Here Comes Christmas! 12/20/15

Hi Sweet Friends!

How are things going with y’all as we ease up to Christmas Day? 

Every year I promise myself I won’t get on that holiday roller coaster of trying to fit too many events into the number of days on the calendar and attempting to find that perfect gift for each and every person on my shopping list.  Every year I fail miserably at all of the above – and this year is no exception. 

Although I did cross off the last item on my “gifts to buy” list this afternoon, there is still wrapping to be done and deliveries to be made.  The good news is that the wrapping and delivering is my favorite part!  I’ve always loved to think up different ways to use paper and ribbon, so tonight – after this post is published – you’ll find me standing at my kitchen island (which I’ve discovered is the perfect height for wrapping), putting the finishing touches on each package before placing it under the tree.  Then – since the Christmas cards are mailed and the last Christmas party has been attended – all that will be left to do is a trip to the grocery store. 

Jason – and his girlfriend Jennifer – and Blake are arriving on Wednesday, and we can’t wait to have them here for a few days.  On Christmas we’ll all drive over to Julie’s for dinner with them and their extended family.  The last count I heard was 16!  So much fun!

Our beautiful Jordan turned Sweet Sixteen this week.  It’s killing her G-Daddy that she’s almost as tall as he is (she’s taller here because she’s wearing heels).  We all went out to dinner to celebrate this special birthday!

I had a great time spreading some Christmas Cheer last week at Florida Hospital Flagler on my volunteer day.  My fellow workers got to taste test some Original Murdick’s Fudge, and they all agreed it was the “best” they’d ever had! 

We finally got a little cooler weather.  It actually got down into the low 40’s one night.  Every Beverly Beach resident got an email from the Town Clerk to “be aware we will be experiencing the coldest temps of the winter”.  She also cautioned anyone who worked outside to “be sure and take an appropriate jacket to the job site”.  Gotta love Florida!

MACKINAC ISLAND NEWS

It snowed!  (This photo and next one by Orietta Barquero)

Islanders were VERY excited when the flakes began to fall, and they’re hoping the temperatures will remain cold enough to prevent any melting – especially until after Christmas.

Bobby Lee captured Main Street – before the snow – framed by the magic of Christmas lights.

And speaking of Bobby Lee, I tracked him down during my Christmas Bazaar trip and thanked him personally for all the beautiful photos he’s been sharing with us.

A lone biker riding into the sunset. (Photo: Greg Main)

Sad news from the island.  With the snow falling peacefully outside, the beautiful and treasured Grand Lady of Mackinac, Jeanette Doud, passed away early Friday morning.  She will always be remembered for her indomitable spirit and her love for the island she called home for her entire 95 years here on this earth. 

Meeting Jeanette was like meeting Island royalty, and it was through her weekly column in the Town Crier that Ted and I first came to know the names of those who would later become our island friends.  We subscribed to the paper the year after we visited Mackinac for the first time, several years before we bought property there. Jeanette brought the island to us each week, wherever we were, and her words always made us feel as if we were there with her.  I can remember thinking back then that to be mentioned in Jeanette’s column would be a highlight I’d always cherish.

The first time I met Jeanette was the first summer we owned our condo.  She was walking toward her home with a friend, and Jill (who had known her for many years) stopped her to introduce “Brenda, the blogger.”  Jeanette was in her 80’s at the time, and she immediately reached a hand into her pocket, brought out a pen and a notepad, and said, “Please write your name and information down for me so I’ll get it just right.”  In the next week’s column, there it was: “Brenda and Ted Horton of Cobb, Georgia have opened their condo at Surrey Hill for the summer.” I still have that issue of the paper.  Ironically, when the Town Crier arrived this week, she mentioned seeing Jill, me, and Sue at the Christmas Bazaar “photographing all the Christmas activities”.  It would be her final column.

Prayers are lifting for her daughter, Mayor Margaret Doud, and the entire Doud family.  I know those of us who loved her from afar can’t begin to fathom the loss they feel, but we will miss her presence and her beautiful smile on the island we all love so much.  She was truly a Grand Lady.

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Personal Note:  Merry Christmas to all of you!   I hope your day is filled with family and friends and your homes ring with the sound of laughter, sweet chatter, and the joy of the true meaning of Christmas.  As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we always remember it is through Him we are given the blessing of forgiveness for our sins and offered the gift of eternal life.  And it all began with a tiny baby, born in a manger, who was God’s first Christmas gift to us all. 

God bless.