Before I proceed with my entry today, I have to confess that I forgot to mention my little sister's birthday.  Although she died from injuries in an auto accident on her birthday in 1975, she is still in our hearts and minds.  In fact, I can't believe I forgot to mention her in my entry last night, because I thought of her all day yesterday.  Janet (after whom our youngest daughter is named) was my youngest sister.  She was only 19 when she died, so this birthday would have brought her to age 51--that is so hard to believe.  In our mind's eyes, she is still that 19-year-old young woman with her whole life ahead of her.  Little did we know how short her "whole life" would be.   I know, though, that these 32 years since she left us have been her happiest ever--and for that, I am most grateful.  Rest in peace, Jan, and may this Christmas be another joyous one for you in the home created especially for you.  We love you still!

Tonight, two of our daughters and their families will be arriving.  Another daughter and son, along with their families, will come tomorrow.  I have been cooking and preparing for their arrivals, and I'm doing this now because the rest of the weekend will be extremely busy, I know.  After I do this, I'll be working on my cole slaw, my marshmallow dessert, and my ice-box pie.  Whew!  I'm already tired, and I haven't even begun.  Oh, well--it is so worth all the hassle just to have the gang together.

Randi and I had dinner at Satterfield's just now, mainly because she will be going back home for a little while and I'll miss her presence, but also just because we love to eat out.  It gives us time to chat and just relax with one another, and I always enjoy that.  Naturally, I brought home a couple of nice boxes of left-overs for Sid, one of which is his special favorite--fried fish.  He'll enjoy all of that tonight, I'm sure.

We are experiencing typical South Louisiana weather today--much colder than yesterday, but with fairly constant rain.  The rain is not pouring from the sky, but it is pretty much always there, almost a little mist that causes just enough moisture to require using the wipers on the car.  And, of course, it wouldn't be South Louisiana if it wasn't muggy--and it surely is.

Well, if I want to get a few things done before the gang arrives, I guess I should begin.  Hope you have a great afternoon and evening, and that tomorrow is the beginning of a fun-filled weekend.

"In this life, we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love."                                      Mother Teresa