A Winter Trip Recall #1

Dick and I left on Thursday morning, Dec. 11, headed to Atlanta with an overnight stop in Birmingham, AL.  

While in Atlanta, we stayed at the new AC Hotel by Marriott in Dunwoody, Georgia. Its location was perfect, as it’s close to our granddaughter’s apartment. Mary-Elizabeth works nights as a nurse, so we were able to meet her for breakfast after her shift. It was wonderful to spend that time together, especially since it had been a year since we last saw her.

Afterward, we drove north to Cornelia, GA, to spend a few days with friends, Randy and Cele.

They have a lovely home on a mountain top overlooking a beautiful mountain range with the most spectacular sunsets.  Their house was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and their company is always enjoyable. Spending time with them is something we look forward to when we travel north.  This trip was especially nice, sitting by the fire, driving around the interesting countryside of North Georgia, eating in and out, and seeing the wonderful Christmas lighting of the area.  Thank you Randy and Cele.

On Tuesday morning, we left, heading toward Indianapolis with an overnight stop in Lexington, KY.  Wednesday, we arrived at our other granddaughter, Savannah and her husband, Reis's new home in Indy.

  

They have only been married for a year and have recently bought their first home on the outskirts of Indianapolis.  I was so delighted to see how she displayed the Christmas village I had passed down to her mother years ago.  Savannah had asked for it since she now has a place to display it. She and I both love traditions.  It will be a joy to help her expand it in the years to come.  She and Reis have done a beautiful job of making this home theirs, and it thrilled us to share their love and pride in their new place.

On Thursday morning, we headed toward our final destination, Granger in North Central Indiana.   We traditionally spend Christmas with our son and his family there. This was the first year their nest was completely empty, thus our stops on the way up to see our girls.

After experiencing major snowstorms just a few weeks earlier, this was all the snow left on the ground when we arrived—and none was forecast for the near future, much to my dismay. However, the next morning, God surprised me in the most wonderful way: snow!

Of course, the highlight of being there, besides seeing our grown kids, was getting reacquainted with the little ones, Jax, 3 1/2, and Navy Grace, 15 months.

It had been a year since we had seen them, but Michelle shared them with us through Snapchat and FaceTime, so we weren't strangers, thankfully.  This little guy is Mister Personality for sure.

One day between snow showers, Dick and I took a short road trip into downtown Mishawaka. We love the historic buildings and enjoy seeing the St. Joseph River as it winds through town.

This was once a home and I can only imagine what it must been like at that time, but now is an event center

There are several other beautiful old churches that I was not able to photograph while driving.

We agreed this would be a perfect house for a thriller film.

The St. Joseph River flows from this dam northeast of the town center, (two of the large churches can be seen on the horizon)

over these terraced pools between beautifully designed walking paths,

until it reaches the full-flowing river.

There is an outdoor ice skating rink wedged between the river and a new complex featuring apartments, condos, and restaurants.  It was quite busy on this day with families and people of all ages eager to be outdoors while the sun was shinning.

On Christmas Eve, we met our grandson Jackson and his family for an afternoon service at their home church. The children loved it, and Jax especially enjoyed the candlelight portion of the service.

Afterward, the four of us went out for dinner at a lovely local restaurant. We always treasure these evenings spent with our kids.

Christmas morning was filled with time with the grandchildren—Jax and Navy Grace—and, of course, their parents. Unfortunately, I don’t have photos of them opening their many gifts, but I can say they had a wonderful time. It didn’t take Navy Grace, at just 15 months old, long to discover the fun of playing with all the wrapping paper!

Jax enjoyed playing with Navy Grace's present as much as she did.

And little Miss Pris was happy to strut her stuff, showing off her new hat and first pair of jean shorts.  It looks like she is going to be a perfect combination of a feminine tomboy.

The next day, John, Michelle, Dick, and I hit the road early to enjoy breakfast at our favorite place to eat—and shop—in Elkhart, Indiana, "Birds Gotta Fly."  It is an old warehouse that now houses the most clever collection of vintage items. 

 

We even had Savannah along via FaceTime.

We love shopping in boutiques and Vintage/Christmas stores.  This one was new to me, and I actually found the neatest long sweater cardigan - perfect for Texas winters.  We also found another place that was new to all of us.

The men folk were happy to stay in the Tesla and watch a movie.  Michelle and I didn't mind that a bit.

This is an overview of a portion of this delightful Christmas store.  It will definitely be on the agenda next year.

Happy gals!

And this was the upcoming forecast!

And this was the Monday radar!

In the middle of a gorgeous snowstorm!

