And the Celebrations Begin!

The past week was filled with our usual routine so I had nothing blog-worthy to share with you. But, things changed on Friday night.

Friday night seemed to be the “official” beginning of Christmas celebrations here in Lower Alabama. All over the county there were parades and Christmas lightings. We attended Christmas in the Park in Silverhill. The weather was perfect – temps in the high 40s and the air was crispy. The entire center of town was filled with lights and decorations, as well as the businesses.

Our church was beautifully decorated, too.

And there was a parade! It was the perfect length – just about 30 minutes.

I'm sorry the pictures are so dark. I just have a point-and-shoot camera. But, you get the idea.

I really think Randy & I were made for small towns. We loved it! Everyone knew everyone else. (We even knew several folks!) Kids were running around playing. It was great.

Saturday was Christmas Bazaar day throughout the county – or so it seemed. We went to two of them; our church's and the Methodist church just down the road from the park. I commented to Randy that I'm not really sure why we go each year 'cause we never buy anything. I guess I just like to browse. I'm always amazed at the beautiful handmade creations: wreaths, jewelry, wooden crafts, baby clothes, scarfs, pottery. I am in awe of folks who can do things like that.

This morning we went to church, as usual. Afterward, we went to lunch at Derailed Diner

with Dick & Pat and Ron & Ruth. It was nice to spend some time with them as we hadn't since we arrived. The diner is cutely decorated inside with lots of different transportation vehicles and themes.

Some of the tables were made up to look like pick-up truck tailgates. And some of the chairs were actual seats from cars and vans! At the counter you could choose to sit on a saddle or a tractor seat in addition to regular stools.

Often in these themed diners the food isn't very good. But, we were fortunate – the food was great! Three of us had the stuffed pork chops special; two had the roast turkey special; and Randy got the BBQ meat loaf dinner. We were all very happy with our choices.

The coming week is going to be a busy one. We've got lots of music going on, which is always fun. Randy has two concerts with Baldwin Pops. I've got three rehearsals and one gig. Then, I'm singing “O Holy Night” in church next Sunday. So, we are filled with the Christmas spirit here! :)

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season. If not, please stop, take a breath, and be still for a moment. Then, maybe you can remember why this is the most wonderful time of the year!

Until the next time . . .