31 Dec 08 going into 1 Jan 2009!

Well, in reading this blog, you will surmise that we completely skipped December! Not true, not true. As usual, I am so busy, busy, busy, I forget to update what we are up to. So, here is the latest and greatest.
We finished this semester of school with good enough grades that the schools decided to let us back in next semester. It has been super being away from the school and having less to do. Unfortunately, we never have nothing to do.
I drove to Birmingham AL and visited a dear friend of mine who then in turn drove me to the airport where I flew to California to see my grandson - and the rest of his family! Owen has definitely grown as has his mother, Gillian, who is expecting their second child in June. It will be a two year span between the grandchildren which is very workable. After spending a wonderful 3 days with the Schaadts, I flew to Seattle, WA for the bridal shower of Nicole, my future daughter-in-law. Well, if you were watching the weather, you know I was in for an adventure.
I will say, seeing the children, Nicole and Joshua, was terrific. Meeting Nicole's parents was great and they graciously entertained me the first evening I was there. We had the best meal at a local restaurant, Sockeye's. It was a terrific meal and i certainly appreciated it after the less than great drive 48 miles north of Seattle.
The next day Nancy, Nicole's mother, and I spent about 6 hours driving to Sea-Tac Airport to pick up the kids, 2 hours getting out of the parking garage, and 2 hours driving back up north to the bridal shower - now 3 hours late.
Regardless, the shower was wonderful - everyone waited around for us and Nicole had a super time. It was wonderful for her to see old friends and relatives. The friends went out to eat after the shower and I headed back to see Josh for a few minutes and then decided to drive down to Sea-Tac to be closer for my early morning departure. The snow storm had started and it took me 4 hours to drive 48 miles with the snow and several stops to use the phone.
I found a hotel one exit from the airport and had a good night sleep. Upon getting up the next morning, after monitoring American Airlines all night and that morning, I still didn't know if the flight would depart.
I found 3 people in the hotel lobby waiting for a never arriving taxi to go to the airport. I offered them a ride in the car and they lept at the chance to actually make their early morning flight. We got in the car and arrived at the airport about 10 minutes later. I hope they made their flights because I was able to get on my plane and settled back for a quick but snowy departure.
Not so fast. After finding out the plane had been at that gate for 24 hours due to maintenance issues, we were informed we had to be defueled because there was too much fuel on board for our flight to Dallas - unbelievable! Almost 2 hours later we took off. I had 4 minutes to get to my connecting flight but I did make it. Bottom line - I no longer enjoy flying.
My suitcase did not arrive on my flight so we returned to the airport in Birmingham and got the luggage. I have never been so very happy to live in the South!
Don't be misled - I had a terrific visit with all the children and enjoyed myself immensely. But, it was equally great to return home and hug Ken and Mulligan.
We hope you had a terrific Christmas as we did. My family came over Christmas Eve and we had a cosy family meal and spent quality time together. Wayne and Doris Bass came with them and fun was had by all.
Christmas Day found us in Tupelo for Christmas breakfast at my sister, Brenda's, house. We exchanged gifts and left later that afternoon. Just a lazy day spend in front of the fire.
I have worked a few days since and now have 5 days off before starting my teaching internship at the community college. Wish me luck....
We all wish you all a very, very Happy New Year. May all your troubles be small and all your happy times be large. Happy New Year.