About two months have elapsed since I last wrote of our life happenings. So, after a review of my calendar, here’s a summary:

My kid brother, Tim, who lives in Oakland, CA, came for a visit. He stayed for a few days…we had a great time catching up…his daughter, Anne, is now a freshman at Stanford University…and touring The Villages. Tim was facinated with all the historical plaques around the town squares relaying the fictitious history of the area.

Said goodbye to our good friends Matt and Rachel Anthony. They left for Seattle, WA, to plant a church. Just when we were beginning to get really close . . . God speed.

Attended the annual Belvedere Babes Christmas party. The Belvedere Babes are women who live in our village, Belvedere. They gather for lunch once a month and have a Christmas dinner to which the husbands are invited. This year we went to Vic’s Embers in Leesburg. Nice digs.

Changed the batteries in our six smoke detectors and one CO detector.

Had dinner at a neighbors. They are Thai and fixed the most scrumptious Thai food. Yumm.

Had a Christmas party at our house. This is a tradition and a gift to our neighbors. This year we hung sheets on ropes all around the garage and decorated the tops with lights, making a nice cozy room. Charlene fixed cheese, crackers, and veggies to start. Black bean soup and potato soup and turkey and ham wraps for the main course. And lemon squares for dessert. Of course there was plenty of homebrew, wine, and soft drinks to go around. Great success.

Then we made another trip to Indy for Christmas to enjoy the company of our offspring. Stacey’s beau Todd cooked marvelous meals while we were there. The weather was even good enough for Dave and I to get in a round of golf.

Arranged for our screened porch to be enclosed with acrylic windows. They started work yesterday.

Mrs. Major’s mother died so we went to San Jose, CA, for the funeral and to support the rest of the family. The ceremony was simple but very nice. Helen had been in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in the second world war, so she had a military honor guard to play taps and fold the flag. One of her granddaughters read an original poem and I spoke.

Played many rounds of golf.

Mrs. Major participated weekly (except when we were gone) in Operation Shoebox, an organization that sends “care” packages to our military folks in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Participated in weekly worship at Village View Community Church and as youth coaches in the youth group. I’m also in the youth band which leads worship at youth group.

Got a bridge in my mouth. Got my teeth cleaned. Got some lab work done in anticipation of my annual physical next week.

Ordered Mrs. Major’s anniversary present: a one hour massage.

That’s about it. Soon I’ll resume my news/dah oh?/culture/beer/etc. posts.