Christmas and beyond

Monday was the day we celebrate Christ’s birth.  For the first time in years, we did not attend a worship service on this day.  I had intended to go to Mexico to help Los Amigos to distribute gifts to the poor children.  I couldn’t go because I wouldn’t return until 1:30, missing our Christmas dinner at the hall.  We took our dishes to the hall for a happy hour at noon with dinner to follow at 1.  The hall was full, but our table was one of 2 that didn’t eat at 12.  We had 20 at out table, the largest we have been involved with.  The food was excellent, especially Evelyn’s cornbread casserole.  We came home for a nap before returning to the hall for “leftovers” at 5:30.  We had never done that before.  If fact we still have not because we couldn’t stay.  We had a plan to play dominoes with John and Sue at 6, so we left before anyone could decide to get up and begin eating.  We didn’t because we weren’t hungry.  We played at Hamel’s until 10 and had a good time. 

Tuesday was a day of work.  I had thought we should go shopping for some after Christmas items.  Evelyn didn’t want to go, so I spent the morning working on my message.  Armand came to see if we could play golf, so we went to the course at noon.  We played a poor round until about 2:30 and returned home.  It had been a beautiful day with little wind and a pleasant temperature.  I continued working until after supper.  I decided to go to the CVS to use a coupon that was about to expire.  I just got some small items but did get to return the Dr. Scholl’s foot pads that Evelyn didn’t seem to get any benefit from.  The drug store was kind enough to refund the price instead of making us mail it back to the company.  We went to bed early. 

Thursday I cut the grass on all 3 yards I mow in the winter and was finishing lunch when my brother, Stan, called me on the phone!  He had done nothing to communicate with me for more than a year until this past August when he sent pictures or his son, Rick, (who had concocted things in his mind about my trying to make a Christian out of him) and his daughter, Jamie, (who had marked me off her communication list right after I had sent her a letter for her ex and a check for her to help her financially) and their families.  I guess the families don’t like some things I have done.  We tanked for a bit and tried to SKYPE on our computers.  We couldn’t get it to work properly.  I did learn that he had developed lung cancer and had undergone some sort of lung surgery.  I couldn’t understand much of what he said.  We gave up SKYPING and took some things to be recycled.  We then went to look for glasses for Evelyn.  A local establishment is having a 2 for 1 sale on eyeglasses but won’t sell her any without a new eye exam.  She will get it tomorrow.  We came home and I barbecued steaks for us and the Froments.  We had a great meal (the best steaks I have ever cooked).  Afterward, Marilyn  worked on trying to get my printer to scan.  She failed but sent me an email with the information that she had scanned on her printer.  I forwarded it to Rosalie.  We really appreciate all the electronic help we have received from our Canadian neighbors. 

Friday began with a performance with the kitchen band at Valley Grande Manor.  There must have been 50 or more residents of the nursing home there.  They seemed to really enjoy the songs and goofing around.  There were 2 people in the home that we know.  We always finish our performances by going around and greeting the audience.  I always try to remind them that Jesus loves them or Christo de Ama in Spanish.  We came home for lunch, and then Evelyn drove me to the hospital.  She left me and I worked with our crew for the afternoon.  I enjoy the people.  Evelyn went to the grocery and her appointment with the optometrist.  She had to wait 2 hours to have the exam.  She has to return tomorrow to get the glasses.  We just stayed home and watched a movie after eating our pizza for supper.  It has been very temperate compared to the reported temperatures and weather conditions in the north.  We are praying for the people on our list and enjoying the Christmas season.  We have enjoyed the 4th day of Christmas.