One busy week is over and I’m in the midst of another.

On Monday, Dec. 22, I talked on the phone with my daughter, Kathy Carnevale, and then my daughter, Marcia Pangburn, came over for breakfast.

Marcia has been sick with an upper respiratory infection. She went to her primary doctor on Friday, and got a prescription but she’s still very weak.

My daughter, Kathy, has had a cold for six weeks.

The hustle and bustle

I went to the grocery store for the rest of the items I’d need for Christmas dinner. I thought turkey would really be on sale this week, but the price was the same as Friday.

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, my granddaughter, Danielle Ricketts, stopped in on her way to work, and told me Zoey is sick with a cold. She told me she has Christmas Eve off and would I go with them to do some last minute Christmas shopping. I gladly said “yes,” because spending time with them is special to me.

I baked an apple and a blueberry pie for my Christmas desserts.

My daughter, Marcia, came over and wrapped her Christmas presents as she didn’t have any wrapping paper.

Later in the day, my granddaughter, Kassi Neal, stopped by with Christmas presents for everyone and put them under my tree.

On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, I went up to Danielle’s to care for Zoey while she finished up her shopping. I held Zoey for an hour-and-a-half while she napped. It was as comforting to me as it was for her.

My daughter, Kathy came to Danielle’s to bring them Christmas gifts, and then Kathy brought gifts to my house.

At 6 p.m. I rode to the Christmas in the barn Nativity program at Brian Whipple’s barn in Knox with Marcia and Kyra. Samson, Nichole, and Iain Bullis were angels.

They were high up in the loft with Amy Anderson, who was also an angel. They sang beautifully above the manger where Mary and Joseph knelt with Baby Jesus (Nichole’s doll).

The three wise men came and also, the shepherds. It was a moving experience for the children, for the true meaning of the season.

Christmas dinner

I spent all Christmas day cooking, but I love having my family together. Samson and Nichole had to be back to their mother by 11 a.m.

My menu was turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, cranberry sauce, and rolls.

Kassi got there in time to mash potatoes and make gravy.

My guests were Marcia, Kyra, Brandon, Jenn, Miles, Melissa, Kathy, Gary, Kassi, Jared, Danielle, and Zoey.

I played with Zoey after dinner and Miles and Melissa packed up the food and did the dishes.

End of the week

Friday, Dec. 26, was a good day to rest. I did have a lot of dishes and utensils to put away after the big meal.

Marcia and Kyra came over and we enjoyed the leftovers.

On Saturday, Dec. 27, I went to visit Danielle, Zoey, and Matt Babcock for a while and then I spent the rest of the day with Brandon, Jenn, Samson, Nichole, and Iain.

Jenn prepared a delicious dinner of roast venison. Remember she hit a nine-point buck with her car right before deer season. She also had mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables and mandarin oranges.

We ended the evening by playing Chinese Checkers. Miles and Melissa spent most of the afternoon with us. The children love showing them their gifts and were thrilled to receive Wii games from them.

My birthday

Sunday came and it was my birthday. Wow!

Nichole had stayed overnight with me. She’s so cuddly. We read books before we went to sleep. We had scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Everyone in church sang “Happy Birthday” to me.

Then about 3 p.m., Jenn brought over a cake that Nichole and Iain baked and decorated. Brandon and Samson came also. Kathy, Gary, Kassi, Jared, Marcia, Kyra, and her friend, Ella David all came for birthday cake. I received nice gifts, sweaters, car wash tickets, and gift certificates.

Next I went to dinner with Kathy, Gary, Kassi, and Jared to the Toma restaurant in Slingerlands.

Then I came home to find my sister, Pat Sykala, of Schenectady waiting for me. I had for gotten she was coming. Next my niece, Veronica Weigand, of Voorheesville came to visit me.

I received more gifts, a candle, hand lotion, candy, and a night light.

What a fun day I had. Next year my birthday falls on a Monday so I imagine it’ll be much quieter.

Thompson’s Lake

Reformed Church
On Sunday, Dec. 28, we were led in worship by Matthew Richardson with Sheila Stempel at the organ. Matthew’s message was entitled “There is no growth without Suffering.” It was one of the best sermons ever and it would be great to have a copy of it for future reference.