[pooh]

Today I had the pleasure of enjoying a holiday luncheon with 5 other wonderful ladies. We were guests of our sweet Gracie. The company was great, the surroundings were beautiful and the food was delicious. This started me thinking about holidays past. The experience of Christmas has changed over the years...and each period of time is remembered by particular senses. When I was young, the fragrance of Christmas was amazing....the freshly cut tree, the fire burning in the livingroom fireplace, the smell of the cold, crisp air as we would walk through the lighted displays in one of the local parks. As a parent of a youngster who still marveled at the thought of Santa, it was the excitement of watching my little boy gaze at his huge pile of gifts and his happiness as he opened his presents. When he was older there was still excitement, but it would take a while for him to get to his presents...that was the only day he'd sleep in...
Then it was time to enjoy the holidays with our grandkids. Again, heart racing excitement when they'd open a gift and it would be something they really wanted. Now, the kids are older, they're not near us this year and other feelings come to be noticed. Now it's the holiday with those we love, those who have become family...friends we've made while living here in this beautiful community. Now it's a feeling of peace and contentment that fills the body and spirit.
Each day I am thankful for all the wonderful people here who have come into my life. Somehow, those we meet become friends very quickly and the feeling of having known them for years and years just is!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

[Happinow]

Oh Pooh! You all sound so lovely. I can only hope that when we move to TV, I can become a part of your "family" as I will leave my mom and siblings back home in New York State. I so look forward to having some close friendships! Can't wait to become a frog!

[graciegirl]

I thought that Christmas might be hard to find because this is the first time we have been away from our dearly loved children and grandchildren. I am surprised to find that Christmas feels right in my heart and soul and Sweetie and Helene feel the same.

It is because of knowing dear, kind, funny, wonderful, people like Pooh and Mary and Doris and Karen that Christmas is solidly here for us.

There are so many of you on this forum that we have grown to love. We are so looking forward to meeting new friends too, in the coming year. Meeting new people as we did last night is like unwrapping yet another wonderful present. Mary and Tom, so glad to know you two.

I will be estatic when the rest of our family gathers here on the 27th but Christmas feels like Christmas already.

I hope each and everyone of you finds your happy moments and peaceful and joyous moments and perfect satisfied moments this Christmas season and always. I hope the new year brings you continued health and comfort.

Love and hugs,
Gracie and family.

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Oh Pooh! You all sound so lovely. I can only hope that when we move to TV, I can become a part of your "family" as I will leave my mom and siblings back home in New York State. I so look forward to having some close friendships! Can't wait to become a frog!

You're family already! It is tough to leave those you are close to, behind, but remember, there are still ways to stay connected....and planes and trains come this way often. Your family members will now have a wonderful place to visit and enjoy.

Merry Christmas!

[pooh]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I thought that Christmas might be hard to find because this is the first time we have been away from our dearly loved children and grandchildren. I am surprised to find that Christmas feels right in my heart and soul and Sweetie and Helene feel the same.

It is because of knowing dear, kind, funny, wonderful, people like Pooh and Mary and Doris and Karen that Christmas is solidly here for us.

There are so many of you on this forum that we have grown to love. We are so looking forward to meeting new friends too, in the coming year. Meeting new people as we did last night is like unwrapping yet another wonderful present. Mary and Tom, so glad to know you two.

I will be estatic when the rest of our family gathers here on the 27th but Christmas feels like Christmas already.

I hope each and everyone of you finds your happy moments and peaceful and joyous moments and perfect satisfied moments this Christmas season and always. I hope the new year brings you continued health and comfort.

Love and hugs,
Gracie and family.

Merry Christmas, Gracie!

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by pooh

You're family already! It is tough to leave those you are close to, behind, but remember, there are still ways to stay connected....and planes and trains come this way often. Your family members will now have a wonderful place to visit and enjoy.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for your kind thoughts. We look forward to Christmas 2012 with everyone in TV! Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Kathy

[skyc6]

Gracie,
Tom and I both so enjoyed last evening! Your warm and inviting home was just as you are--warm and inviting! What a wonderful place this is where we can meet new friends, and enjoy the season together.
Many thanks again!
P.S. That cheesecake was staring at me as I opened the fridge this morning!

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by pooh

Today I had the pleasure of enjoying a holiday luncheon with 5 other wonderful ladies. We were guests of our sweet Gracie. The company was great, the surroundings were beautiful and the food was delicious. This started me thinking about holidays past. The experience of Christmas has changed over the years...and each period of time is remembered by particular senses. When I was young, the fragrance of Christmas was amazing....the freshly cut tree, the fire burning in the livingroom fireplace, the smell of the cold, crisp air as we would walk through the lighted displays in one of the local parks. As a parent of a youngster who still marveled at the thought of Santa, it was the excitement of watching my little boy gaze at his huge pile of gifts and his happiness as he opened his presents. When he was older there was still excitement, but it would take a while for him to get to his presents...that was the only day he'd sleep in...
Then it was time to enjoy the holidays with our grandkids. Again, heart racing excitement when they'd open a gift and it would be something they really wanted. Now, the kids are older, they're not near us this year and other feelings come to be noticed. Now it's the holiday with those we love, those who have become family...friends we've made while living here in this beautiful community. Now it's a feeling of peace and contentment that fills the body and spirit.
Each day I am thankful for all the wonderful people here who have come into my life. Somehow, those we meet become friends very quickly and the feeling of having known them for years and years just is!

