My Christmas

Two weeks before Christmas I went to Chicago to visit Deborah, my oldest daughter, as I knew as her boss' assistant at Chicago Suntimes she would not be off for the Holiday. My friend, Karen Black went with me and we had a ball. We stayed at the Hyatt as I had stayed there before as it is not too far from downtown, at McCormick Place, and the scenery is so beautiful. We had a wonderful time, as it was the very first trip I have taken since being out the hospital. We went by train and it was delightful ride as we had all our good reading material which we shared with each other. Once arriving in Chicago we went shopping. Of course Karen could shop longer than myself as I became very tired but she made sure I was placed in a cab and I returned to the hotel. My nieces, daughter, siblings, and sister in law came by and brought food and we just enjoyed each other. I did not want to go out for Dinner as Deborah has gotten a few of her friends together for a delicious breakfast at Sweet Maples. We had a great time there and the food was out of this world.The birthday girls, Lodean Macklin, Diane Esper, Karen Black, and Annie Neal, and yours truly got together as we have not gotten together since all of us retired (except Diane). Lodean had remodeled her house and everything was absolutely beautiful. She served us like we were queens. We laughed, cried and prayed together. Later Jennifer came down and snapped photos of us, which we appreciate so much.
Lodean cook the entire six course meal with fine wine (which I had some over ice cream). We had wonderful Christmas music and we left before 9:30 because I had to leave the next morning going to Baltimore. This was the first trip I made alone. Tim met me at the gate with a wheelchair, rolled me to the car and it was absolutely great; except I did feel a little weird in a wheel chair. (Oh well)! While I was there I hardly lifted a finger as Tasha took me shopping, Naquawn was very nice to me and shared with me. Tim washed and ironed my clothes and packed my luggage. I really appreciate that he allowed me to move at my own pace, without any demands. Oh yes, they showered me with so many gifts.
Tasha family came over and it was wonderful seeing them again, and we had a lovely home cooked meal by Tasha and her family. Most everyone read my Christmas letter and said it was an inspiration and that was good as that was my intent. Such a loving, warm, down to earth family. I told them I would return in April. I returned home on Christmas Day and that night came down with a very bad cold, so I stayed in the house for a few days as I must prepare to go to Tennessee the following week.
My Honey and I shared Christmas gifts and everything I got him he either needed it or wanted it, and it was nothing he had to put together.( I love to see him smile so it gives me great joy to surprise him with his favorite book, music, game, gift certificate etc.) Since I could not go with him to Christmas dinner, he brought me food from Carol and Mark's house (his son) and we had enough food for two days. I just love my gift from my honey as it was an American Express credit card.