Saturday, December 29, 2012

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!

13 comments:

Mimi said...

So glad you are enjoying your holiday vacation.

pdudgeon said...

your post made me smile BIG!

update on my quilting goals:
i have 3 of the 5 goals DONE! YEA!!

Darlene said...

Oh, Vicky what a delightful small town. Thank you for sharing with us. When you retire I'm going to visit you. teehee!

Hugs!

mascanlon said...

Sounds like a perfect holiday Vicky! We enjoyed ours as well and are looking forward to a new year full of health, happiness and many quilty finishes! Hugs to you and Penny, hope she is thrilled to see you.

PJ said...

Happy to hear you had a wonderful Holiday vacation. May you have a Blessed New year.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Sounds like a wonderful place to retire. Happy New year to you too!

antique quilter said...

sounds like the perfect place, home.
glad your enjoying yourself and spending time with your brother and sil
Kathie

Sarah said...

Where in the US is this small town? It sounds so like the town I live here in Australia! The services and businesses sound much the same, built to support the local farming industry and those who work in it. We have banks, a pharmacy and a school here too. I love learning about similar rural areas in other countries!

Sharon said...

Sounds like a fabulous place to spend the holidays and to live. I've got my 25 block applique all basted and ready to start quilting, I'm saving the first stitches for New Years Day!

Carol said...

Oh Vicky I'm so happy that you got to go home for Christmas...sounds like the perfect place to live. Glad Penny had a nice vacation too! Oh yes, I'll do a little stitching on New Year's day and NO cleaning!..LOL!

Thelma said...

Best wishes to you too Vicky!

Jo said...

Happy New Year and a year closer to retirement :0) Health and Happiness to you as well

AnnieO said...

Nothing like being with family for the holidays! Sounds like you enjoyed every bit of your time there. Happy New Year!