This is what happens with journaling..I write a day and skip too many to have any flow. So this will be a blog about my rambling thoughts.

Went to two Christmas parties yesterday. The first was for the children of our church. The only children who came were my daughter's 3 but we had a grand time. We made Christingles, which are a symbolic presentation about Christ. An orange to represent the world, a red ribbon around the orange to show Christ's blood surrounding all the people in the world, 4 skewers placed 1 on each quadrant of the orange, representing the four seasons, candy secured to the orange by these skewers showing the blessings we are granted with each season. A candle is embedded into the top of the orange as a symbol of Christ as the light to the world, and, finally, aluminum foil to remind us that we are to reflect Christ's love.

Next we made Christmas cards. These will be mailed to our members in the military. Our last mission project was to assemble gift baskets for 4 church members who are unable to attend services due to health problems; our shut-ins. We filled the baskets with fruit, candies, and packages of hot chocolate and cider. We included a Christingle and one of the cards we made.

I was "in charge" of the card making station and it was so wonderful working with my girls; and that means Michelle(our pastor), Shawn (my daughter), and the 2 granddaughters. The little ones did a great job- creative juices flowing.

The second party was in complete contrast to the first. That one was an "adult" party with "adult" beverages. The bluegrass crowd has parties all year long , thrown by the individuals. Last night's was at Everett's, our banjo player. My sister and I got there a little late, so most of the supper type foods were gone or down to the last bits. I nibbled a little on chicken tenders and cranberry salad, but that was about it. But I did drink. Too much, as it turned out. I like a buzz that makes me happy, loving towards all present, and a little less inhibited. Last night, I was all of those plus very uncoordinated when I tied to walk. My friends in that group are so caring and they really love me. So,even though I was actually drunk, I was among people who would never take advantage of that. In fact, Steve helped me walk to the van. My balance is not good on my best days so last night was... well, let me put it this way..I could have made it to the van unassisted, but it would have taken so many more steps. Of course, Betty was my designated driver.

I used to party quite often when I was younger. The purpose of those parties was pretty much just getting drunk; or as close to drunk as you could get and still be able to drive home. I don't think designated drivers were even a concept back then. We never considered not drinking in order to drive home. You always just hoped one of you would be able to pull off driving without getting stopped by the police. So much smarter today; couples actually negotiate which one will not drink for that evening. I don't drink and drive.