the phrase "Where has the time gone?" is overused, but where has the time gone?

The holidays have been a very busy time for us. We hosted small dinners for close family members on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. And today Bill and I are celebrating our eighth wedding anniversary. (I wanted to post a big picture of him, but he's like Carl Dean, a very private person! He neglected to tell me not to post an older picture, though, so here is one taken several years back.)

On Saturday night, we gathered in Bardwell to celebrate Mother's 87th birthday. There were over 40 people there, and that is not even all of the immediate family. The oldest person in attendance was Mother's brother, Uncle Tom (a WW II veteran, who just celebrated his 89th birthday); the youngest, Patsy's first great-grandchild, little Heath McBride, born in October.

We enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner...savory roasts, tasty casseroles and stews, sandwiches, salads and vegetables of all kinds. And, of course, to-die-for desserts. One of the best was Bethany's heavenly chocolate trifle; the first bite actually brought tears to my eyes! (Bethany, may I please have the recipe???)

The best thing, though, was visiting with relatives, many of whom I don't see as often as I would like. (I meant to take my camera, but forgot it!)

And so, as I begin the new year, I am giving thanks for my loving husband, daughter and grandson, Mother, and my brothers and sisters and their families. And I am remembering loved ones no longer with us, whose presence I deeply miss. Especially during the holidays.

Happy New Year, dear readers, may 2008 be a good one for you!