Well Wednesday was one of those never sit still or down for most of the day even up until after midnight. Wow what a busy day and one where we loved up on many folks with hugs and well wishes for Christmas. The elbow had quite a workout as well with the many gastronomic delights later in the evening as many gathered at our house after the church service for delicious soups, dips, cheeses and finger foods until nearly midnight. Kathryn and Amy brought tons of goodies as well to compliment Nancy's dishes. We had lots leftover for another day.
The morning started with me up around 6'ish which is much the usual as I did my quiet moments to reflect and give thanks before heading out to the rec on my bike for 2 hours of pickle ball. Yikes what a workout and I could wring the sweat from my shirt as I headed for home. It is unseasonably warm with temps in the middle 70's to start the day and muggy as humidity has entered the scene. The a/c is running once again in December. After checking on the garden I decided it needed a hand watering despite the overcast skies with the promise of rain. My garden soil is so sandy and drains quite well despite all of the compost. We finally got some of the wet stuff just about the time we headed out with Patrick and Kathryn for Element Church in Tampa.
Well I got a surprise from our new neighbor who purchased the house next door while we were gone this summer to the mountains. She is a single mom with a teenage son and has a couple older children and who is also a grandmother. Well we befriended her with cookies and baked goodies from time to time and yesterday she knocked on the door and inquired if I liked football; of course I informed her I did so she presented me with 4 tickets to the Bucs vs Saints game on Sunday with a parking pass included. These were given to her by one of her doctor clients who for some reason decided not to go and see the Bucs in their last home game. It's been a horrible season this year as with most of the teams in our division. The chance to see any pro game was just up my ally as its been several years since I last attended one of their games. I had a little difficulty at first finding 3 others to go with me as both son Bobby and neighbor Dan were already booked for other activities; however son in law Tyler, Patrick and his daughter Lauren will be attending with me for what we hope will be a good game for the season finale. Just the opportunity to see a pro game live will make for an experience as Tyler has never been to a pro game. The seats look to be awesome as well as they are way out of our price range which include a buffet with the ticket holder, yikes!!!
We attended the candle light service at Element to a packed house and it was a mixture of contemporary as well as many of old hymns done in an upbeat fashion. We were inspired by the huge crowd and saw many old familiar faces as well and the message brought in the service is Jesus is still alive in our hearts. Nancy had a reading part in the service and she was as nervous as a new bride but she did fine and no one knew her knees were shaking but me. We headed out by 8 PM to our house in Seminole and met up with Amy and her family as well as a couple they invited who lives next door to them with their teenage son. Mike, Esther and Allen are from Cuba and we were greatly impressed with their sociability and friendliness. They attended the church service with Amy and Tyler at SFBC after an invite. I don't believe they attend church anywhere so who knows we may have planted a seed in their lives. Their 15 year old son was born here in America and he is very out going and respectful and when he learned I had served in the air force he thanked me for my service. What other 15 year old would do that?
Well the kiddos fell asleep while we talked and visited as it was past their bedtime before we decided to call it a night. The conversations where varied and there was never a dull moment until they all headed out. We cleaned up and I vacuumed before turning in. Nancy was putting all the Christmas gifts for the kiddos under the tree as she loves this part of the Christmas season. Today will be another big day of eating delights with a breakfast casserole, hash browns and other goodies around 10 o'clock when Bobby comes from Tampa and Amy and her family. The Botbyl's cancelled out due to sickness which will be the first in several years we haven't had them to eat with us on Christmas eve and for breakfast. Bobby will come back later in the day with Annsley and Gabriel as we will celebrate opening gifts with the kiddos and a standing rib roast dinner. Nancy's sister Betsy will come later as well with her family to eat supper with us, LATER
