This is the final column of the year! I cannot believe the year has ended so quickly. Since school let out on the 19th, I have had a house full of company. I met my sister in Dallas on Monday. United Airlines lost her luggage, so we had to travel to San Antonio, where they promised the luggage would be delivered. When that proved to be a fib, we came back to Richland, to another house full of company. Hopefully they will find her lost luggage, and she will have some different clothes to wear. I love the company, not the driving!

The United Airlines experience was far from pleasant. The counter staff were rude, discourteous, and unhelpful. The terminal had no heat, and the flight was over two hours late. Now you may be thinking that this just doesn’t sound like much fun, but there is a beautiful flip side to all this.

My house was full of company, laughter, and happiness. We had tons of delicious food, none of which was fattening, and games galore! My sister Bev and I had a blast in San Antonio. We toured the city on foot and the River Walk by boat. Plus, nothing is better than a sister shopping trip! We checked out quite a few stores. It’s even more fun shopping on someone else’s dollar!

I took Bev to the Alamo, and much to our chagrin it was closed. We asked this lady inside the complex how she managed to get in, and she told us she was a reporter doing a story on the Rangers. She took our picture and names, so it appears we may be in her article. I told my sister, it’s not everyone who comes to visit Texas and gets in the paper. Now she will be in twice! We still have no luggage, but we have lots of love and good old times to share.

Pearl gave me a call to let me know she had a wonderful Christmas. Her daughter Ruth came to get her, and they spent time with her granddaughter Donna Shahan and her husband Jackie. I hope I spelt those names right. Pearl said she had lots of wonderful gifts. She was feeling poorly on Christmas day, so she smothered herself in Vicks, turned on her oxygen and got better. She said it was the first Christmas that she can remember, that she was alone. She tells me she would like to go dancing, but doesn’t have a partner. Is there anyone out there that wants to take our centenarian out to dance?

Vera Ralston sent me a cute joke. It appears a third grade teacher gave her kids a little quiz. She asked them to put the four seasons in order. Our cute little country kids listed; dove, deer, turkey and quail.

Jim and Vera Ralston have been travelling to visit family and friends, and shaking off the crud. This strange weather we’re having makes lots of “crud” happen! It was good to see them up and about again.

Our condolences go out to the families of Dorothy Matlock and Marie Ketchum. The Ketchum funeral was held at the First Baptist Church. The family was served by the members of the church. Contrary to her usual practices, Louise was a guest instead of the servant. Louise is a marvelously steadfast woman who is always there for others. Our hearts go out to her in the loss of her sister.

Please keep Mary Cummings in your prayers. Her granddaughter, Brianna, has been seeing to her.

Jerry Benton is home for a little bit. They let him come home for the holidays, but I understand he is scheduled to go back for more tests.

George Hill is doing better these days. He is off the walker and proud of his new hay ring. That is not my idea of a great Christmas gift but to each his own!

My sister and I have made a project of my guest room. It is sitting in disarray and new paint. I wanted a contrast color on one wall, but I couldn’t bring myself to put it on the wall. Thanks to her sisterly push, we have done the deed! I have a mystic blue wall that goes beautifully with my quilt of many colors. It will take some getting used to, but I am going to love it once my eyes grow accustomed to the contrast!

I hope everyone has a prosperous New Year. Please pray for our precious troops, our Presidents old and new, and our economy. Our legislators need some serious guidance laced with a strong dose of common sense. It’s time for serious rain prayers. That last bunch missed us again, and we are way too dry. God bless you all and stay safe.