Another wonderful post POOH.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I thought that Christmas might be hard to find because this is the first time we have been away from our dearly loved children and grandchildren. I am surprised to find that Christmas feels right in my heart and soul and Sweetie and Helene feel the same.

It is because of knowing dear, kind, funny, wonderful, people like Pooh and Mary and Doris and Karen that Christmas is solidly here for us.

There are so many of you on this forum that we have grown to love. We are so looking forward to meeting new friends too, in the coming year. Meeting new people as we did last night is like unwrapping yet another wonderful present. Mary and Tom, so glad to know you two.

I will be estatic when the rest of our family gathers here on the 27th but Christmas feels like Christmas already.

I hope each and everyone of you finds your happy moments and peaceful and joyous moments and perfect satisfied moments this Christmas season and always. I hope the new year brings you continued health and comfort.

Love and hugs,
Gracie and family.

Gracie -You are loved by all.

Originally Posted by Happinow

Thank you for your kind thoughts. We look forward to Christmas 2012 with everyone in TV! Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Kathy

Me Too!!!!!

[CarGuys]

I must have missed the invitation! LOL''

Ruth and I were playing on the floor with our 8 month old Twins. Nathan and Bryn.

Nate just became mobile Crawling! Were exhausted forgot how to baby proof a room!

[Yankee Quilter]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Oh Pooh! You all sound so lovely. I can only hope that when we move to TV, I can become a part of your "family" as I will leave my mom and siblings back home in New York State. I so look forward to having some close friendships! Can't wait to become a frog!

Happinow, Pooh ... you have all won my heart! We only decided in Sept. that TV was where we think we should be ... of course there is the how can we leave the grandchildren ... but you put it so beautifully. When I read these post, and see the friendships that have been made within TV and across the miles, just because of a common goal, I am refreshed that friendships still blossom and active adults (!) still have fun. Our 55+ neighborhood seems to be shut down at 8, no party for Christmas, seldom a get together and... well sure not the active we expected. We cannot wait to learn (relearn) to line dance in the square, party in driveways, have lunch with friends, learn pickleball ( bought Joe a paddle for Christmas) and just become part of a community that loves life. This site is becoming a life line and I thank all of you for letting me participate and enjoy your posts - Merry Merry!!!

[Yankee Quilter]

[quote=Happinow;429862]Oh Pooh! You all sound so lovely. I can only hope that when we move to TV, I can become a part of your "family" as I will leave my mom and siblings back home in New York State. I so look forward to having some close friendships! Can't wait to become a frog! [/

[skyc6]

You will find a warm welcome as we have, I am sure! Merry Christmas!

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Yankee Quilter

Happinow, Pooh ... you have all won my heart! We only decided in Sept. that TV was where we think we should be ... of course there is the how can we leave the grandchildren ... but you put it so beautifully. When I read these post, and see the friendships that have been made within TV and across the miles, just because of a common goal, I am refreshed that friendships still blossom and active adults (!) still have fun. Our 55+ neighborhood seems to be shut down at 8, no party for Christmas, seldom a get together and... well sure not the active we expected. We cannot wait to learn (relearn) to line dance in the square, party in driveways, have lunch with friends, learn pickleball ( bought Joe a paddle for Christmas) and just become part of a community that loves life. This site is becoming a life line and I thank all of you for letting me participate and enjoy your posts - Merry Merry!!!

You're going to enjoy living in this community. There is so much to do and if you feel like doing nothing on any particular day, you can relax, enjoy the beauty and comfort of your home, your surroundings and the sunshine. Well every once in a while it might rain, but that's liquid sunshine...

Have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year...one filled with health, happiness and fun!

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by Yankee Quilter

Happinow, Pooh ... you have all won my heart! We only decided in Sept. that TV was where we think we should be ... of course there is the how can we leave the grandchildren ... but you put it so beautifully. When I read these post, and see the friendships that have been made within TV and across the miles, just because of a common goal, I am refreshed that friendships still blossom and active adults (!) still have fun. Our 55+ neighborhood seems to be shut down at 8, no party for Christmas, seldom a get together and... well sure not the active we expected. We cannot wait to learn (relearn) to line dance in the square, party in driveways, have lunch with friends, learn pickleball ( bought Joe a paddle for Christmas) and just become part of a community that loves life. This site is becoming a life line and I thank all of you for letting me participate and enjoy your posts - Merry Merry!!!

What neighborhood are you in that there is not much going on?? Don't worry, you can "party" with the rest of us in our neighborhoods! Afterall, we're all family! (I don't even live in TV yet but I'm dreaming!)

[Yankee Quilter]

Originally Posted by Happinow

What neighborhood are you in that there is not much going on?? Don't worry, you can "party" with the rest of us in our neighborhoods! Afterall, we're all family! (I don't even live in TV yet but I'm dreaming!)

Our neighborhood here in the thriving community of Kennesaw, GA - too quiet, too small, no clubs, few get togethers .... looking for"some action!!!" and friendships . This site sure is a wonderful place to learn and share!