Celebrating Christmas

I am always interested in the "doings" and watch the blog postings for others--guess I thought mine would not be interesting and have not posted for a LONG time. What a great season I am enjoying! First, Patricia came in late October and we celebrated my 88th birthday! She is still in our area and has done so much for all her family while here. My house is beautifully decorated-Lori
changed her Christmas decor and shared with me. And my house has received deep cleaniing it has needed for some time! Sunday was a McReynolds original family celebration--however, David and Susan had other commitments and could not come. We had a lovely meal planned by P. and had our gift exchange--it was delightful!
Saturday evening, P. and I attended Oklahoma Christmas, given by our church, and it was beautiful. Sunday afternoon we went to the Conrad girls' piano recital with a friend then on immediately to Crossings Church and their choir (Marcia is in it) carol sing and program. It was a full day! Monday was our Dec. meeting of Academy of Senior Professionals--a nice meal and program. A reception at the SNU President's home followed and I had planned to go to that, but my body told me to go home and rest before the 4 p.m. dinner at the chuch followed by a chartered bus trip to see special lighting--we went to Kingfisher, Chesapeake Energy in OKC and Yukon parks--what a treat. Today is a luncheon for my small Bible Study group in a home, and tonight the Dawson tribe is getting together with Col. Joel Rayburn (Vernon's great-nephew, on Gen. Petraeus' staff) and will share info. on Afghanistan, etc. I will need to slip out early to sttend the Conrad girls' Christmas voice recital (Janis is the teacher). Sunday we are having a Vernon style brunch here with Janis and the Conrads--thanks to P.s help! I have not entertained in many years, and it is a joy to be able to have these special occasions--with a lot of help from Patricia!!
I know this should be titled "Gigi's Month"--Oh, yes, I had roof damage and thus damage inside from leaking. The roof has been replaced and the painter is here this week repairing the inside damage. Thank you, State Farm, and Aegis Roofing for all your help! I must finish laundry and get on with my fun! May each of your readers have a blessed and joyful Christmas season with your loved ones!
P.S. Scott and Adrienne were here for a Thanksgiving celebration at Fishers--a wonderful time--and, there will be a new baby Sprowls in June!!!

Gigi's week in Colorado

This morning Melanie reminded me that I had not posted in a looong time. My brother, Charles, and family live in Grand Junction, CO. He graciously provided tickets for my sister, Eula Merle Simpson, and me to fly there for a week's visit! E.M. came here on May 19 and we left on May 21. I had been there several times, though had not been to their new home, but E.M. had never visited--not in all the 40 plus years they had lived there. It was such fun to be with her as we went to the Grand Mesa and to the Colorado National Monument--sort of a little Grand Canyon. We were royally treated. Their home is ao pleasant and adequate--and they have no yard work!
Theis son lives next door--bought the show house for the development--fully furnished, after the developer went bankrupt. His children spend alternate weeks with him and their mom and were with their dad during our visit. We saw a Johnny play baseball (ask E.M. about the sunburn--ouch!) We went to a nearby church--Christian and Missionary Alliance--on Sunday. The power had gone out and that made for an interesting time. People were friendly, but too young to suit our family. Sunday evening the whole family was invited for a barbeque and we got to see Charles, Jr., his new Ukranian wife, Elena, and her son, Roma. C.J. prefers to be a builder and developer and we drove through many of the areas he had built in before the construction came to a halt. Now he is working in the oil field near Parachute--such a hard job and terrible hours, but he is caring for his family. Cindy bought her folks house and is there several days a week. Her job is at Glenwood Springs where she works as a care-giver and loves it. She was ill and feared she might pass the grunge to us so we did not see her. Charles had several doctor's appt's in preparation for a knee replacement the week after we left. We came home on Thursday, were with David's family on Sunday and at Fisher's that evening. Frances, Anne and Ron came over on Sat. and E.M. returned to Memphis with them on Tues. It was a memorable, precious week for we had not been together in a good many years.

What a Weekend!

I returned from a week-end spent in Tucson, AZ, for my grandson's, Scott's, wedding. It was most unusual in several ways--in an outdoor patio (lots of flowers in bloom), a Mexican theme, Mexican appetizers, Mexican dinner and Mexican cookies shaped like a cake and decorated in the wedding colors (bride and groom do not like cake). It was wonderful to see the Sprowls and Van Hoecke families and to meet Adrienne's family as well as the many young friends of the newlyweds. I had not seen Patricia in about 4 years--she was lovely for the wedding and we shared a hotel room. Stephanie and Marcia both took pictures and many of them have been posted.

A Happy Day

Yesterday I took two friends (who had been helpful to me before I was able to drive)
out to lunch and I picked them up! This afternoon, Marcia and I had our hair done at a real salon. I have gone to the Beauty College for so long that I had forgotten how comfortable it was to use a private facility. Now, if my hair will just hold until the wedding, I will be in good shape. Marcia had me do some "try ons" to decide on clothes to take.

A Second Red-Letter Day

Janis took me to my doctor this morning and I am now released to DRIVE! My first trip was to the Salvation Army Center for lunch. I think I may even go to prayer meeting tonight--have not been since Thanksgiving! What a blessing it is not to be dependent on others for my transportation. Bless each of you who has assisted me in this long stretch!

A Red-Letter Day

I had my evaluation at Mercy Therapy this morning and am storing my walker!!! Yea! I have been using it since Thanksgiving and it is great to be rid of it an free to use my cane. The therapist also felt I was strong enough to drive, but I likely will wait on that until I see my doctor next Wed. Friends and family have been wonderfully helpful during this long stretch. I am having a house guest for the week-end. Sophie is coming this evening and will be here until Sunday. Oh, yes, Sophie is a sweet little dog--Marcia's and Tim's--and stays with me when they need to be away.

Plans Crashed

I have planned and worked for our March S.S. Class luncheon for WEEKS! Of course, the theme was St. Patrick's Day with all things Irish. I had history, songs, jokes, limericks and a menu in line with the theme. After weeks of lovely weather, it was drizzling and just cold enough for ice to form. At the last minute, it was decided we should cancel. Last Sunday, we were informmed that 3 of our members had sustained injuries in falls. I certainly understand that! Teacher suggested we could have the same program next month. But, of course, it will not work in April. Oh, yes, I am the interim class vice-president (ours is in Africa for nearly a year) and am responsible for luncheon plans. We had the greatest number ever sign up to come. So I have been working today on plans for my missionary chapter meeting on Monday. Soup and crackers was not exactly what I had hoped to eat for lunch!