just a little catch up before I put us back in Panama

some of the recent stuff.

We have had a visitor to our backyard. Get this I saw him while washing dishes. Yeah, we need one more helper bee around here.

Been up to Wake to see some football, this was us versus Indiana (in the red) and in the rain. We lost, and again against most of the other teams we have played this year — BUT we are looking better and more wins are just around the corner.

Also been to the beach, and the ole Wheel House. This baby is real approachable from the water now.  Photo taken from the "wet sand" line.  The dunes are gone as is most of the vegetation.  The most recent storms did just a little dune washing away. Looks good though.

Misty cool days are a little quiet on the beach and except for the birds, lonesome kinda except Charles and Linda were there putting finishing touches on their new house — and it is awesome too.

On Thanksgiving eve, we FaceTimed with our grandchildren on the other side of the world and Luke, as is his and John Paul's custom, got up close and personal with the screen for a better view of the football game in the background that was on TV.  We have to eventually turn it off as it does tend to lead to disruption on their end we understand. 

Thanksgiving, as has become our custom, we hosted Patt's family and friends from our church, Joe and Phillo M from Nigeria, who invited their friends who had no family or place to go for Thanksgiving, Fatima and her son Mohammed B from Morocco.  Fatima, with Ed below, was entertaining and was a delight to have. We look forward to getting to know her and her son better.  Though it is not apparent from the photo I can not remember laughing more at a meal in a long time.

Patt with Kay, Gene and Betty at the sink and a few of the dishes remain on the counter.

Joe at the table with Melissa and Corey in the dining room after dinner.  We of course ate well with all contributing to the event.

Then with scarce a delay it was off to Jeff's for part of our Christmas celebration and it was nice to have Jeff "volunteer" to host part of the event in his new apartment.  And he did it well.

Then it was on to Mark and Marie's for dinner and the white elephant gift exchange and the traditional leaving-of-the-gifts for the hosts.  I think we are getting closer to 100% participation in that effort as Mark and Marie are discovering — or will in time.  (Jeff is tired)

Mark and Marie now proudly possess an Obama presidential coffee mug, a peanut jar, a bobble head baseball player, various Kooziez, and the list goes as they will learn.

Next entry is from Panama with grandchildren!

O