Merry Christmas Everyone

First of all Merry Christmas to anyone who may read this. 

This Christmas we seem to have spent quite a bit of time, with friends, reminiscing about our kids, childhoods, parents, brothers and sisters and so forth.  It really makes us realize how blessed we really are to have our health, a great family, super friends, and the opportunity to do what we're doing.  To live the life most of us have here in North America.

Christmas makes us all think of Christmas's past and who we celebrated them with.  We were so blessed to have spent a couple of them with Thom and Dwaina Sprague.  You may remember from previous posts that Thom passed away last summer.  He's been on my mind allot and I know I'm only one of many people missing him this Christmas. 

RIP Bro.

Thom, third from the right, on a Dirty Dogs Tour, in Boise Idaho, summer 2004

 

For some reason this young lady has been on mind allot also.  She is the Afgany girl who was shot in the head by a Taliban "hero" because she was outspoken on wanting an education for women in her country.  She fooled them and lived.  I know  she doesn't celebrate Christmas but we do, and I hope you join me in keeping her in your prayers.

Malala Yousufzai, a real "Hero."

 

We had a fabulous Christmas eve with some of our friends from dancing.  Ron and Elaine O'Neil invited us to their home where we enjoyed the company of many good people and lots of great food. 

Guys enjoying O'Neil's (Ron in Red) patio

 

Girls inside, Elaine in green, with Bernie at the back

 

This link will take you to Ron's schedule.  If you're in the valley, like good music, and/or dancing, check him out some night.  For dancing we think he's the best in the valley http://wintertexaninfo.com/Bands/RonONeil_A-Party-Of-One.html

 

Christmas day we had a really great time chatting with all of our kids and grandchildren.  This year they were scattered more than usual.  We had a couple of them in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, one in Langely BC, and two in Winnipeg MB.  Getting in touch was easy but conections weren't great.  We use our computer for these calls as a few billion others do on Christmas day.  The connections were tough so we'll just have to do it again soon.  Not something we mind doing.  They were all having a good time.

 

In the afternoon we got together with good freinds Ken and Doreen Broughten at their home for our 5th Christmas dinner at their place.  They have three Broughtons there with their spouses, along with us, and another couple.  It has become a wonderful Christmas tradition here, one we enjoy and treasure.  Thank you Ken and Doreen.

 

As usual we ate way toooooo much.  As seems to be the case this year we spent a couple of hours reminiscing about our childhoods, parents, kids, and so forth.  Maybe it's us, mabe not, but either way it was fun to share stories with friends.

 

So now - well - today we were going out to do a bit of shopping.  In S. Texas they don't do "Boxing day" like we do in Canada.  That day is called Black Friday here and it happens at Thanksgiving.  They do have sales all over the place today but we just don't have the energy to take it on.  Bernie has her Kindle and a cup of coffee.  She's curled up in her recliner - I could be wrong but I think she's done for the day.  I made it to the computer and I think this is all I'll accomplish today.

 

So for now, I'm done, Merry Christmas.

 

Thanks for stopping by and please do leave a comment when you can.

 

Neal and Bernie