The last couple of weeks of December were all about family. Saturday, December 16, was basketball day for the Adams kids; Aker played in the morning in Maumelle and Ridge played at Bee Branch in the afternoon. We really enjoy watching them both play. Ridge is a really good player, and well advanced beyond his age group. He is a force to be reckoned with.

And then on Sunday, Kay and I traveled to the Memphis area to celebrate Christmas with Jenny, Harper, Lina, and Sutton. It was a subdued celebration as they all were recovering from strep throat. Kay and I masked up, and did not stay long. We sure would like to spend more time with them as this is only the second time we’ve seen them this year.

On Christmas Eve, Kay’s kids visited for brunch and gift exchange. The food was delicious and once again they outdid themselves in gift giving. This was more like the Christmases I used to experience many years ago, and it felt very comfortable. 

We attended the Communion and Candlelight service at church, a tradition Kay and I began when we first started seeing one another. After the service we celebrated Christmas with Jim, Jackie, Pam, and Jackie’s sister and brother-in-law; this too has become a yearly tradition.

Kay and I have celebrated Christmas Day the last several years by deconstructing the Christmas decorations at the house; this year was no exception. And, by this time I was ready to be through with the holiday season as some of our decorations have been up since Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving was early this year.

We also usually travel on or after Christmas but follow-up dental appointments this year have necessitated our remaining home for just over 10 additional days. The dental office staff were dressed for the holiday.

New Year’s Eve was uneventful and we were in bed by 10 p.m. to wrap up 2023.

The first part of December was marked by Christmas concerts and parties, and medical and dental appointments. 

As the Christmas season began, we were surrounded by music: the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performed their Christmas concert on Sunday, December 3 in Hot Springs Village to a sold out house. And then, on Friday, December 8, Kay joined other PEO sisters in presenting their Christmas concert. 

We only attended one Christmas party this season, the Court Sports party on Wednesday, December 6, at Diamante Country Club; our pickleball group was well represented.

I continued “experimenting” with sourdough. Here is a photo of the first batch of cinnamon rolls baked.

I had two dental appointments on Tuesday, December 5, and again on Thursday, December 14. A cavity was discovered under a crown, necessitating a new crown, and resulting in a delay of our departure for winter in Arizona as the crown won’t be ready until after the first of the year. 

Least I forget, I had the dreaded colonoscopy on Wednesday, December 13, which meant a day to “prepare,” and day for the procedure, and a week to “recover!”  Because of age, this was my last one.

And this month marks the last month of my term as Chairman of our church’s board of trustees. The last meeting of the year was Monday, December 7. It was a labor of love, but I’m glad to pass the torch.

Kay and The Bookclub finished their year with a Christmas party in Hot Springs Village. It was a somber occasion as one of their longterm members passed a few weeks ago.

Neither of us played golf this reporting period, but we played lots of pickleball. It’s such a great game. This photo is the result of yet another fall.

Regretfully, I did not make any nature/wildlife photographs. However, if you or you know of someone that’s in the market for a really good used camera, I am offering this Sony A7riii for sale for $1150. It’s in 9+ condition (near mint). Just let me know.