From wrapping holiday gifts to wrapping favorite foods, this time of year offers special surprises. I've enjoyed the annual drawing of names for Secret Santa at Society Headquarters this year. As we gathered around the Blanton Room, opened gifts and revealed the Santas, we laughed and groaned at not-so-funny jokes.
Texans finally got a cold spell (if you will count 56 C high and a 29 C low one week) and wrapped pipes, wrapped up pets and wrapped ourselves in warm coats. We began wrapping up the year by trying to finish Do-It lists and clear desks.
We also shared wonderful food throughout December. Cookies, cakes, dip, chips, cheese...all were tasty. Friends sent cards, flowers, pears, fruit, chocolates, and popcorn in all flavors. My neighborhood had its annual cookie exchange Dec. 10. After orange juice/champagne, coffee and breakfast casserole, we chatted and circled the table taking an allotted amount of cookies each time around. Each of us went home with a wonderful variety of six dozen cookies. (Don't count calories!)
On Dec. 3 I opened my home for the Seguin Conservation Society's Heritage Tour of Homes. It rained, but we had more than 300 people (nearly 400 by some counts) come through our homes. Linda, Nita and Phyllis made a special trip from Austin to come to the event!
I received lovely notes from many state organization presidents by telephone, email, internet cards, and regular mail. Each greeting is treasured as are the friends who sent them. I wish you all a thoughtful close to 2011 and a cheerful greeting for 2012.