After the storm passes by and the sun creates glistening diamonds on the undisturbed snow 

So what did we do in the middle of a snowstorm in north Indiana?  John works because a hospital never closes; Dick reads and works Cross Word puzzles; Michelle and I water paint.  Neither of us had ever water-painted before, but these precious little books were great for beginners.  We actually enjoyed doing several of the seasonal designs.

This covers Christmas 2025 in Granger, Indiana and the largest portion of our visit.  

In my next post, I will tell you about our New Year's trip, so stay tuned.

A Winter Hodgepodge

Thank you, Joyce, for these fun questions.

1. What kind of winter person are you - snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate.

A view of our son's backyard covered in snow.

I am a southerner who is a snow lover, a fireplace snuggler, and, at one point, a winter adventurer.  I love our time in Northern Indiana for Christmas and New Years, and never tire of watching the beautiful lake effect snow as it swirls and blows.  I thrill as the snow mounds and covers the earth.  After my '25 fall and wrist surgery, I no longer feel safe in venturing out like I used to, but this doesn't mean I don't wish to.

2. The Pantone color of the year is Cloud Dancer, described as a gentle, billowy off-white shade. The color symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed, which do you need most in your life this winter? 

I will go with a "soft reset."  2025 was a rather difficult year health-wise.  Since I am feeling better, I hope to reset my brain and disposition toward getting out more and stretching myself in ways I didn't want to do last year.

3. Every cloud has a silver lining, on cloud nine, head in the clouds, storm clouds gathering, or cloud of suspicion...which 'cloud' idiom do you most relate to currently? Explain. 

Based on my previous answer, I will go with "every cloud has a silver lining."  I recently heard a speaker describe the difference between a cup half full and one half empty.  A cup half full means you are adding to that cup; a half empty means you are taking away.  So, this year, I choose to add things to my life, not deny myself of the joys that come from adding new things, thoughts, friends, inspiration, and love.  I pray that all my clouds will have a silver lining.

4. Coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on the list? 

Mayonnaise!  I am not a mustard lover, so I prefer mayonnaise.  I like all of the above except cottage cheese.  I also like my onions cooked, not raw.

5. Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote-

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year." 

Agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

I very much agree.  There is something about winter that nourishes my spirit.  I find beauty and energy in the chill of cold mornings.  There is something that creates a renewed sense of "home" when sitting near a fireplace, and hot drinks just taste better.  What would life be without turtle necks, warm sweaters, and boots?  Even though I've always lived in the south, I have always looked forward to the winter months and dread the heat of summer.  Regarding lessons of faith, my daughter-in-love exercises this every winter in the hope that it won't last forever.  Yes, so many lessons of faith and beauty would be lost.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 While I was enjoying the single digits in Indiana, my friends in Texas were enduring the Christmas record-breaking temps in the upper 70s and 80s.  I came home to find my irises blooming and my pansies dead. That is no way to spend Christmas!

I hope to do a belated trip recall post in the near future.  We did so many fun and interesting things, so stay tuned.

Let the video below bring you inspiration and encouragement.

Mr. Gene

Cheerful Christmas Greetings

It is Wednesday, and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge. 

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over? 

No, this is not something I struggle with.  I do, however, resent having Christmas decorations out before November, but as I am not in the commercial world a lot, I can avoid the frustrations.  Our focus and activities are built around our church and Christian friends.  We control our outside influences.

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends? 

It's not small, but we will definitely spend time with family and friends.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so, does yours include a photo, or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December, do you send cards to mark the occasion?

 

I haven't sent Christmas cards in several years, and we are actually receiving fewer every year.  Yes, there could be a correlation there, but I also think fewer people are sending cards these days.

4. What's your least favorite holiday-related task? What's your favorite?

 That would be cooking!  Thankfully, we eat out a lot during the season, and as we will be traveling and spending the holidays with family, I won't have to do much.

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that? 

• shopping or wrapping - Neither?  But let's say wrapping in gift bags
• baking or decorating - It's definitely not baking (see previous answer), and as we aren't home during the majority of December, I don't do any decorating.
• eggnog or wassail
• real tree or artificial
• turkey or ham
• white lights or colored lights 
• ugly sweaters or matching pjs
• peppermint or cinnamon 
• presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day - Both for different reasons.  We share personal gifts on Christmas Eve and enjoy the Santa gifts on Christmas morning.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We will be hitting the road early Thursday morning for varying environments along the way to our eventual destination in Northern Indiana, which is currently buried under layers of snow.  Being southerners, packing for all the possibilities and activities in such conditions can be daunting.  That being said, I think I will just take everything that weighs more than an ounce and has sleeves.  Merry Christmas to all!

