Christmas Review

I had a nice Christmas. Dinner was at Mike and Maggie's house in Parma, OH. Kathleen, Joe, Bob, Mandy, Marnie and her husband Mike , Kendal, and I were in attendance. Tim was working. Lois (Tim's Companion) was probably with her family. Patty and Dan Sr. were at home in Massachusetts. Dan Jr., Laura, and Amy Marie were probably with Laura's family. Patrick was probably in Los Angeles. Amy was in Long Island with her boyfriend and his family. We all had a nice time and enjoyed our presents. I received a Circuit City Gift Card from my nephew, Dan. It came in an envelope addressed to Bob and me. Thinking that it was just a Christmas card, I had Bob open it. Of course, Dan and Laura killed two birds with one stone. I walked into the room just in time to see the gift card. This was on December 22. If it happens again, I'll wait until Christmas. In any event, the gift is greatly appreciated.

Two days later, we celebrated Maggie's birthday at her house. Kathleen, Joe, and I were the only ones at dinner (besides the hosts). Marnie, Mike, and Kendal were there earlier, (before I arrived) but they left to go back to Howell, MI. The people who weren't there at Christmas weren't at this gathering either. Bob and Mandy were both working. It was a nice occasion. Maggie appreciated her presents. We did well working without a net (There was no list.). The next party should be Bob's birthday in February (Marnie's Mike's birthday is in January, but the celebration will probably be in Michigan.).

Maybe tomorrow, I will provide the Gift Exchange assignments.

Questions Answered

I now know the answer about who filled in for Patrick on the trip to Puerto Rico. It was nobody. His parents were able to attain a voucher for a future trip. Speaking of them, they will have an "Empty Nest" Christmas this year. Dan Jr. and Patrick will be staying home. Amy is heading for Long Island to be with her boyfriend's family. It would have been nice to have them here in the Cleveland area to be with their first grandchild. There's always next year.

The gift exchange is going fine. I haven't started shopping yet, but I hope to get started this week. I don't anticipate any problems.

There will be a new report soon. Go to Kendal's blog at http://kendalmarie.blogspot.com for more details on my other great niece. Amy Marie does not have a blog "yet", but anything is possible.