Whew!  what a busy time!

We have just returned from our daughter's home after having spent the day with Theresa, our son-in-law Howard and our grandson Marshall.  Howard's dad Norman was also present.  We had a lovely dinner and afterwards played Disney trivial pursuit, in which Marshall Bob and I were pitted against Theresa, Norman and Howard.  Our team won because Marshall is all knowledgeable about the Disney  Films.

Indeed this has been a busy week with last minute preparations for Christmas.  On Thursday 22nd we went to Rochester to meet with our son Mark, our daughter-in-law Noleen and Jacob and Amelia our grandchildren.   Amelia is my height now, and such a beautiful girl.  Jacob is almost 6 ft and handsome, if he can be seen under the hair.    We had a lovely meal and shared stories and all too soon it was tiime to go home.  We will see them again next week as Jacob is playing with his group..The Throwoffs.   I am looking forward to hearing him play, though I have been warned earplugs may be advisable!

Saturday night Christmas Eve, Theresa, Marshall Norman and myself went to the family Mass at St Edmnd's in Beckenham.  It was so crowded there was barely room to move and we had to stay at the back, barely hearing anything of the service. though the microphone allowed some sound through.  It was less than fulfilling, though on the good side, it was wonderful to see so many people in Church.  The newsletter said 2,000 people go to St Edmunds at Christmas...it almost seemed if there were that many here that night!

In this day and age when so many people seem to forget about God, it was encouraging to see so many present.   God has been very good to us.  This is the 44th Christmas since Bob and I met and we have had many blessings, son, daughter, grandchildren, daughter-in-law,son-in-law to mention but a few.  Yes we have had some sadness, but with Jesus beside us we have come through.

2006 will dawn soon and more newsletters to write and more poems to compose.   Suggestions always welcome.    My latest is on forgiveness.. but how can we forgive vicious crimes with such awful results.  But we know we must.   I will post this poem next week.  Thank you for sparing the time to read this.  God bless all and love from Cecilia.