CHRISTMAS 2021

In such a stressful year of the pandemic when the big question is to mask or unmask, we feel so blessed to live in our little gated community where they keep us very safe.  We do any shopping necessary on our Walmart App and of course Joy keeps us well supplied and Dan takes me frequently to our favorite greenhouse.

Smitty Cheering on the Cowboys while I decorate for Christmas

Life is calm and peaceful for Smitty and I with our 14 year old kitties. Blackie has decided that his favorite spot is snuggled up next to Smitty, whether it’s on his chair or in the bed.  They are real buddies.  Rusty tags after me and wakes me up each morning.

 

In spite of the unrest outside, we are very social here at Touchmark.  Our 40 little houses are full, with a waiting list, so if someone moves we get new neighbors right away.  

Smitty is selective.  He enjoys going over for dinner every night with two other couples but prefers spending most of his time with Blackie and me.  

My big responsibility is keeping fresh flowers in the common areas in the main building.  Our next door neighbor (Babbs from Ohio) helps me.  We meet every Monday and make arrangements out of last weeks big centerpiece and anything from our garden.  They call me “The Flower Lady”.  It’s been a great way to meet people.

I have been making beaded bracelets to give as gifts. “Middle Child”, Sandy who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, said “you need something special to put them in”.  She and David are retired and live in a lovely home and she has become a quilter.  She began making me the prettiest drawstring pouches.  They are so pretty, they are really more special than the bracelets.

When we learned that a neighbor was very involved volunteering with Citizens Caring for Children (Foster Children) I offered bracelets for the teens.  Sandy loved the idea and is now making pouches for their bracelets. (147 to date) Word is spreading and a neighbor is making beautiful knit hats with pompoms.  One of the guys commented that something should be made for the boys.  Sandy jumped right in and is making large and small zippered dopp kits in wonderful boy fabrics and zippered cosmetic bags for the girls.  There is such a need.

Our very busy “Life Stylist” Suzie came for Smitty’s 91 birthday and it was a very special occasion.  Suzie loves to spend time with her kids and grandkids in Florida and they all visited NASA this year.

We are so thankful for Face Time, Instant Pictures and texting.  Even though we are in our cozy cottage, we felt very much a part of the family spread out in Desert Mountain,  Florida, Kansas and even Italy.

All of the local grands (and their dogs) and some friends of Joy and Dan's, who have become special to Smitty over the years, were all there for a pizza party.  Their kitchen opens on to a big covered porch surrounded by pool and lovely landscaping (Dan’s project) so we spread out all over.  Then all gathered in the media room for a special movie produced by Sam with greetings from all who couldn’t attend.

Life at Touchmark is everything we hoped it would be.  We have a “Mingle” every Friday afternoon when the caterer brings wine and hors d’oeuvres and we get to know each other.  

Wednesday is WineDown in the Big House before dinner with more wine and hors d’oeuvres and live music.  So between events available in the Health Center, and special programs everyday, we don’t get bored.

We enjoyed dinner and dancing at a Roaring 20's party and I hosted a Garden Party with all my good china and baked for weeks.  It was very well attended and I got lots of compliments.

After attending a class by Twink Dewitt years ago and working on it diligently, our book Smith Family Memories finally arrived from the printer.  We are so thankful to Sandy for spending her time and expertise to put this all together.  

If any of you are interested, she has included a link below to download it yourself.  We highly suggest you work on your story.  It has been such fun reliving these old memories.

Our love goes out to all of you,  family and friends.  We wish you a healthy and happy New Year.

Here is the link to the Smith Family Memories book:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s9ozIBh8-oypoDIXQEuoJfdP2Eb2cFkV/view?usp=sharing