Jean. I don't blame you moving.  I sure get in the mood to live like and where you do at times like this. But then the Spring comes and all good again.  I dont like Texas weather and also Florida in the Summer time. The friends who retired and moved seem to have to stay indoors in their summers. I have to be on the go daily.

JeanneP, Florida is the 3rd largest state (passed New York in 2010).  The summers do get hot but not as hot as some of the western states.  I read an article the other day that said the invention of air conditioning is what populated the state.  Probably true. 

Now I didn't know Florida was that big a state. Thought NY much bigger. Takes ages to get out of it on A train.
I think it depends on where one lives in Florida . Around Orlando I hated those bugs that stick to your car in Certain times of the year. Your area nice though. Last on also.

JeanneP, I am just in from a visit with my son, and a few beers.  Hope you do not mind but Jean would be talking population not area.    West Virginia is way down the list, but great place to live.   You mention crossing by train and I recall going from Baltimore to El Paso Texas by troop train in 1962.  The trip took two days, one just across Texas. I even did KP  on a car with wood burning ovens.  When my training was over I flew back to Pittsburgh.  I loved traveling by train but not that long of a trip.

This is the little girl whose mum tracked me down in the mall grocery store. They had gone to the mall to see me but the little girl told her mum that's not Santa. I am the only Santa she has known.  So when her mum caught up to me she asked if I would sit with her daughter for a picture; it did not matter that I was not in costume. This is the picture her mum gave to me.

Santa, I think that is a great story.  Your reputation follows you.  I'm glad they sent you a picture.

Mary Ann

Boy! That warms the heart.

That is a winning smile on both faces!  See, there really is a Santa, huh, Bubble?  

What a pretty little girl. Not many red heads.  Great to have that photo.  You do look like Santa out of his red outfit.  Bet many children look at you twice.

Are you packed Yet? Getting close. You think Israel will be much warmer than Canada?

Jack. When I first came to UK. in the 50s. I took a train from NY City to Chicago. It took a long time.  For me specially as UK no bigger from S to my part in North than what Illinois is.  But I really had fun on the trian. Seemed like it was full of young Service men. Don't know where they were going . The one from here in C/U to New Orleans is a good one also. I taken it.  it still takes 16 hours.  Now trains in UK are Express. Can get London to Scotland in a 1/3 of time use to take. My one I take when there from Manchester to London 1 hour. Use to be 3

DON, ( SANTA )....
...there you go, even a smiling young child, knows who the real Santa is....I bet she will get an extra present this year for her thoughtfulness, and generosity in tracking you down and giving you that personal and delightful note...another photo to treasure...

and I have to wait here patiently for Santa to arrive... I hope those pilots are as safe as the reindeers are!

DON  bet that Mall is sorry they let you go. Wonderful photo.

Bubble.  You have been good all year and so I am sure will be lots of presents.
Does Grandson do the Father Christmas and also Hannukah as it comes together this year. I am sure Don will do his Santa Claus for you. Just to get you on his knee

hahaha, JeanneP, " I am sure Don will do his Santa Claus for you. Just to get you on his knee" ~~you will have Bubble & Don blushing~~

Jeanne!!!!     Really!!!!     and you are....   putting ideas into my mind!

Aviv will be lighting the candles with us and also say the blessing.  I believe he learned that in kindergarten.
A week after that he will be going for tonsils surgery and staying overnight at the hospital.  Can you believe that he is looking forward to that and counting the days?  That is because of the promise of eating ice cream afterward - as much as you want.

Shirley - there is not much room on his lap with that big Santa belly!

I bet you are all jealous that Santa will be visiting ME!   

Bubble, I felt the same way about the promise of all that ice cream when I had to have mine out! What a little boy he is, bright and articulate!

I have been so fortunate with my health.   I was 18 when I had my tonsils removed.  They kept me overnight, the only night I have ever spent in a hospital. 

My tonsils were impacted and never removed.  They have shrunk/shrank to nothing.

Mary Ann

Don, what a beautiful honor for both of you.The Mall are the bit losers for letting you go. I know you and Bubble are both counting the days till you arrive. Have a wonderful trip.

Yes, New Years will be great for Bubble and Don.  He will make room for her on his knee I am sure.

Bubble. Talking about you again. With envy.

I don't think any or our Grands or Great grands have had their tonsils out.  Now in UK they always removed them before you started school whether needed or not. I remember getting spoiled.
Had my girls done at about 6 also.  Seem like in the past 30 years or more they are not doing it in US now.  For awhile it was putting tubes in their ears that was popular. Some of my Grandkids had that done.
Insurance has gotten so bad here now that seems like lots of things they use to say needed doing is not being done now.
He should be well again when Don gets there.

                   

So cute.  Did you go on a walk? Not here. Pouring down all day.

I think the new year is going to be a little different. All we can do is wait and see.

Cute, Jack.  Mimi fits right in.  She even casts a shadow.

Mary Ann

We had a very nice Christmas Day and hope all of you did too.  Thanks Mimi for the Happy New Year.

My Christmas went the way I hope all of yours went, peaceful, happy and my way!

Here's hoping that 2017 is a good year for each and everyone of us, pets included!

Jack, Mimi's looking good!

JACK - MIMI...
...thank you...and the same to you...our day did go peacefully....

Thanks to all and we had a great Christmas.  Daughter and husband in from Virginia, Granddaughter from Michigan and Son and wife.  Daughter and husband just left, now a bit of quiet.  Temp going to 60 today, and then to drop down to normal.  We had a nice walk yesterday following Church Service.   Looks like a walk in order today.

Taffy under the Christmas Tree

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Good day after Christmas. A quite day yesterday, but did talk a lot on the phone.

Jack, Mimi, is becoming quite a beautiful model.

My neighbor post Taffy under the tree last year. Now I am going to try and post the scene I did this year. I keep saying I am not going to do it each year, but then I start with one piece and I keep adding more.