Happy New Year to you all!

Sorry I've been so slow in updating, but what with the quick trip to the States and then back, and work, and partying....well......

To start, on Monday, Dec. 15 Mike Shaw and I met after work at York Castle Museum to see Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". There has been a castle or fort on this site since Roman times, and on the bottom floor there is a recreated Victorian street (in fact, it looks as though it could have been lifted right off the streets of York). It was below freezing that night, and beautifully crystal clear and still. Fortunately, though, we were inside for the presentation, and it was very well done, and we enjoyed it. Tuesday was back to work, and after work, I'd thought I'd do some packing. Well, Peter Gibson and Bruce dropped by, and after lots of conversation and drink, there was no packing done! Back to work on Wednesday, and then I DID go home and get packed. Fortunately, I have clothes at home in the States; so mainly it was packing gifts. However, for those of you who know Texas weather, and the old Texas saying 'if you don't like the weather in Texas just wait 5 minutes, it will change', I wasn't sure if it would be hot or cold or be changing; so I did pack a coat and a sweater!! Thursday after work Liz Kirby came by, and we exchanged gifts and chatted. She left and I went to bed, as I had to be up by 3:00am, and the taxi was picking me up at 3:45am. Poor Mike, who was going to drive me, had been sick since Wednesday, and I refused to let him drive me, over his protestations.

Got to the airport early and checked in, no problem. I was taking Christmas Crackers, and the lady checking me in asked if I had any. I said yes, and she said I had to open my luggage and show them! I had no idea they were not allowed. Anyway, since I had one box in each bag, and they were still in their boxes, she said that'd be no problem. So off they went, as did I. Easy hop over to Amsterdam, then on to Houston. No problem. I was flying KLM, and for several reasons: 1) I don't think anyone is ticked off at the Dutch, 2) they don't nickle and dime you for drinks and movies like the American airlines do, 3) their flight attendants SMILE, are COURTEOUS and HELPFUL - something many flight attendants on US carriers could learn to do - and 4) I can still get my Continental OnePass miles. Great flights, great service both on the ground and in the air. We arrived in Houston early, and I got through customs and my sister, her husband and mother were there to greet me. We went back to the house, and visited, and then I took a nap. Got up and had dinner (chicken-fried steak and RICE [I get PLENTY of potatoes here in England!]), which was delicious. Then after a bit, I was back in bed.

On Sunday Dale and Jim Brannon came over, and we went to lunch, and I had another of my favorites, Gulf Oysters on the half-shell and fried Gulf shrimp and scallops. Delicious! We went to the movies to see "Something's Gotta Give" and thoroughly enjoyed it. Granted, the weather was a bit warm for my taste, but then, that's the Gulf Coast! We returned home and they did some more visiting with my family, and then they left, as they were driving to north Georgia the next day to spend the holidays with Dale's cousin. My family and I loaded up and picked up Joyce Havard and off we went to have Mexican food, which of course is my favorite!! Good Margaritas and good Mexican food. There is one Mexican restaurant in York, and my friends say I shouldn't go, as I will be disappointed; so I have to make my own. While there, just as we were finishing up, in came Erik Osterrieder and John Maio. We'd talked and planned for them to come out that evening. We drove back to Mother's and all had a good time visiting.

Monday I drove into Houston to get my nails done (and the girls at the shop were SO glad to see me and wanted to know all about York), and then to get a haircut. I met Tommy Barker for my birthday lunch (hey, so it was in November!), and again, delicious Mexican food! We had a very good visit. After that, I went by to visit with Jackie Greer and Tommie Jones. So good to see them and see Jackie still going strong at 94. Left there and went to see Maria Penn and Gayle Athy, friends and former neighbors. Both are doing well, and we had nice visits. By this time, I was getting tired, and back I went home for dinner with my nephew, Matt Thomas, and his family: wife Tammy and daughters Mary Elizabeth and Alexandra (Chicken fried steak again--hooray!), to have Christmas with them (since they would be with her family) and for for some rest.

Next day, we were up early, and my sister and her husband, Larry, and I headed north to Industry to have our Christmas with Daddy and Laura. I'd requested bar-b-que (they have it here, but in reality, it's just grilling meat outside), and ummm, was it good! My nephew, Matt, and his daughters came up as well. I'd worn my kilt Bruce and Sally had given me, and it was a BIG hit! Great to see Daddy and Laura, and they are doing well. Matt and family left, and we just visited, and then went to bed. Next morning, we were up and on the road back to Mother's to help get things ready for the next day, Christmas. that evening we went to my other nephew's home, David Thomas, his wife (Sherri) and daughter, Mandy for dinner, then back home to bed.

Christmas day dawned, and we were up, and again, I was in my kilt. David and family arrived, and we started with the task of giving out and opening presents. They are always piled high and wide around the tree, and this year was no exception. We were well into it, when Joyce Havard arrived, and she joined in to open hers. Then here came my Uncle Curt and his wife, Aunt Marty, and after much egg nog, hot cider, etc., we sat down to dinner of turkey, duck and bar-b-qued brisket with all the trimmings. Needless to say, we were all full. I left in the afternoon in my kilt to go to Robin Hough's and John Petersen's, where again I saw John and Erik, Tommy and others. A good time, and then I left to go home, and decided to stop by Frank and Louisa Rowsey's and see them and Brian DeGray, who was visiting from Georgia, and Louisa heated up an hallaca and some tequeños (Venezuelan foods I'd not had for a LONG time!). I finally wandered back home.

