Though there were lots of stockings and presents, the "pile" paled versus past years when everyone was here. But not in thoughtfulness! Every gift seemed to touch the receiver and the giver, as well.
Melissa, in her new "green mode," found this artificial tree and it looks great. Came in a box - three sections. All one has to do is insert pipe into pipe (I did that) and then figure out the lights (I couldn't do that!). Turned out very nice and we'll use it for years to come.
Uh oh, a stranger in our midst - well, not really. This is a stray cat found in Plano and "rescued" by a friend from high school, Carol Fort. The reason it's included is that this is the 1st white Christmas she can remember in the Dallas area (and you all missed it, Holly!).
Michael and Louise - a professor buddy of ours and artist wife. They moved here from Canada a couple of years ago. She's French-Canadian. Michael and I try to play pool once a week.
My wonderful and creative gift from Luke and Kayla. Kerry's sister, Jen, has a small business which helps kids make these original drawings. Thanks, Kids, it's beuuuuutiful! Can we expect one every Christmas??
What a surprise when I opened this sweet gift from Jordan and Olivia. I first thought it was a nice ornament for our mantle. Then, as I was putting the box aside, I noticed the writing said something about a "recording!" Lo and behold, when I pushed the recording button, there were two little voices wishing us a Merry christmas. Good work, Girls. Very impressive.
We, too, had a white Christmas, albeit not as unusual as Dallas'. Also, not as deep as Kevin's various visits when there was 3 - 4' in the yard for he and his friends to enjoy on the slopes.
MK with Oscar. He's regrown the fur that was clumpy and shaved off in the rescue kennel. He looks wonderful. Sweetest cat going and a durn sweet wifely, too!
Well Folks, that was our '09 Christmas. We hope each of you had one equally as nice. We're off to Austin tomorrow to visit Lindy, Chris, and baby Riley to come 2/14. I'll get down to Bastrop to see Jan and Jack and have BBQ in Lockhart. May go to a Texas State B'Ball game, too.
