Family & Friends

Do you remember the song from Sound of Music about favorite things? Well, two of my absolute favorite things are family and friends. Right now, at this very moment, my life is full of both. David and Rachel arrived from Washington last Friday and are staying with us and dividing their time between her family and ours. It is WONDERFUL to have them here. Jon, Julie and Maddie arrive this afternoon and will be staying through Monday. Heidi, Caleb, Josesphine, Amy and Hans are also coming as often as possible to be with us and their siblings. Last Sunday we were with some of Doug's family and we will be with the most of my extended family on Christmas night. My life is truly blessed with such an amazing family.

Next comes friends: Although I would say I am also blessed with many friends there are few dearer to me than those in my book club. The Traveling Book Club has become a secure harbor and a place of fun, friendship and belonging. We do read books, normally one a month. We do discuss those books and enjoy the process. But, we have morphed into much more than a book club, we have become true friends. Last Monday night was our annual Christmas dinner and ornament exchange. It was my privilege to host this event. Bev entertained us with a story about her Aunt Mary and the New Year's Day bra sale that had us in stitches. Best of all, it was a true story. She really needs to write a book about her Mennonite upbringing. We enjoyed a fabulous pot-luck dinner and then retired to the family room to exchange ornaments and discuss our December book. A great time was had by all.
The Traveling Book Club -- Back row: Vivian, Pat, Lesa, Beverlee. Front Row: Nancy, Judi, Sharon, Nancee, Dolores.