December 23 - Two days to Christ's Birthday!

Wow, so much has happened since the last post.

Pat & George Toshak from Minnesota, visited in November. Old friends, Pat will retire soon, George is retired and they will be moving upstate in the next year or so. George had been a student pastor at our home church, Ephrata First UMC, in the early 70's (1972?). They helped tremendously when my brother passed that year. Great friends and wonderful day together. Mom & Dad got to be here also, and enjoyed a dinner with everyone.

Adele and I have been working on checking into her Medicare plans and researching options for the extended insurance, She starts medicare on Feb 1, 2011, because of the disability SS gave her.

Christmas preparations have been made, the tree is beautiful again - Thanks to Adele and her decorating skills - and the house (interior) is ready for Christmas. Julie, Eric and Ruby are set to fly north tomorrow, with them stopping at his parents house for Christmas. They will get here on the 30th, and although Eric has to be back shortly after, Julie and Ruby are planning to stay through Jan 12th or so. Hallelujah!!!

We got back last Sunday afternoon from our First Ever Cruise. We had 10 days of wonderful relaxation, fun, food and exploring. We left Port Royal in Bayonne, NJ and arrived first in San Juan, PR. The Old City there is beautiful and the shops were fun. Christmas is in full swing there and I have posted a few videos of the lights in a square we were in. Next port was St Thomas for shopping and a cable car ride to a lookout on the mountain. Yes, I bought Adele some jewelry that she has been looking at. Then off to Dominican Republic at Samana. There I stayed in bed with a cold, while Adele had a good time on board, it rained all day (off and on). Next was Labadee, Haiti (a RC owned spit of land) where we disembarked and had time for a barbecue and some sun bathing. The wind and at time drizzle of rain, prevented any length of stay on shore. From there we cruised back to NJ and home.

YouTube.com - search for rstauffer43. Pictures on Picasaweb.google.com search for rstauffer43 again.

Back home and tons of wash to do, Adele got sick with a cold when we got back, ?change in weather?. She is fine now, and getting ready for the holiday, baking and having fun. Our plans include: Tom & Shannon's for Christmas Eve, with a special children's concert at church. Beth & Steve's for Christmas Day, back in Adele's old home for that day. Pete & Cathy's for the day after Christmas, Cathy can use all your prayers, cancer has reared its ugly head again. Julie, Eric and Ruby will be there until the 30th.

Monday - Wednesday will be baking, cooking and other happy tasks. All in preparation for Ruby Barna getting here on the 30th! Oh right, she will probably drag her parents with her, so yes, they will be here then also.

All of my customers were OK while I was away, which made my cruise without any internet or phone - a pleasure. It was scary at times, but I was able to forget that I still worked and have a great time. We will be going back next year for another cruise.

There is a slight chance of a major snow happening this weekend, so today the snow thrower gets pulled out of storage and started again. If possible, I know Adele also would love some lights outside, so that is on the list again.

Remember Christ in Christmas and have a safe and happy weekend.