My Weekend - And Giveaway Winners...

Four Generations of Friends - l-r: me, Linda, Marie (in back), Annabelle and her mom, Adrienne

I've been working on a lovely Christmas strawberry commission and nearly finished it over the weekend, but I took time out to travel to my old stomping grounds for a holiday party with dear friends.

In 1976, I moved to Portage, Wisconsin (following my young, foolish heart), and took a job at a local grocery store. I had been a cashier all through high school, so this was something I knew well. The first person I met was Linda, and we became fast friends.

I've told you about how I would eat dinner with her family every evening, and then, she, her daughter Marie, and I would clear the table, set up our sewing machines and sew all night. (By this time, my heart had come to its senses, and I was working as a full-time secretary, eventually becoming a paralegal and office manager for the city attorney.) We followed this routine for years, and eventually, when I moved back to my hometown and met Handsome, I had to re-learn how to sew alone. It was lonely, and I had to learn to cut out my own pattern pieces again...a job that I still don't enjoy, but Linda was more than happy to do for me.

We've been friends through her children's growing years (Marie was just a teenager when I first met her), and there were two boys who grew into great young men. I stood up in Marie's wedding (even helping make my bridesmaids dress, and remember when Adrienne was born.

Linda was sitting behind me when Handsome and I were married thirty four years ago, and years later, I was among the attendees when Adrienne was married. I have watched as she raised her own family. Now, her six year old daughter, Annabelle recognizes me, and will sit on my lap and chat with me. It's truly wonderful to have this long connection to this beautiful and loving family.

When I received the invitation to their family holiday party, I marked my calender. Yesterday, I kissed my husband goodbye for the day, jumped in my car, and drove that all-too-familiar drive to Portage to celebrate the season with them.

There was the joyful, large-family hustle and bustle that I know so well, and there was so much food to enjoy, that a person hardly knew where to start. I sat and visited with all of them, meeting new family members I hadn't seen yet, and watching all the children moving in and around the the adults.

Of course, before we parted company, I made sure we took photographs to memorialize our visit. Linda and I sat together, and her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter were part of the picture, as it's always been.

I never would have guessed when I accepted that job all those years ago, I would have formed this fast and lifelong friendship with dear Linda, but I can't imagine my life without her in it, and how blessed I am to have my life so entwined with hers. We promised that it won't be forever before we see each other again.

It's time now to announce the winners of my 3500th Post Giveaway.

I decided to choose four names, rather than just two, and before I name names, I want to ask

PAT DEMHARTER

to please send me an email (through the link in my sidebar). I have a little something special for you for leaving the comment that really brought a smile to my face.  I'll tell you more when I write back to you...but you need to contact me first, because I don't have your email address.

Giveaway Winners

  Winners 1 and 2 are Sherry of Createology blog, and Toni of Sewing in CT blog. Both of you will receive a cork key ring, as well as another small gift. I have both of your addresses (you're long-time followers and friends, thank you!).
Winners 3 and 4 are Mary of Hill Country Quilter, and Carla of With Needle & Thread. Both of you will receive a cork key ring. Mary and Carla, please send your addresses to me.  Carla, even though I've been to your home, I don't think I have your actual address. (face palm!)
Thanks to everyone who commented in the drawing. I loved hearing from all of you, and I truly appreciate that you visit my blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Always.