On the 26th my sister and her husband left to return to Alabama, and I did my shopping of things to bring back I wanted and those for some friends. That evening I packed, and mother made tacos and enchiladas. Next day, I finished off those enchiladas (one last chance to have Mexican food!), and then Joyce and Jim came to take us to the airport. Well, my bags were certainly much fuller than when I left. Got to the airport, greeted very cordially by KLM staff, checked in, got on the plane and had a whole row to myself. Needless to say, I made use of it and slept. The flight was very light, and we arrived in Amsterdam early. The flight to Manchester was also light, and we arrived there early as well.

Unfortunately, there was work being done on the tracks around the airport; so I had to take a bus to Victoria Station to catch the train back to York. Finally found which bus line it was and got on. We got to the station with 5 minutes to spare for my flight. I had two big heavy cases, plus my wheeling carry-on, and this guy who met the bus said he'd help me. Two little old dears asked if he could help them, and he asked what time their train was. They didn't know, but knew they were going to Middlesborough! Fortunately, their train was leaving in 40 minutes. He asked if they would wait there, and he would be right back. No problem. He grabbed my two big cases and started wheeling them across the station with me right behind. We got in the station, and there was a maintenance man picking up trash. He said, "Here mate, let me have one; I'll help", and we scurried to the lift to go up and then walk over the tracks and down the lift to the train. The guy had radioed we were on our way, and the train waited. They got my stuff on the train, and off we went. I had tried to give them some money, which they refused, saying "oh no, no, happy to help"! I arrived in York, got a cart for my luggage, rolled out to the taxi stand and got a taxi and told him "home" when he asked where I was going. It was a brights, crisp, clear and cold day, and so lovely. I found out I'd missed the first snow of the season, which had happened the day after I left. I got home, unpacked, took a shower, made something to eat and was in bed by 8:30pm.

Monday I was back to work, and we were all talking about our holidays, etc. Back home and to the market to get some staples, and to also buy for New Year's Eve. Had another early night. Tuesday it was back to work, and still not much happening. Liz Kirby and I went to the shops again, and then we decided to drop off much of the stuff at Bruce and Sally's. Sally said Bruce was trying to contact me, as he wanted to know if I'd like to go ballooning the next day! SURE! I was supposed to be working the morning of New Year's eve, but I have plenty of holidays, and it was a skeleton crew on anyway. So it was home and to bed as we were to have an early start.

I arrived at Bruce and Sally's at 7:15am, and there was David and Ian with the trailer holding the balloon. Bruce, Alexander (his son) and I climbed into the SUV and off we went. We helped to unload and fill the balloon, then in we got and off we went. We had hoped to fly over York, but the winds had changed and we went to the west of it. However we had good views of York, and we flew over Paula and Nigel's house, as well as Sally and Bruce's. Sally saw us as we passed! When we came down, we were back at Bruce and Sally's about 10:30am, and she had bacon sandwiches and coffee ready for us. We all left, and I returned to get still more stuff to take there for New Year's. Liz was working, and she came back after work and helped me load up things, and then I took her home, and then to the Corries. I unloaded things, helped get stuff set up, made up Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Cosmopolitans, then about 4pm, I came home for a couple of hours of rest. Got up and into my kilt, and the taxi collected me at 7pm. The same driver I'd had going to the airport! We had a nice visit. Everything was in place for the party, and then people began to arrive: Pats and Ian, Fi and Ian, Paula and Nigel, John and Kate, Ann and Barry, Liz and Richard, Mel and Nathan,and Peter and Gareth. We had a really good time, and the table was laden. I'd also made coke salad and Texas Cornbread Pudding, which is a Brennan's of Houston favorite. I'd made two, leaving off the jalapeños on the second one in deference to the British palate. Well, guess which one went first, and there were raves. Who would have thought? Ditto the cocktails and salad. About 10pm, Richard shouted for me to come quick! He was at the back door and wanted me to see it snowing. There were big flakes coming down! How exciting to have snow on my last day in my new home! By midnight, there was a very nice, thick covering everywhere, and we toasted, hugged, kissed and wished each other Happy New Year. I was to do a Scottish tradition, first foot, which is the first person across the front door. I was laden with a bottle of whiskey, shortbread and a lump of coal (all part of the traditon of what you bring), and I left through the back and went to the front. It was arranged for Bruce to greet me, as it would be a surprise for him, and what with him being Scottish. As I rounded the house, and being the first to make footprints on the drive in the snow, I hear voices. I enterd the front lawn to see people outside throwing snowballs. I couldn't resist, and I joined in. Of course, Bruce had been the instigator; so I couldn't present those things to him through the front door! I finally got them to Sally, after my shirt was drenched! We continued to party until taxis began to arrive about 1:45. The video of our Christmas party, and of Peter and I doing our winning number (including where I fell off the little stage--but kept going!) was shown over and over, due to requests to see us making fools of ourselves and evidently to the delight of all! Got home a bit after 2am and went to bed. A thoroughly good time!

Next day, Sally called about 1:20pm, and I got up and dressed to go back to their place to ride to Sally's parents for dinner. We had a good time with them, and Ian and Pats were there, as was their son, Alexander, who'd spent the night. Delicious pork, and all the trimmings. Back to Bruce and Sally's and then I drove home and to bed.

Friday I worked, and again there were just a few of us, all telling what they did New Year's. After work, Karen Sinnott, Tracey Riby, Sarah Hubery and I went to Red Lion, where we were joined by Peter Gibson. After a couple of pints, we all headed home. I got the washing done, watched some TV, ate and went to bed.

Saturday there were snow flurries, and I did some straightening up, and went to see "Lord of the Rings". Boy, is it long!! Got home and did some more straightening up, etc., then to bed.

Today is brighter, but cold as well, and I will be picking up Sally after 1pm, when we will be going to the movies to see "Love, Actually". Not very exciting, but fun. Tomorrow work should get back to normal, everyone will be back from the holidays, etc.

I hope this finds each of you well and happy, and my best to each of you. May 2004 be a good year for us all!

Love,