At Year's End

I can't think of a better way to close out 2012 than with a trip home.  It was certainly no secret that I was spending my first Christmas home in 18 years.  I was so busy before I left that I just didn't have time to post about it. 

Penny is probably having the time of her life this week at the spa.  She was real clingy when we arrived, but when I opened the door and she heard dogs playing, she took off running.  I checked her in and watched her for a few minutes before leaving.  She was cavorting and running and kissing every dog she saw.  So much for being clingy - she didn't even look back at me as I walked out the door!  Gotta love a happy dog!

This small town where my brother and sister-in-law live is so unique.  It's (to steal a word often used down here) tee-niney!  There's a Winn-Dixie and several smaller country type markets, so finding food items is not a problem.  There's a Wal-Mart, a small shoe store, a couple of gift type stores, and lots of places to eat.  There are a lot of small businesses catering to the farming industry, John Deere, etc., and there's a hospital.  The next larger town is only about 30 miles, so a once-a-week shopping excursion could easily be planned.  And there are two even larger towns 50 miles away; again, very doable.

I've written many times about the old homes and oak trees here, so I won't repeat that.  I would love to take the walking tour of the historical district.  We attended Christmas Eve Mass in a stunning church.  The stained glass is remarkable.  The church will celebrate its 100 year anniversary in 2013.  I need to read up on the history of Church of the Assumption, but I think I was told the church was built by a local to honor the Holy Mother Mary for blessings received.  A really beautiful structure.   Right across the street is an equally beautiful Methodist church, and I'm sure there are others in the area.  It will be fun getting to know this small town when I retire here.

It's going to be difficult going back to work on Wednesday.  The traffic alone is a good reason to retire!  I so look forward to gardening, quilting, and all the other things that seem to take the back burner to work.  But work, as they say,  is the means to an end!

I wish for everyone a healthy and happy New Year.  My goals are etched in stone!

Just a reminder that I post annually.  Take a few stitches on New Year's Day because ...

... what you do on New Year's Day, you do for the rest of the year!

Happy New Year!