KTgreen

Today will be a hodge podge of stuff! I’m posting this on both of my blogs, so if you read one, you don’t have to read the other!

We have been quite busy working with the Homosassa Civic Club, providing gifts for the kids that might go without. The civic club was able to provide gifts for 59 children this year because of all the donations from our community. Each family also received a ham from one of the members of the club. I volunteered to give out the presents. The families were so appreciative.

Then on Saturday the club held our annual Christmas Party for the local children. Complete with wonderful presents and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. It was a great party. This is my favorite event that the club does. The kids were SO excited to see Santa. We held it outside for the first time this year so we could be COVID safe. The kids didn’t get to sit on Santa’s lap but they were still so happy to spend time with him. I snap the pics and all the grownups in charge are sent a photo if they provide me with an email address. I posted some of them on our FB page if you would like to check it out. Just search for Old Homosassa Civic Club on Facebook.

Here’s me and my Christmas attire for that party. I made the skirt. And I don’t usually sew clothes. It’s not very flattering but I love it!

Later Terry and I had another event–the annual Old Homosassa Golf Cart Parade. (outside and socially distanced!) A friend snapped a pic of us.

And then we were finished with the calendar for Christmas this year. I love everything we do for our community but was quite relieved when I woke up on Sunday morning with a blank calendar. Well, except for….

Monday was my last meeting as a Commissioner on the Homosassa Special Water District. I was voted in four years ago. Had to do the whole election thing. Decided that I could do better things for our community without holding an office so didn’t run this year. The office staff gave me a cake. I have had many good bye parties from changing jobs but never a “retirement party”. Yikes. It was a surprise and quite fun. (and the cake was wonderful)

The weather was amazing on Wednesday and I had nothing on my schedule. I was out in the yard moving potted plants closer to my gardening shed and garage so I could pop them in to a protected spot if necessary. Today (Thursday and Christmas Eve) is supposed to bring rain, cold weather with a possible freeze overnight. 72 on Wednesday, 32 on Friday! Since I was out in the yard I snapped some photos of the flowers that are still blooming.

I made a bunch of Christmas cookies. And have no one visiting that will eat them. They are all in the freezer. How long will they last? Anyhow. I made more cookies yesterday. All I can say is that I like to bake and this is my favorite cookie right now. It’s gluten free and sugar free. I do not eat gluten free but many of my friends and family do so I try those types of recipes. And these cookies are amazing. You can get the recipe at Swerve. Just search for tagalongs. Shortbread. Peanut butter in the middle. Dark Chocolate on top. Yuuuuuum!

One last pic. Since the weather has turned to the dark side, I’ll be sitting in my chair and doing some slow sewing while watching Netflix or Amazon. This piece will find a home in next year’s Christmas hand crafting!

I wish you comfort and love and joy and hope for the holidays and our new year!

Kathy

We have been crazy busy this week. But that’s a good thing. Right?

The Homosassa Civic Club took on Christmas gifts for 20 families with 59 children that might go without this year. I didn’t do any of the “brick and mortar” shopping because my knee isn’t quite ready for that. But I did the shopping for all the bikes and not so easy to find local gifts on Amazon. Like a long skate board and guitar.

Then we wrapped on Tuesday. Me and about 20 other civic club members. Wrapping paper, scotch tape, gift tags were flying. I am not a good wrapper but I doubt if the kids will notice!

On Thursday Terry and I handed out the gifts to the people in charge of the kids. I never know what to call them. There are lots of grandparents. Some parents. Last names do not usually match. Heavy sigh. But the need is evident. We will be back there today. Still have nine families that haven’t picked up.

One of the civic club members bought hams or turkeys for all 20 families. These were not small hams. I about broke a toe when I almost dropped one. Scary moment. I’ve had enough breaks for the rest of my life. Seriously. These chunks were from $24 to $35 each.

Which brings me to say HOW AMAZING ARE OUR MEMBERS??????

This club is really only as strong as the people that belong to it. And that’s why it is SO STRONG!

Okay. What’s going on. Today Terry and I will be handing out the remaining gifts for the Christmas Outreach. Then Terry and cohorts are picking up pallets to burn in the bonfire at the park for the Homosassa River boat parade. We will be at the park about 5 pm. The parade starts at 6:15. Woo Hoo.

Then on Saturday we have the Children’s Christmas Party with Mr and Mrs Santa. This will be a safe event with social distancing and masks. The weather is supposed to be GREAT! So we will hold it outside behind the civic club. All kids get a great gift. The Magic Man will be there doing his tricks. The kids will have crafts and snacks. This is a great event.

Followed by the golf cart parade that heads out from the Old Mill at 6 pm. Organizing at 5 pm. Don’t know if we will make it for the 5 pm meet up ’cause there is some clean up to do after the kids’ party. But we will be in the parade.

After the parade come to the Homosassa Civic Club. This is not a civic club sponsored event but all are invited. Joe’s Garage Band and a bonfire. I will be there at a booth with hot chocolate and cookies. Donations will be gladly accepted. And the money goes to our new tutoring program at the learning center. Jessica MacRae, a REAL teacher, has been tutoring kids. No charge for the kids but we do pay Ms. MacRae. We were given a donation of $500 and it’s just about spent. All donations go to this program.

Yikes. Crazy busy. A good thing.