Ha! As I wrote 'festivities', I nearly typed 'Festivus', which is the un-Christmas celebration started on "Seinfeld". Now, the State Capital in FL must present a Festivus Pole to make up for those who do not celebrate Christmas. Taking secularism to a whole new level. And it all started because George's dad lost out in a tug of war over a Cabbage Patch Doll for his son. That was it!!! No more Christmas for them---time for the 'airing of grievances'!!
Back to business: Justin took my car to gas it up and waited for me downstairs this cooler morning. When I got down there, he had used the seat warmer to pre-heat mine for me. Now that is service! Picked up at the door with my seat pre-warmed...
We headed to Victory, with the cookies along which Justin had baked the night before. He made them to make up for the brownies I'd baked but didn't taste right. I used the Pampered Chef pan where each brownie is autonomous, and I think they were baked too long. Not singed at all, but had a strong burned taste to them, at least to me they did. But then he suggested we take the cookies to Bible study which I thought was a great plan. I had more cookies which I could bake for the preschool Christmas program today so all would be well.
Our cookies were not the only ones present, however, as Suzanne brought some plus Rita stopped for hot, fresh Krispy Kremes on the way in. We ended up taking along the remainder of ours plus those that Suzanne brought. Justin, upon accepting the cookies, asked Suzanne if would be okay if we shared them with the preschool parents and kids. He is so polite and thoughtful!
From our interesting study of Isaiah 9 (Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) we drove downtown to the River City Brewing Company for a luncheon hosted by my friend and investment counselor, Diane. Parking was at a premium and we ended up in an auxillary parking area adjacent to their lot. It was a short walk back to the restaurant where the luncheon was being held. Once inside I stepped into the restroom before we headed up the curved stairway to the dining room.
I made it to the top, and we found the room reserved for us. Only three others were there plus Diane, as we were a bit early. She greeted Justin and me, and asked us to sit at her table. We met and I talked with a lady named Lynn with whom I had much in common, including both us with children in heaven. Her late husband was from WI and they were married in a Lutheran church here in OP over 40 years ago. She is a member of an organization I am planning to join after the New Year, so I am thankful for Diane who arranged this friendship for us!
We had a marvelous meal, met some nice folks, including a very soft-spoken fellow named Mario who sat to Justin's left. That didn't work out too well for him hearing Mario but they managed to carry on a conversation when they could. The view over the river was a delight and I regret not going there more often. The street layout downtown, especially in this area, is nuts, so I was glad to have my driver who was a bit more familiar (plus had done his homework!) with the streets to get us to our destination, and in good time from the Southside!
