Dear Reader:

I was so excited yesterday waiting on my friend Cindy Ashley to arrive. We were teachers together-Cindy -science and myself social studies. When she did arrive she held up a bag with a much needed item-a Sammy the Cardinal… grip holder! A MUCH needed item. I must have the weakest, puniest wrists because I struggle so to open soft drink bottles, nutritional bottles, etc.

Mepkin Abbey is a Trappist monastery in Berkeley county outside Moncks Corner. It is located in the diocese of Charleston… at this time of year, they offer displays of crèches ( nativity scenes from around the world.) Cindy selected an angel from Haiti for me. Love it!

The most famous person buried there is Henry Laurens ( founder name of the town ( mother grew up in) and I spent my high school years living there.

Henry Laurens headed up the Continental Congress and was Vice-President. He and his famous revolutionary son, John, killed in the last days of the Revolution, are buried there.

Clare Luce Booth and her husband Henry Luce bought the beautiful land and the gardens are now known Mepkin Abby Botantical Gardens… one of the prettiest places anywhere to visit.

Mandy appeared bringing my mail, … including a box from Mike and Honey with this mountain made glass Christmas tree…. so unique and endearing.

My days are filled with surprises and my gratitude flows over my heart.

And don’t forget… ( I forgot to remind everyone about December 7 ( 1941) ” the day that will live in infamy… the bombing of Pearl Harbor) yesterday…Jo reminded me but I had already sent out the post. It was hardly mentioned on the news… sadly we are starting to leave important historical days behind.

The days are flying … Christmas is coming!