Tiny Road Trip

28 this morning, with a promise of clear skies. Very thick frost on everything.

So yesterday evening we took a little road trip to a neighboring town, to see their Christmas lights. Friends had posted about the lights online and I wanted to see them myself. We needed straw for the henhouse anyway, so we could get that a Tractor Supply and enjoy the lights too.

Most of my photos are terrible, since I took them through the window of the van with my phone while we were still moving. But here's a few that aren't too terrible.

All of downtown was so prettily lighted.

Their courthouse isn't one I like, but they sure did it up with lights. 

This is just a little sample of the light show around town. People decorated their homes nicely too. It was certainly worth the drive to see it all. 

It's a small display by most standards, but still so pretty. Spencer is not a large town, but it has a vibrant downtown, something that has been lost in many towns its size. Oddly, the coming of Wal-Mart to this community was a real boon; the big store drew in business from outlying, even more rural counties. This then attracted other businesses like Tractor Supply and the ubiquitous Dollar Tree. Many existing businesses got a boost too. A few closed--the small grocery store, a five-and-dime, but others took their place.

We haven't been out to do much of anything this Christmas season. We missed the annual play by the local theater group because I had the dates wrong and when I realized my mistake, I had to work at the antique mall. Since I no longer perform, we don't get the outings to little towns around the state to see the decorations and to celebrate with friends along the way. But it seems like we've been celebrating in a way since deer season. With our oldest son and his family here, and third son and his daughters as well for apple-butter-making, then Thanksgiving, followed by the visit with our granddaughter from Colorado and lots more family, we've had all kinds of excitement at the old homeplace. Mix in the putting up of decorations and packing and mailing Christmas gifts, and now, getting ready for Christmas dinner with third son and his daughters and grandchildren--yes, it's been a joyful, busy time. 

Today I'll do some baking--not much because we don't need it and no one eats much of it. But a few family favorites will come out of the oven, and then tomorrow will be the real preparations. My son will make his famous barbecued chicken since it's going to be a warm, if wet, day. I'll make potato salad, Tipper's sausage balls, little smokies, baked beans, a tossed salad, veggie tray, cheese and meat tray, several pies and a cheesecake for one granddaughter who loves it. That should be enough, I think. 

So off now to the kitchen, where I expect a lot of you are already working away.

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