28 this morning, overcast. Rain expected this afternoon.
We had a fun time last night at a newish event in Charleston, our state capital, which is only 50 miles from here (and where I worked for about 30 years). The City put on its Holly Jolly Brawley, which was started last year and was so successful that it is hugely expanded this year.
This takes place on a walkway that used to be pretty sketchy. Even in the daytime one had to be watchful as questionable types liked to hang out there. Once, Larry and I were headed to an event and passed by a drug deal going down. So yeah...but today the walkway is a nice place to stroll, eat, and shop. Kudos to the city!
Many businesses participate by decorating trees for a contest, and last night there was a DJ in one area for a street dance, a main stage with live music, bouncy houses and other activities for kids, snow machines, craft vendors and much more. There were crowds of people, all in a good holiday mood.
We met up with Larry's twin sister Mary and her husband for a stroll through the lighted wonderland.
A full moon overhead was just beautiful.
We ended the evening with a hot chocolate and a browse at the cool, independent bookstore Taylor Books I picked up a couple books for Christmas gifts then we took a break at the Fife Street Brewery, where every TV was tuned to the West Virginia-Baylor football game (WV won). As we looked around we realized that we were very likely the oldest people in that happy, noisy crowd.
Then it was time for the hour-long drive home. A nice evening out, and a big change of pace. We had a nice, slow morning with coffee and tea by the fireplace and were just finishing breakfast when friends Jeff and Tamara dropped by. They are slowly adjusting to life without David. It was good to see them looking forward, planning what to do with all the care equipment they have amassed over the years, and considering the possibility of becoming foster parents. What brave souls they are.
The rest of the day has been cleaning up and putting away, and now we are back by the fire. Tomorrow? Who knows what it will bring. It is like a multiple-choice question, so we shall see how what happens.
Toup lights, putting away fall decor and shifting toward thoughts of Christmas.
Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.
Looks like a fun time! Kathy A
ReplyDeleteWhat a festive Christmas scene.
ReplyDeleteLooks like that you four had a great time. I love that quote...be pretty!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the city cleaned up an area and cares. It seems like so many just turn a blind eye Loved the pictures.i cannot imagine the changes that Tamara and Jeff are going through. I hope the best for them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time and a good event to begin the festive season.
ReplyDeleteThat shows some Christmas mood indeed!
ReplyDeleteI spent 8 hours today packing 400 Advent-calendars... We had Christmas music on, it was rather hell ;-)
That looks like a fun night in Charleston. I miss going out to those types of events now but our eyes don't like the glare from headlights so we watch the festivities on t.v.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. It all looks so festive:)
ReplyDeleteI love the looking-glass tree! Whenever I tell one of the goats that he's a very handsome fellow, I always add, "but handsome is as handsome does, around here! Remember that!" You can imagine how much of an influence these moral lessons have on my herd, but it amuses me, anyway ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun on your night in town! And what a moon. It all sounds just wonderful, right down to the hot chocolate and bookstore browse.
ReplyDelete