Last Night we had the Saunders Family gathering for Christmas. Haley was the center of attention. She is soooooo cute, showing her Dad and Grandpa how to put together her Dragon Ball Game. Aunts Max and Barb and Uncle John were able to visit with Haley. She is trying to walk, and any day now will take her first steps. She entertained us all by standing alone, and pushing her new push toys as she walked thru the living room. Our friends Sandy and Mike were also able to be with us. I cooked Salmon and Turkey, and I believe everyone had plenty to eat. We exchanged gifts, and I received some lovely items for my new Florida home. After Dinner we had some lively discussion, and I think everyone had a good time. Tomorrow we leave for Florida. Today is the 60th Anniversary of my parents! Congradulations Mom and Dad!

We had a very nice Christmas. Since I couldnt find a pre-lit, I opted to decorate the Norlk Island Pine that Dick tried to kill while I was in Florida. It reminded me a little of Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree. What do you think? We stopped into visit the Cross Family after church and discovered that Dave didn't need to work on Christmas, so that made everyone happy. Next we went to spend time with Dick's Grand -daughter, Haley. She was at her other Grandparents taking a nap. When she woke up she was excited and curious about all the People. She opened some of her presents and then we all set down to a yummy dinner! Thanks Jim and Jane

I have included shots of Christmas in Florida......Loki by my Cmas Tree, the girls open their present from me early, Emma attempt to get inside "childproof fence", and Emma and Paige built a Gingerbread House. The First Day of Winter.....boy have I been busy. Mike C installed shelves in our new basement closet. I quickly took possession and filled up the shelves before Dick came home. I unpacked boxes of clothes but, I still cannot find my winter coats. Melissa said they are not in any boxes in FL, and I have looked every where. Maybe I will need to add winter coat to my List for Santa! Next I made calling cards with my Florida address and BLOGspot. I finally completed my address labels and stamped the envelopes. Hopefully, they will get in the mail tomorrow. I have successfully installed my Card Reader/Writer with the help of Gregory on the phone while he was supervising the installation of kitchen counter tops. So now I can include pics with my BLOG. Also I sent Cmas gifts to the Wozniak and McClelland grandchildren via the web. I hope Jeffrey and Christopher stay in Idaho long enough to receive their gifts from Aunt Bobbie and Dr. Dick. Now I must cook a quick dinner before Dick gets in from Pilates, because we need to run to the Mall!

Latest Pool update, since that is the FAQ on this Blog. The child fence was put in place. Paige was ready to get her bathing suit and test it out, but her "mean" mother said no. I remember when we would go swimming at VH pool in minus 70* weather. The pool temp is 73* and the air was 75*. I believe Melissa has turned in to a bona fide Floridian. We went to the parade here in town, once again the kids brought home bags of candy which was thrown from the people on the floats. Later that night we viewed one of the local communities were everyone puts out Christmas lights, it reminded me of "Christmas with the Cranks". Melissa bugged me until I bought a Spiral Lighted Tree, which I have not put out since it rained yesterday afternoon and today. Anyway, I am decorating the indoor tree now, or I should say I am putting on the lights in anticipation of the girls coming over tomorrow to put the Christmas balls (or if you have seen my tree before, it is actually decorated with tiny sailboats, etc.) on. I'll be returning to the cold North on Thursday, I hope I beat that snowstorm predicted for the area.

Work continues on the pool. The girls decided they would check it out after it was "fired-up". As you can see the Spa is not functioning because there is a leak. The leak detection guy is suppose to come back and repair it, which will mean breaking the deck near the spa to get to the leak. Of course with the first sign of a rain drop, construction/production stops. Oh well, that is standard for Florida, I am told. Then they will repair the hole and paint the deck with a second coat, put up the child fence, and refill the Spa. Next the propane tank will be installed and finally the yard will be graded and re-sod. Mike and Melissa are scheduled to be trained in Pool Management. Also we did some raking in the front yard. No sign of the snake/frog/big bug who has dug a hole in my flower bed.The weather continues to be just wonderful.

At the suggestion of my "techie" daughter I am creating a new blog. She said it will be easier to use...we will see. Anyway the weather here in Edgewater has been beautiful. We went to the NSB parade on Saturday. The kids loved it especially the candy part. They had everyone in town marching in the Parade, it was real Americanna. After that, we went to the Boat Parade on the Indian River. I really enjoyed that, much nicer to watch in your t-shirts than your Artic Parka like I wear at the Annapolis Boat Parade! Today the temp almost hit 80*and it was very sunny. I had read an article in the Sunday Daytona Journal which suggest gardeners set out the plants that "Northerners" usally plant in the Springtime. These flowers tolerate the Florida weather, this time of year. I put out Snap-dragons, Pansies, and Dusty Millers.