December 12 – Here we are in the middle of December, and it seems that everyone is in full holiday mode.

I started my holiday a little early this year. I went to Naples, FL, for Thanksgiving. Naples is a nice little city on the Gulf Coast of Florida. By most standards, it is not a very old city. Up into the early 1900s, it was not much more than swampland – primarily a hunting and fishing camp. But as progress and civilization arrived it evolved into a very nice little resort area. Today the downtown area is brimming with wonderful restaurants and great shopping. But if basking in the sun or swimming in the Gulf are more to your liking, that is great too!

On the Monday before Thanksgiving, they had their “Grand Illumination”. A couple of the major streets were closed to traffic and there were vendors of every sort – it reminded me of our Heart of Virginia Festival in May. But at the appointed time, all of the Christmas trees were lighted and it began to “snow.” They have little black boxes on most of the light poles that suddenly start to shoot man-made snow into the air but it looks so real.

“Snow” falling on palm trees is truly a sight.

Farmville kicked off the season with the Annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 2, and, as always, it was great. It is great fun to hear the marching bands and see the baton and flag twirlers in action. And no parade would be complete without the Masons in their little cars, the children representing many organizations, the horses, and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus bringing up the end of the parade. Just what we need to get the holiday spirit adrenaline going.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, the Woman's Club of Farmville GFWC held their annual Christmas luncheon at Charley's Waterfront Cafe. Several of the members told of their most memorable Christmas and everyone enjoyed that. And, as always, the food was delicious.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, I volunteered at the Christmas Open House at Poplar Forest. The house was beautifully decorated, there were cooking demonstrations in the restored kitchen, and activities for the children.

For the first time, Poplar Forest is going to be open the week between Christmas and the New Year. So, if you have out-of-town guests who are looking for something to do, send them to Poplar Forest. It is well worth the drive.

On Monday, Dec. 10, the Cardinal Quilt Guild of Prince Edward County held their Annual Christmas Luncheon at the home of Marilyn Philbrook. Everything was delicious!

Also, on Monday, Dec. 10, I attended the Farmville Herald's Annual Correspondents Luncheon at Country Cookin'. It is always nice to see everyone and meet new people so that you can put a face with the name that we see in the paper each week.

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the ladies of the Abilene Homemakers Club, Marolyn Lavra, Jean Marston, Shyrl Marston, Faye Nelson, Nancy Nelson, Violet Thackston, and I went to the Babcock House in Appomattox for our Annual Christmas Luncheon and gift exchange.

Next week, Dec. 21, is the end of the third six weeks in the PECPS and winter break begins Dec. 24 and lasts through Jan. 2. There will be teacher workdays on Jan. 3-4, and the second semester begins on Jan. 7.

Belated birthday greetings go out to Hunter Harris who celebrated Dec. 10, Christy Kernodle on Dec. 11, and Derek Thackston on Dec. 12.

Best wishes for a very Happy Birthday to Marilyn Philbrook who will celebrate on Dec. 15.

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.