January 5 – As most of you know, I volunteer as a House Docent at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's “other house” over in Bedford (it is actually right on the border where Lynchburg and Bedford County meet). On Dec. 13, I was there for the last time this year – it closed on the 15th. Poplar Forest will re-open for the 2012 season in mid-March.

As I was driving home, and it was getting darker every minute I remembered that December 22 is Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. From then on, the days will get longer every minute and we will enjoy daylight a little longer each day. Hooray for that!

On Dec. 12, I attended the Farmville Herald's Annual Correspondent's Luncheon held at Country Cookin'. As always, it is nice to get together to see old friends and to put a face to the name of some of the “newcomers.”

On Dec. 14, the Abilene Homemakers Club held their annual Christmas luncheon at the Riverside Cafe. We have had a wonderful year. As a result of a very successful quilt raffle and bake sale, we have been able to continue our outreach programs to the Piedmont Juvenile Detention Center, several of the nursing homes in the area, and the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Homes. We would like to express our appreciation to you for your continued support.

Recently Bob and Cathy Bissett, of Chesapeake, (formerly of Abilene) visited John and Marolyn Lavra. The men enjoyed some hunting and fishing and the ladies did some last-minute Christmas shopping.

If you have any news or announcements that you would like to share, please call me at 223-2271 or e-mail me at kz5ro@kinex.net.