Christmas is Done - New Year Here We Come!
The last of the gifts have been taken from under the tree, which now lies bare (except for the cats who think the tree is their personal resting place) and next week Tuesday the decorations come down, and packed away for another year.
This is always a weird time of year for me. Being self-employed if I don't work I don't make money, but the kids are home and it is so easy to stay in holiday mode and mood; but I have actually done some paying work this week, and will reap the benefits to that in January.
One thing I appreciate so much about being here in San Antonio is the sheer number of South Africans that surround me, mostly from church, but there are several couples who don't attend our church, or don't go to church at all and they live close by. To that end, one of my friends, Liana and her American husband are having a 'South African' get-together at their house on New Year's Eve. It is a family event and I am sure there will be a 'braaivleis' (barbeque) and biltong (jerky) and each family was asked to bring a dish to pass. I am making something called 'Melktert', literally milk pie, which is a mixture between a custard pie and a milk pie and liberally sprinkled with cinnamon. Tastes yummy!
I am also thinking of making sosaties. Sosaties are similar to kebabs: skewers of meat (venison, lamb or chicken) interspersed with onions and dried fruit (such as apricots) and marinated in a thick, sweet curry sauce. Sosaties are sensational hot off a braai as the marinade browns and becomes wonderfully tacky. Sticky sauce from ear to ear is testament to a good sosatie!
So, whatever your plans - whether solidly American, British, South African, or a hybrid of all - have a wonderful New Year's Eve!
Labels: Afrikaans, America, Christian Family Church, New Year, South Africa
Gifts are Wrapped
And under the tree - supplies have been bought for the stockings, and the only thing left to do is assemble the trampoline, once the kids have gone to bed. Speaking of the kids - there is an air of excitement, I was going to say, repressed excitement, but that is not true - there is nothing repressed about their excitement right now!
It has been a wet day, but the rain has lifted and hopefully tomorrow will dawn bright and sunny.
From the Smelkers to you - have a Merry Christmas!
Labels: Christmas
All I Want For Christmas...
Is peace and quiet! Of course I understand that every Joe Shmoe is out after work picking up the latest gagdet, but do they have to be so aggressive on the road? One little Honda sports-car wanna-be was on the freeway last night and zipped between an almost non-existent gap to cut in front of me. I guess going 65 miles an hour in a 65 mile an hour zone when the traffic cops are all around is just not fast enough, eh? Thirty seconds later he zipped back into the 'slow' lane and then proceeded to take to the shoulder to overtake some truck! Where's a cop when you need one?
I have to say for the most part, people have been very patient, even though we can sit in traffic for 10 minutes at one traffic light; and wait in check out lines for an eternity. So perhaps the Christmas spirit is not dead after all. But I am happy to say that last night was the last time I had to venture out for gifts. Next time I go will be for groceries - and hopefully AFTER Christmas!
Labels: Christmas
Corban - Rest In Peace
Almost every Sunday morning since January of this year, I have looked after a 'special needs' child named Corban. Corban was unable to speak or move without assistance, but his lovely green eyes would track my movements and when I talked to him he would still himself, and listen.
This Sunday morning Corban was not in church - an unusual occurance and tragically in the afternoon, Corban passed away.
Timothy Corban Swan went to be with the Lord on December 17, 2006. Born in San Antonio on September 18, 1994, his interests denied his limitations: swimming, reading, music and long walks with his dog Boaz. He is missed by his parents Annie and Tim Swan, his sister Courtney, his grandparents Margaret Forbes and Ray and Helen Schumacher of Kansas City and a long list of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Corban was blessed by an extended family who provided him further loving care: Pilar, Cirenia, Marisol, Alicia, Jane, Irma, Georgeanne, Debbie, Lulu, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Deemer, Ms. Suggs, Ms. McDonald, Dr. Hall, Dr. Pfeiffer and Dr. Amen.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to The Christian Family Church Children's Building Fund, 15600 San Pedro Suite 400, San Antonio, Texas 78232. You are invited to sign The guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary.
I'll miss you Corban - rest in peace honey.
Labels: Christian Family Church, Corban, RIP
An Adult Night Out
Once a year, Newtek, the company for whom Terry works, puts on a Christmas party and every year is better than the last! This year the party was held at the Alamo Convention Center in a spacious area called "The Grotto', a ground room floor that opens right onto the River Walk. This part of the river is extremely peaceful, and it was wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the splash of waterfalls, and the jazzy sounds of a sax player in the background.
"Come As Your Cool Self" was the eventual 'theme' of the party, although initially it was touted as a formal event so I went and bought a formal outfit for the night. However, there was a real mix of style and theme on the actual night, and plenty of the staff and spouses did actually dress up for the evening.
Earlier on in the day, the company had hosted a children's Christmas party, so the evening was an adults-only event. It is good to get out there and just converse with other adults without having to constantly monitor kids.
I know as the month progresses each one of us will get busy, so I want to take a moment now to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and pray that everyone gets the chance to reflect on why we do the things we do this month!
Labels: Alamo Convention Center, Christmas, NewTek
