Our Friends, the Spice of Life!

Here we are in this brand New Year, and just feeling so thankful for all our grand, and loving
friends, who always share so much in our lives, giving that "extra glow" that comes from caring
and sharing with others! I was thinking about how much love and adventure we have shared
through the years with our old and new friends, as they have given that extra spark and laughter, that just brightened up our days! What would this world be, without good and
faithful friends to share our lives with, and add zest and adventure to our days!

I recall one adventure in childhood with one of my dear friends, as we were playing --"riding our beloved bikes straight toward each other, until one of us yelled out "chicken"! We were both bull-headed and stubborn, each trying to outdo the other in all our games. All of a sudden we
crashed, hitting each other head-on, (as neither of us wanted to yell "chicken")--thus she went flying over her
handlebars, & I was thrown off to the side of the road! I didn't break anything, but my good
friend was laying on the ground, shaking so hard, & said; " I think I've broken my collar bone!! " "Oh no, I yelled, I am so sorry!" About that time, our neighbor came along & called the ambulance. She actually
did suffer a painful broken collar-bone, and I felt so very guilty, taking her flowers, and wishing
it had been me instead of her! She did forgive me, but we never played that "chicken" bike
game again! We are still friends to this day, and we spent many nights at each other's homes, as we were growing up, and playing more civilized board games, watching movies together, eating popcorn, and sharing so much together, as good friends do.

Often, I think about just how much our summer-time fun was enhanced by our enduring and
warm-hearted friendships! Going swimming, eating all that delicious picnic food, going to the
famous "county fair" together, cheering on our favorite ball-teams, going on trips with our
parents and friends---grand and glorious times to cherish with our friends and families!

I recall the words of the author, Henry James; "This was the perfect middle of a splendid summer afternoon, part of the afternoon had waned, but much of it was left, and what was left, was of the finest and rarest quality"! So many times during summer, we would take walks in the beautiful woods behind my dear grandfather's big victorian home, and just sit beside the mossy banks, which surrounding the seven springs, & small pond, and "dream our dreams" of our exciting future life! We named that place "Camelot", and hoped someday our
handsome prince would come riding into our lives, taking us away to live happily everafter!
We dearly loved watching those beautiful, inspiring sunsets, as our summer days waned, and
our families expected us home for supper around that time. AH-h-h-h, the beauty and
wonder of childhood friends, carries over into adulthood, thus the enduring friendships
continue to enhance our days, and enrich our lives.

So take some time to talk with your friends, or make new ones, as the old saying goes:
"Friends are the spice of life", so make many of them as you go along life's pathway, and
you will be happy as the days flow by! Enjoy your special friends, and stay happy!

Happy New Year -- New Beginnings

A brand new year, how wonderful it feels to have a chance to begin fresh and new in 2008!
Here's wishing each and every one of my faithful readers out there a "Glorious and Happy New Year", ----may you have good health, great wealth, and happiness galore in 2008!!


Christmas was wonderful, and the family members all came home to celebrate the birthday of Jesus around the Christmas Tree, and catch up on all the latest family news. We had a big surprise as our grandson, Jeff, even made it home all the way from Germany!! It was a delightful and happy time to see all the bright and beautiful faces of our loving family, together for Christmas
celebrations! The children with their excitement building up for the surprise gifts under the
tree, and then see their big smiles when they open their delightful gifts--what a wonder to behold! Now the precious moments will linger with us, and the happy times will be recalled
throughout this New Year.

We did have a big surprise in a small white envelope under the Christmas tree, and when I
opened it---there was a "Fun Pass for a Cruise to the Bahamas", beginning Dec. 29th. - Jan. 3rd. of 2008, for me and my husband! (What a big thrill --planned by my husband!) So we were
ready to pack our luggage, and head for Florida to board the Carnival Celebration Ship for
the Caribbean Cruise. It was just fabulous in every way, they made us feel like royalty,
waiting on us, meeting our every need. The food, entertainment and service were really
outstanding! The New Year's Eve party was superb, with grand food, & entertainment as well!
What a way to begin a New Year, cruising on the high seas---(some of the waves were over
16 ft. high,--- but our sea legs held out just fine)! We even visited the famous "Atlantis" at
Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas, and were thrilled with the fabulous hotel and lovely
grounds--truly a jewel there! We had fabulous sunsets every night and enjoyed our cruise
immensely---what a way to begin the brand New Year!

I also am very thankful that we do have a big family, to love and care for, as on the cruise we
met some folks that have lost most all their family members due to ill health, etc. I felt
sympathy for them, but they still managed to have a good celebration with their close friends.
We met some beautiful folks from various countries on the cruise, and learned a lot about the staff on board. They
were all so friendly, and did their jobs exceedingly well. Most of the staff were from Italy,
and had worked for many years for Carnival Ships. They were most attentive to our needs.

Well, I must sign off for now, still unpacking to do, and many other chores ahead, including
taking down the Christmas tree, & packing up all the many decorations for the season. That
is the part I dislike, putting away all the decor after the happy times---just pack it away
until next Christmas. So, remember to be good all year, and perhaps Santa will pay you
a visit on Christmas eve of 2008! Happy New Year to all and to all a Good-night!!