Well don't just think you'll throw a dinner party for 35 people and it will be a snap. But oh what fun. We had guests from Athens, Alpharetta, Marietta, Macon, Auburn, Birmingham, and Montgomery. The gathering has a certain pull to draw them from all those cities to our house, equally inconvenient to all. Just the place settings were daunting. Three tables of 8, two tables of 4, special seating for the walking wounded and babies. Melody came 2 weeks after hip replacement surgery. Elmeria came with her oxygen tank after weeks in the hospital. My neices and nephews are having children at a prodigious rate. There were two under 1 and two on the way. Aunt Mary Ann and Elmeria are the only two remaining from their generation. Dean Foy was there. He is a hoot. Not exactly related to our family but close enough.

Our tree is fabulous this year. Garland and lights adorn the 70 feet of staircase railing. Lights outside on bushes and trees. An village of little houses and people on the mantle. We had valets to park cars and bring in packages, and take out packages. We needed some kitchen help too, but maybe in another year. By midnight the swirl of people were gone, the tables cleared, the dishes washed and all was quiet. There is more to put away and things to leave out for another party on Christmas day. The swirl of color, noise and excitement is sort of like the Christmas tree.

Our new home was up to the requirements of giving a grand party. Everyone seemed to have a grand time.

We are exhausted today!