12/4/2016

Weekly Update 12/4//2016

I accomplished quite a lot this week.

Beginning on Monday, I did some walking this week. On Monday, I walked with Jane Lewis, from the Lunch Bunch. I connected with her at Thanksgiving, and we decided to walk at Daffin Park Monday morning. It was nice to chat with her, and, although I don't really want to go for walk, to be in Daffin Park again. I used to go there all the time when I first moved to Savannah, but haven't done that loop in over a year. Thursday, when my VW was at the spa for a treatment, I walked over to Oglethorpe Mall. That's pretty much my idea of hell – being at the mall for hours – but I didn't have any place else to wait for the more than half a day that it took them to check out the car. I did find a wonderful, soft, warm throw on sale at Steinmart that I just couldn't ignore. I take a nap nearly every day, so this will be great for the colder winter months in the condo. Saturday, Donna and I were downtown, and we walked a lot to see some of the holiday decorations. Unbelievably, I did not ache after all this exercise this week. 

Friday was a busy day. DH, of course, and the tours were large and filled with interested visitors. My tours lasted almost the entire hour because there were so many questions. I love it when people seem to listen and take in what I'm telling them! After that, was The 90. It was the customer appreciation Christmas party, when they set up a (free) tasty buffet in the bar area and we can all help ourselves to the marvelous hors d'oeuvres that Jim prepares. Everything was so good, and I wasn't surprised. I had to leave early because the Methodist Church on Wilmington Island was presenting a theatrical production, and my friend, Charles, was starring. The play was I Hate Hamlet, and it was very well done. My very good friend, Pat Hoffman, was remembered, and the play was dedicated to her. She began this group in 2010, and was the director and creative catalyst for the group until she became too ill. She died in September this year, and we all miss her so much. It was a wonderful tribute to her. I've been to plays at this church before, because of Pat and Charles, and always enjoyed them. One of the very nice things about the performances is that they are always preceded with cookies (baked by the church ladies – how great is that) and punch. So, although I was stuffed from eating at The 90, I was able to get a few good cookies down.

Charles, as John Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet

Saturday was busy as well. When I got up, I FINALLY finished decorating the condo. I'd put the nutcracker out earlier in the week, but just couldn't get motivated to finish everything. Well, what's the rush? - it's Dec 3rd! But because I had all the stuff thrown everywhere in the blue bedroom, I wanted to get it all organized and put the empty boxes back in the closet.

some of my nutcrackers

some of my decorations - this is my recliner where I spend a LOT of time. my new blanket is draped there, and my crossword puzzle book, ipad, and iphone are within easy reach

Audrey, dressed up as a Christmas tree

In the afternoon, I picked Donna up at the airport; she was returning from spending some time at Thanksgiving with her family in Boston and Maine. I'd missed her, and it was wonderful to see her walking down that long hall at the airport - you know, where us terrorists are not allowed to go. We didn't even go home, but instead went downtown. We saw the big tree on Bull Street, the lights along Broughton Street, and took the water taxi to the Westin to look at the Gingerbread display. I was a little fearful of the water taxi since the ramp collapsed a week or so ago, sending tourists into the cold Savannah River water. That taxi stop is now closed, so we needed to walk to the Waving Girl to be picked up there. The gingerbread was wonderful of course, but both Donna and I thought that there was not as many as there have been before.

gingerbread City Hall, Westin Hotel, and Talmadge Bridge

I liked this one, and so did the judges

not as many as other years,but still a lot, and all wonderful

We were still in the historic area when the DH party began, so we went there. The food there was amazing. Everyone was to bring something to share, and since I'm no expert in the kitchen, I contributed a bottle of wine. But what some of these other docents and patrons shared was amazing!

Sunday, I relaxed in the morning. It seemed to be a while since I've just been able to get leisurely out of bed, and then sit by my window with my coffee and do a crossword puzzle or play a computer game. It was delightful especially since I snuggled under my new blanket and was in the glow of Audrey. In the evening, Donna and I joined downstairs neighbors John and Dave for a drink before going to the Victorian Society Christmas party. I don't know why groups such as this schedule parties when they know the Bills are playing the late game, but they did. As much as I wanted to be at Coach's, this party is only once a year, and it's a chance to enjoy some friends that I would perhaps not see another time of year. It was very nice, too. Allen and I had bets on the game, since he's been a Raiders fan for a very long time. It seems that the Salvation Army Bucket in Savannah will be $20 richer, thanks to the Bills loss.

at the Victorian Society party