2016 Brings A Mix Of Times

The year of 2016 was a mixture of “The worst of times, and the best of time,” for our family. First we started with an afternoon of fun, as “Arkansaw beat Kansaw.” Then some down side, there were injuries, hospital stays, and worse, the loss of many friends and family members, some distant kin, plus other mishaps and losses through the year.

But, among all this, the time was peppered with family reunions, birthday celebrations, vacations, trips, a wedding, and the celebration of a cousin’s 100th birth- day, also another cousin and her husband celebrated their 60th anniversary in California, so we couldn’t attend that, but received a full report of it by phone.

Although we’re short on total rainfall for the year, we in this area did receive enough showers for a productive growing season. Now the year is ending with surprises, snow, record cold, as low as 3 degrees before winter even started; then after winter did arrive a record high set in. Even Christmas day, had no snow, but was warm enough for short sleeves.

Christmas this year was celebrated from Friday to the following Monday, as families tried to make each gathering. Saturday at my home, 22 were present, with 6 members unable to come. We had planned to take full group pictures, but for various reasons they couldn’t all be here. Many photos were made, though, mostly outside, and many calories were worked off, after the regular huge meal.

I have found that it is hard to find someone to share the extra goodies this time of year!

We all have so much that we take for granted. Just think of the thousands in other places who have lost literally everything, in wild fires and tornadoes.

Happy birthday to Lauren Wofford, Becky Carter, Felicia Ramirez, Jennifer Hobbs, Waylin Luttrell, Hudson Moore, Doug Secrist, Pat Summers, Dee Pettigrew, Rose Woodlee, Rachel Brunner and Skyla Brunner (twins).

Happy years, all!