CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 2020

As we are sitting on our little porch with our two precious kitties across from our rose garden, we look at each other and can’t help but feel how blessed we are.

Who would have thought that we would have to postpone celebrating my birthday in March because something called a pandemic has taken over our country.  The girls were planning a big 90th birthday celebration for Smitty in October and of course we were locked in at our little Touchmark community.  However it turned out to be very special. Emily (granddaughter) and Brookes invited us for dinner and entertained us with one of her delicious home cooked meals.  

Emily also made us one of her special apple pies for Thanksgiving. 

The Davis family have all become very good cooks.

We have it so much better than most since we are in our own little gated community with 40 cottages, little parks and gardens, and a lovely big gazebo for community picnics and get-togethers. 

We take our golf cart over to “the big house” for meals and have an in house TV station for activities.  Since we are only 10 minutes away from Joy and Dan, we see them often and they keep us supplied with treats and anything we need.  We moved into their lovely home several times to take care of our grand pup, Mr. Goose, a border collie and sometimes Miss Daisy, Emily’s Bernese Mountain Dog when they travel. 

Thank goodness for our cell phones.  We are in contact with the kids almost daily with a text or a picture.  When the phone rings before breakfast, I know it’s Sandy.  That’s our chat time.  When my cell phone stopped working Suzie sent me one slightly used.  When the computer acted up, Timmy in Florida fixed it over the phone.  When it finally quit, Sam ordered me a rebuilt one just like my old 24 inch Apple for a great price.  I was so glad that I didn’t have to relearn everything.  We are so spoiled.  I have learned to use the Walmart app and it’s an occasion for us to drive over to pick up our order and maybe stop at McDonalds for a mocha frappe. 

Smitty doesn’t have his old energy to participate in many things but he stills has an impact here at Touchmark.  He hasn’t lost his wonderful smile and still loves to tease.  It’s a treat to watch the response of some of these “old ladies” when he shows them attention.  That may be the reason that when the residents voted for the king and queen of Mardi Gras, we were chosen.  It was a nice honor. 

I have my rose garden and my craft cave in the garage.  The garden was so productive that we supplied all 60 tables in the dining rooms with fresh flowers.  When the dining rooms had to close, I took arrangements to the apartments.  I am now known as the “Flower Lady”.

My current project is making beaded bracelets for gifts. 

Our big excitement is another wedding.  Andrew is marrying Alex on December 18 in Scottsdale, Arizona and moving to Oklahoma City to join Dan in the law firm.  We have gotten to know Alex and are so excited to have them nearby.  Emily is on the “front line” at Baptist Hospital delivering babies to some of those infected moms.  Brooks is Senator Langford’s right hand man.  Our man Sam is a senior at OU taking his LSATs getting ready for law school and planning to join the family firm.  We marvel at how Joy keeps all of those young people in line at the office and is hostess extraordinaire.  Dan expends his extra energy on the golf course.

Sandy and David are in Tennessee enjoying our old Ski Nautique on the nearby river.  David completely rebuilt it and it is now red and named “Second Chances”.  They were planning a trip here for Thanksgiving but CoVid forced us to cancel.  David's youngest, Anna, is living in Columbus, Ohio and was able to drive down and join them for Thanksgiving last minute. 

We have used this unexpected free time to good advantage.  For years we have been writing down our family history and stories to share with our children and generations to come.  This has given us time to finish writing it and Sandy is formatting it to send off to the printer. Sandy has also been going through all Smitty's old videos and putting them on YouTube for everyone to enjoy.

Danielle, our little real estate tycoon is now an avid golfer.  Rufus is showing some gray hairs, but enjoys being king of the castle at their home in Lawrence, Kansas.  Smitty is proud that he cut down her first set of clubs and taught Dani to play as a youngster at Hide-A-Way Lake.  Sandy discovered a video of little Dani opening the clubs and exclaiming "This is the best gift I've gotten all year."

Suzie had a very busy spring.  Clayton Homes had many models that needed furnished and decorated.  She barely had time to be sick with Covid but bounced right back and finished her jobs.  

The Orlando crew are an active bunch.  Steve works with CaptiveAire (a family company) the leading manufacture of commercial kitchen hoods.  Trish has had to work with this virtual teaching but I’m sure she has made it as fun as possible with her little 1st graders.  Jenna is a freshman in college and is a VERY talented artist.  Brother Christian is an athlete.

Alison and Tim are learning the fine art of home schooling with their three.  Alison is so patient and loving, I’m sure she makes it fun.  Since Tim is working at home I’m sure he pitches in.

This has been a trying time for us all but sometimes it brings out the best in us.  If we can just remember how much we have to be thankful for nothing seems so bad.  We are especially thankful for our family and friends and hope you are all well and have a blessed holiday.  Remember the reason for the season.