Category: Fun

For more years than I can remember, members of our church have collected and delivered Christmas gifts to families in the Appalachian community of Rose’s Creek. The community once enjoyed better times but has struggled mightily since the coal industry’s demise decades earlier. This year we adopted 21 very deserving families—most with children, although Helen and I adopted a childless couple this year.

Each family completes a wish list with help and guidance from the director of the Rose’s Creek Community Center. The lists are sent to the chairman of a committee in our church and distributed to volunteer shoppers. Our family wanted clothing and books. We also donated food items for the Giving Pantry at the center.   

Last Saturday, the volunteers gathered at our church to load the gifts for the drive northward into the Appalachians.  The drive takes us up and over two mountaintops along a narrow, winding road; thankfully, we would begin the journey on a beautiful day. Once all the vehicles were filled, one of our ministers led us in prayer, and off we went. Jennifer, the committee chairman, asked if I would lead the convoy. I eagerly accepted (if I worked on a garbage truck, I would want to be the driver).

Once on the road, the trip takes about two hours, with one stop to re-organize before the trip’s final leg. One of our volunteers missed the exit off I-75 and had to drive 10 miles into Kentucky for the next exit. Soon, however, we were together again, and the convoy arrived at the center to begin unloading the gifts.

Within thirty minutes or so, we filled the meeting room with pretty packages offering cheerful joy wrapped in ribbons, bows, and fancy paper. We’re told that the families will come to the center later in the week for a Christmas party and gift distribution. I would love to see the smiles all around.  The Community Center staff offered us freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee. The coffee was delicious—the cookies are not on Nutrisystem, so I passed, but I heard they were delightful.

As we gathered for a group picture, a Mama dog welcomed us to the neighborhood.  She appeared to be searching out food for the family, and I wished I had a gift for her and her pups.  I didn’t, but I gave her a pack of peanut butter crackers I had in my truck.  They disappeared quickly.

With the mission complete, we made our way back over the mountain. An old saying is so true….” it’s more blessed to give.” We’re blessed, and we’re Easin’ Along.

Wreaths Across America volunteers placed Christmas Wreaths alongside the headstones in our local Veteran’s Cemetary. I walked through there today. It’s a solemn place. The decorations are beautiful and a fitting tribute to these brave Americans who sacrificed so much for our country. In this time of celebration, we should remember that freedom is not a gift–it’s earned.

Admittedly, this is a busy time of the year. There are things to do, places to go, and people to see. I’ve always felt that Christmas is stressful, but thankfully, Helen takes care of most of the going and doing and seems to enjoy it more than most.

For more years than I can remember, Helen and I have pushed the pause button on everything around us to spend time with some old neighbors and dear friends at an event we creatively named the Meat Loaf Dinner. I make the meatloaf, and they bring the fun. The event began as a one-time happening and quickly became a tradition.

We have always hosted the dinner in our home, but this year we were invited to bring our bags, baggage, and ground beef to Anne’s lovely cabin adjacent to Blackberry Farm. We were all in; Helen and I didn’t have to think long and hard about the invitation. Our friends jumped in as well, and the party was on.

Most of the group arrived the day before us since Helen was in the final throes of a nasty cough.  Thankfully, she felt much better on the second day, and we showed up early in the morning. Early for us is around 10:00 am, as our friends cleaned up the breakfast dishes (ain’t retirement grand?).

We weren’t in the cabin long before someone suggested a tour of Blackberry Farm to view the Christmas decorations and let our wine remain in the jug until Happy Hour. It was a drizzly day, so I stayed in the cabin by the fire with two others while everyone else jumped into one car for the half-mile trip to the resort.  

Blackberry Farm is a resort known worldwide for its plush accommodations, fine dining, and well-organized outdoor activities. Guests are treated to a first-class experience, and our airport is always busy with travelers arriving for a taste of East Tennessee. Our group arrived at the resort in a classy manner befitting the surroundings.

Although I was not with the group, I received a full report.  Everyone visited the Blackberry Farm kennel to see the famous hunting dogs bred and trained there.  The Logotto Romagnolo is wildly sought after as a hunting dog.  This breed has a keen sense of smell and is also used for hunting for truffles in areas where they grow. These dogs are sold to buyers worldwide, and the waiting list for a newborn pup extends by six years. Another popular stop at Blackberry is the cocktail bar.  Tom and Townsend stopped in for a sample of the afternoon specialty.

Once back at the cabin, everyone settled in to catch up on the latest in the lives of everyone’s family and friends. The guys shared some tall tales (picture above), and the ladies shared hearty laughter. Anne surprised everyone by giving each lady a vase she had carefully crafted in her pottery class.  They were a hit.

Shortly thereafter, it was time to pull the meatloaf together and get on with the event. My meatloaf takes about two hours in the oven, which gave us plenty of time to get on with Happy Hour and the White Elephant exchange. Happy Hour needs no explaining, but the White Elephant exchange might.  Everyone is told to bring one wrapped item from their attic. Numbers are drawn to see who picks first.  I was near the end of the line and selected a play-money shooter suitable for children.  Tom chose a lovely clay vase (forgive the noisy picture.) Helen received back something she placed in last year’s exchange.  We laughed until we couldn’t breathe.

Finally, it was time for dinner. The meatloaf turned out well, and the sides prepared by others were divine. We lingered long around the table. The event was a pause we needed.

The evening was capped off with a tribute to Posey on her birthday. Posey began the celebration herself, but others rescued her before she twisted an ankle and joined in. All had a good time. 

Helen and I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas season. We’re so blessed and grateful, and we’re still Easin’ Along.

Friends are the best gifts…