Dec 4 - Lovely lunch with dear Katie Heermann, one of my newer Virginia 1st Baptist friends I’ve gotten to know over the last several visits. Tasty lunch, sweet fellowship and games of Tile Rummy!
Yesterday was the 13th anniversary of Pop’s death, his homegoing to be with His Lord. Each year I particularly remember his last 4 days in detail as they were in sharp contrast with one another. As he attended 2 Christmas parties, served coffee Sunday morning at church, then entered the hospital Monday afternoon and was gone by Tuesday night. Just a reminder how quickly life can change, how important it is to treat each day as a gift, and so important to look for God’s touch, His blessings in both the difficult and joyful times. This year as I have done other years I honored him by making his favorite caramel cinnamon rolls, enjoying one for breakfast! Oh how he loved his cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee! I don’t do coffee but did do an Almond Moo! So good! Miss you Pops! Oh how he loved life and loved to sing both in Swedish and English! Hmmm think I’ll pull up some videos of him singing in Swedish in my Grandma Sward’s church in Sweden! Always a special treat!
Last night I participated for the 2nd year of caroling and chiming with the 1st Baptist Church of Woodbridge choir and handbells as they shared in spreading Christmas joy at Chick-fil-A. The manager is a choir member, he arranges to have Santa and Mrs Claus, crafts for the kids, while 3 groups rotate caroling inside, caroling and chiming outside for the drive thru or taking a “goodie break” filling up on sugar…cookies, brownies, an assortment of hot cocoa flavors and sweet topping condiments, strawberries to dip in hot chocolate sauce, pretzels and so much more! Yes I chimed! I caroled! And I enjoyed sweet treats! We would do each station for 15 minutes, then rotate to the next station. We did this from 5-7pm. The place was packed! At the conclusion we presented a coupon and were treated to a complimentary meal AND 3 gift cards for various menu items and a Chick-fil-A Christmas ornament! Fun time was had by all! But I was exhausted! It was time to relax and catch a good Christmas Hallmark movie!
Probably one more blog entry before flying west on Tuesday. Saturday a Christmas Bizarre at a local high school, Sunday morning worship at 1st Baptist, Sunday afternoon Christmas concert at the clubhouse, Monday up to Harve de Grace, Maryland to see Micah perform in his school Christmas program and celebrate birthdays! Sara and I share the same birthday on the 13th! And Tuesday the 12th late afternoon I fly out of DC for Seattle for 5 weeks at home before returning to Virginia to continue my road trip! Thanks for joining me!
Katie and Laurie at lunch.
Caramel cinnamon rolls in honor of Pops!
Caroling at Chick-fil-A
A very festive Chick-fil-A!
Karol, you know I have so many memories of Connie too! Watching him on the roof putting up Christmas lights (and making sure you knew he was doing it), sliding the newspaper and mail down the driveway during snow storms and so much more - walks on the beach and boat rides to Blake for salmon, etc. Miss both Betty & Connie - mixed up Pepper Kaker dough tonight for baking tomorrow!! See you soon
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