Happy New Year

We can hardly believe that today is our one month anniversary!  So much has happened in the past month that the time has flown. Suffice it to say that we've experienced a lot of changes, learned many things about our new home and lifestyle. After no water, electrical malfunctions, frozen water and sewer lines we're still (relatively) warm and determined to "press on".  Piles of stuff have gradually disappeared and we can actually sit comfortably to eat or watch TV without moving something.
We managed to do our delayed Christmas shopping in one marathon day which is an unbelievable, and hopefully never-to-be-repeated, accomplishment. Next job was wrapping the gifts and keeping them in the right pile. The picture will give you some idea of the challenge we faced.  We were so happy to deliver the gifts and regain some space for the new year.  Now to find a place to store the holiday trappings until next year.

We had "two Christmases" with different parts of the family at Melanie and David's home in Atlanta and watched our grandkids excitedly open their gifts several times. Santa brought the two princesses and the little prince (aka "The Fearsome Dragon" a castle. Everyone contributed to the food and beverages and Lydia made our traditional "Mother Decker's Meat Pies". Jim declared them the best she'd ever done! (It only took me 36 years to get this accolade! But I'll never come close to Mother Decker's version.)

On the 27th. three of the grandkids (Olivia-9, Zoe-4, and Zack-2) joined us in the trailer for three days as our first overnight guests. Thankfully the mild weather allowed hiking and some outside activities, but we let the TV save us several times. Since we have only one extra bed, they all slept together ... all night long with no problems.  Whew!  Getting everyone dressed and redressed was a shuffle, but everything went surprisingly well.  We hope they will come back as often as they can.
Two golf course workers wanted off for the New Year's weekend, so Lydia and I worked both afternoons. The Saturday weather (sunny and near 70) brought many people to the course and we cleaned and stored about 40 carts. We did half that many carts on Sunday due to the colder weather. (I am amazed how many people play this course -  in weather I think is better suited for sitting in front of a fireplace.) New Years' Eve was a quiet affair since we have no neighbors. After dinner we opened a bottle of champagne, watched the ball drop on TV, kissed each other, and then went to bed. (Life in the fast lane is so exhilerating and stimulating!) Cooking, as I do it, has been quite a challenge, but we still managed to have our black-eyed peas and collard greens with cornbread on the first day of 2012.

As we mentioned, there are no other folks here, but we have had a frequent guest since the end of the year. "Wild Cat" showed up looking for food, TLC, and some warmth. Lydia provided all that, but Jim said not in the trailer. Jim spent part of one day building a shelter for Wild Cat since the lows were to be in the teens. Of course, she rejected that and slept in a pile of blankets and a spare cat bed supplied by Lydia. (She's a really nice, friendly cat who would love a new home.  Any takers? We'll deliver in Georgia.)

And so, 2012 has begun for us.  We're still waiting for the water to be turned back on (major break outside the park) and the weather to warm up.  We've begun submitting applications for our destination next winter...probably further south where the temp is a little more conducive to outdoor activities. Stay well and warm where you are.

'Til next time...