Merry Neighborhood Christmas

Last night my jet lag finally caught up with me and I passed out at eight at night. This meant I missed a traditionally wonderful neighborhood Christmas party. There was just nothing I could do to keep my body going and I had a busy day planned for today to get ready for Christmas.

I slept until five this morning. When I awoke and discovered how early it was I made myself go back to sleep so I could try and get back on East coast time. Big mistake because in my fitful half sleep I did something to my back and woke up with a pulled muscle. So much for my busy day. I have limped around, trying to do the least taxing jobs I could do, icing my back and taking the strongest pain meds in the house. Best laid plans.

But what does it really matter? I have Russ, Carter and Shay Home. We have no other family coming for Christmas since they are testing out being in Florida for the holiday. Our friends the Toms, who have no other family either, are coming for Christmas Eve dinner and they are the easiest guests since they are more like family.

As I was upstairs washing a sweater for Carter the doorbell rang and Shay was barking a greeting to someone. I went downstairs to find our friends the Aldridges outside in their new to them antique pick up truck with their famous dog Norman in the back in his bed. They were delivering holiday cheer. Cheer indeed. This is why I love living in our neighborhood for the last 24 years.

Having good friends just drop by to wish you a Merry Christmas with their dog is the reason I don’t want to go anywhere else for the holidays. Thanks to Mack, Elizabeth, Liza and Caroline and of course Norman for bringing a smile to my face and making my back feel better.

Merry Christmas to you and all of yours. If you can’t be with family this time of year drop by your friends, they are the family you choose.