Welcome to December

As I sit here at my computer on this Tuesday morning, listening to Christmas music, thinking about the things I need to do before our upcoming trip, and answering questions Joyce has given us, my heart is filled with gratitude for all the blessings God has so generously bestowed upon our family in 2025.  Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness.

It is Wednesday, and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge. 

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10, how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

Norman Vincent Peale expressed it well:  "Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united."

To me, it means a magical time of joy in the air, a sense of togetherness, time with our family and friends, worship, and music celebrations.  But especially it is a time of rejoicing because God loved us so much that He sent his only Son to be born that we might know God the Father in a personal way.  So let our hearts be filled with gratitude during this season of joy.

"The spirit of Christmas is in every shared joy and in every act of kindness during this wondrous time of year."

 

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why.

I don't have a favorite character and couldn't tell you the name of a single actor/actress in any Christmas movie or show.  We always watched Polar Express and Elf during the holidays with our son and his family. This year, I'm sure those traditions will carry on to the next generation. Once is enough for me, but I love being part of this family tradition.

We do, however, enjoy traditional and classic musical performances.  

Our church does the "Gift of Christmas," which is the most amazing live performance you could want to see.  People come from all over to see it.  Our granddaughter has performed in it since middle school. Above is the Nativity portion from last year's performance.  It involves over a thousand volunteers for fourteen performances.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition?

I do like gingerbread, but gingerbread houses are not part of our tradition. 

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies? 

lightning bugs or fireflies?

soda or pop?  Coke

sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes?

sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero?

freeway, highway, or motorway?

frosting or icing?

sauce or gravy?

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood.

Our baby sister, Sarah, was 7 years younger than me and 5 years younger than Gin.  She was our baby doll.  Her first Christmas Eve in 1951, our dad climbed on the roof of our house and pretended to be Santa with all the required sounds of reindeer, and "Ho, ho, hos."  Gin and I were convinced that Santa had actually visited us that night, and we told this story to Sarah every year.  This memory is especially poignant since Sarah's sudden death was two years ago this week.  Memories will always hold special places in our hearts.

 6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Being that I am in a reflective state of mind, let me share with you some pictures of time past and special memories.

Sisters

Until our dad died in 1994, our family always met at their house for Christmas.  It was looked forward to all year long by all our families. These are some of the most precious memories we share, and I love that we have the privilege of making memories with our grandchildren that will bring them joy for years to come.

Our last picture together.  Little did we know.

Thanksgiving 2025

Another Dallas Thanksgiving is in the books without a single picture of the hosts and participants.  I guess in retrospect, that simply means we were having such a good time that no one was carrying around a phone.

The hosts provided the turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, while granddaughter, Chandler, made her traditional delicious green bean casserole.  I added my usual contributions with a nod to Cajun fare - the best Dirty Rice I've ever made, and Pink Salad.  Chuck's mom, Sandra, brought her usual delicious pecan and pumpkin pies.  There were enough leftovers that no one went home empty-handed.

Christy always sets a beautiful table, and this year was no exception.

Isn't this the cutest candle holder for fall?

Ava Grace has always made our place cards, but since she is now a college freshman, she pulled out some from years past.  I wish I had pictures of all she has done since she was a little girl.

One of my favorite rooms in their home is Chuck's office.  I like it because Christy has decorated to perfectly suit him and his interests - primarily the University of Texas Longhorns.

In January of this year, Christy and Chuck added three new grandbabies to the two boys born in '23 and '24.  This mantle will eventually hold all five grandchildren's stockings.

This is a picture taken while all the girls and cousins were together a few weeks ago.

We missed two of their little families this year.  Emily wasn't feeling like making the trip from Fayetteville, AR, so we missed seeing the two little ones and her little family of four.  Cassidy, Angelos, and Noah have returned to Athens, Greece, and were moving into a new "casa" as we were eating.

And this is the family tree that holds so many memories through the years, and college ornaments for all the girls.

This little Sebastian "Bass" may have gotten more attention than the turkey this year.

Now to Athens for a minute.

How about this little doll, who is approving of the new decor in his dad's and granddad's pastry shop in downtown Athens.  They are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year with a makeover.  They are also celebrating the fifth generation with Noah's birth earlier this year.

Proud Granddad and Dad in the updated Melissa.

Our Indiana Days met at Savannah and Riis's new house in Indy for Thanksgiving this year.  I don't have pictures of them either, but we did enjoy a FaceTime visit.  All in all, it was a very enjoyable day of giving thanks to our Lord and Saviour for all the joy, blessings, and God's goodness.