Celebrating With My Portage Family...

Handsome wanted to take one more day to be sure he's over whatever he had going on, so part of my Sunday was spent in Portage celebrating the holidays. 

I woke up to dense fog, but the weather weenies promised it would clear off by noon. I left home around 11:30 and drove in it for an hour until I was nearly to Portage. Thankfully, the roads were lightly traveled, and everyone had their lights on for the best visibility. My trip there was uneventful.

Adrienne hosts the family Christmas party at her home every year, and most everyone shows up. I had to giggle when A's daughter, Belle said to me, "I always thought we were related!" I told her we are by choice and that I'm her honorary auntie.

Every year, four generations of these women (plus yours truly) have our photograph taken for the memory books. This year was no exception, and we don't part company until the deed is done. I love this one!

Of course, Linda and I have to have one of just the two of us, too. We've been friends since I first moved to Portage in 1976, and went into the grocery store where she was the manager. She hired me on the spot (I had three years' cashier experience in high school, plus a little more post-graduation.) We quickly became friends, and she and I have been besties every since. I love her dearly. I'm so blessed that we can spend time together again, and also that her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter are also part of our friendship. Plus, she and Handsome share the same birthdate, so I can celebrate both of them every year!

Handsome called to see when I'd be coming home because, although the fog had cleared in Portage, it was still thick as pea soup at home. He was concerned that I'd be driving back in the dark, so he urged me to leave soon and be careful.

I left Portage around 3:15, and admit I had a lead foot as I neared a section of highway where I should have known better. As I rounded a gentle curve in the road, I saw a squad clocking traffic. I knew he had me, so although I slowed down, I was still over the limit. I checked my rearview mirror and watched him come off the shoulder, turn around and follow me. Soon after, he lit up his colored lights. I immediately pulled over and waited with my license and proof of insurance in hand.

He walked up to my open window with the "afternoon, ma'am" and I replied with a "Hi. I know I was speeding." He asked if I was in a hurry for any particular reason, and I explained that I was trying to get home before dark - considering I knew it was thick fog at home, an hour from where he stopped me. He asked me to hold on as he walked back to his cruiser.

I wasn't really concerned. I'd earned a ticket if he was in the mood to hand them out, but I also knew that I haven't had any interaction with law enforcement in at over a decade, and even then, there hadn't been a ticket.

He walked back to the Explorer and handed me my documents. He said he was just going to give me a verbal warning, and I promised him I wouldn't speed the rest of my trip. (I didn't either.) He walked back to his vehicle, I properly signaled before entering the highway, and was on my way again. So, that was my only excitement on this trip. I got to chat with a really nice police officer.

The balance of my trip was fog-free until I got to our side of Fond du Lac, and I drove home in thick fog again for the last twelve miles. I pulled into the garage and was greeted by a relieved husband. We spent the rest of our anniversary together at home, with plans to have a special dinner once he's completely healthy. Neither of us really cared about going out. We were content to be together. 

I don't work again this week until Friday, so I have plans for things I'd like to accomplish. There will be baking, some canning, and definitely laundry. As for needlework, I will have needle and thread to fabric this week, but I'll share more on that later. Happy Monday!