Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Christmas Minus One And Counting!

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.

Thursday means “Girls Night Out” at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge.  We had a party going today with three tables put together and as many conversations going on simultaneously!

Christmas: It’s the only religious holiday that’s also a federal holiday. That way, Christians can go to their services, and everyone else can sit at home and reflect on the true meaning of the separation of church and state.

Almost everyone was here today, but we missed Bad Mike.  Chino to Santa Ana in the rain is quite a drive, so he got a pass today! Remember, alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.

Donna and Bob  Z gave me a photo frame for my birthday, and we used it! It’s easy to change pictures, so we will hang it in a prominent place in the house.

We indeed are!

We dropped off Mr. Scout, The Wonder Dog, at the beauty parlor on our way to the Elks.  He wanted to be pretty for our holiday guests. But even before that, Scout wanted to visit Santa; their exchange was memorable!

Santa speaks fluent Australian Shephard!  Note: Marvin plays the part of Scout

We got over two inches of rain this morning and last night, as evidenced by the pool almost to the top; it is probably because we are located between several hills, and the rain gets squeezed out of the clouds as they pass overhead.

Today I had the camera out and captured everyone in their natural habitat as we cavorted during “Girls Night Out.”  Mary, of course, was my first target of opportunity!

That’s my girl.

Robin took time from her busy work schedule to pop by and say hello to everyone.  She enjoyed the excellent food at the Lodge and thought the homemade chicken noodle soup was outstanding.  Robin told us, “On St. Patrick’s Day, I like to make believe I’m Irish. Just like at Christmas when I make believe I’m good.”

Robin joined us today.

The hat ladies were doing great today and apparently exchanged “footwear and wrap guidelines.”  I looked down and saw black tennis shoes; girls have all the fun!

They both got the memo.

Linda had her hat on, and of course, she shared the hat’s origins with the group.  I was going along with her until she got to the part of it being dropped by a Pterodactyl.

She is sharing the fun with everyone!

From Whittier, Mike and Linda join the fray.  Linda and Mary always have their hats on, making for great conversation!

Mike and Linda liven up the party!

I reminded Bob and Donna, “There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus.” They agreed!

Bob and Donna Z, it was terrific to have Donna join us today!

Bob C. and Sydney G. made the end of the table come alive with their banter.  We asked them what they were going to have for lunch, and the reply was. “We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.”

Bob and Sydney.

We were dazed by Beverly joining us today as she is usually at the gym or working or doing something far less important.  Now she knows about the “Girls Night Out,” we are sure she will come back.

I heard Beverly lament, “It’s that special time of year when your whole family gathers together in one place to look at their cellphones.”

Beverly and George.

This lunchtime, the table was packed, and the Christmas cheer was in full force. We all talked about presents, and I mentioned that I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note saying, ‘Toys not included.

The gang has arrived.

I heard Bill C. say, “Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. You know, the birth of Santa?”

Today I restarted my waist-line reduction efforts, and instead of ribs and fries, I did salmon.  Sounds fishy.   It is working as I am back under 210 again and heading down to be fighting weight again!

Mary and I are having a joyous time being with family and friends.  She made two pies, baked cookies, and had been making deviled eggs for Charlie, our grandson!

Fun at the Elks!

We got a picture of Bill, who was with the Lodge Treasurer and our current Exhaulter Ruler as we departed.  Nice people!

These people keep the Lodge running!

After lunch, we headed home and picked up Mr. Brautiful on the way. k He pranced out of the beauty parlor and popped into the car like he owned it; well, he might?  It was raining pretty hard when we arrived home, and we had to drive the car into the garage before he would get out for fear of dampening his fur!

At 3:00 PM, we decided a nap was needed, and we turned on the TV to a Christmas movie that usually puts us to sleep.  Well, we bing watched Christmas movies until 8:00 PM when my eyeballs nearly fell out of their sockets.  We went to the kitchen, and Mary did some more cooking while I finished today’s Daily Diary.

The baby wanted out before he hit the sack, so he boogied out into the pouring rain, and when he came back, we dried him off!

“Am I still pretty???”

We crashed at 9:45 PM and read a while before the Sandman came by.  At midnight the rain was coming down so hard I woke up and walked the house to make sure all was dry!  The pool is inches from overflow, so we are upwards of four inches today.

About Paul

Just an old retired guy trying to finish out my last years on this planet. I lost my best friend and wife in early 2020. I was blessed again by reconnecting with Dr. Mary Côté, a long-time friend. Mary and I got married July 28th, 2021, and are enjoying life together and plan to spend the rest of our lives being a blessing to our friends and family.
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