Claire and I are still in the Branson, Missouri area, enjoying a week's break and a mini-family reunion here with my younger sister and her husband. The Aylwards over on Claire's side of the family get together quite often -- but such things are pretty rare for the Hartford clan. So, even though three of our party are dealing with serious colds and congestion (I'm the lone exception so far), we've managed to have a good time.
This past weekend we enjoyed conversation, food, relaxation here at the condo, a drive-through Christmas light display, and a full day and night at Silver Dollar City. The latter experience included a music show from the Missouri State University marching band, a Christmas parade, a concert by Pure Heart (a female trio who turned out to know my Crane, Missouri cousins), a musical revue based on A Christmas Carol, and more -- all amid huge crowds of people, striking decorations and the dazzling beauty provided by 4 million Christmas lights.
Today is a bit of a rest day as we try to get everyone healthy enough to go home. But it's still a good day. The nearby lake is wonderful to look at. We have things to read. We have coffee and tea and each others fellowship. And we've had the good news today that my Mom is doing okay and that the abortion clinic back home where we sidewalk counsel on Monday mornings was closed.
So, with blogging done, I'm taking the rest of the day off. Vacations are very nice indeed.