After taking just a short break after the Women’s Conference here in Fresno, the autumn started heating up with more activities, a full work schedule and numerous events that demanded attention. Halloween was a blast with a costume party at home. We all had to dress up. We had everything from a Titanic victim to the “I Dream of Jeanie” genie. After a short round of welcoming appetizers the women were sent out on a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood – some of our neighbors even stayed home to see who would be coming to their door asking for stuff. We had a pumpkin decorating contest and ended the evening by diving for apples - lots and lots of fun and such creativity!

November arrived with preparations for a long-awaited trip to a wedding in England. My daughter was the maid of honor for a friend she has had since kindergarten. I met my children over there and I traveled with four older friends. We had saved for quite some time to make this trip and we did our best to enjoy ourselves. We rented a car the week before the wedding and just drove to Scotland and around England. It was a magnificent drive. We saw so many sights and visited places we had only read about in books.

As I traveled it was evident to me that women’s friendships are as important to Americans as they are internationally. Many groups were composed entirely of women. Groups of four or less, like our traveling bunch, were common and I discovered that no matter what country you are from, the strength of a group of women who know each other allow women to be more open and communicative than normal. It was not uncommon to be standing in line and just turn to another woman you didn’t even know and begin a conversation with just the smallest comment. It was delightful and helped make us feel welcome in the unfamiliar surroundings. Anyway, we had a great time – learned a lot about English history (most of which I have forgotten already) and saw wonderful, awe-inspiring sights.

In mid-November, my sister (with whom I live) had another total knee replacement at a local hospital. I knew she couldn’t be left alone for a time but I had to get back to work. It took no time at all for friends to step up and offer to stay with her while I worked. Each day was covered and I could continue with a full work schedule. She is gradually improving but it is a long, difficult process with some setbacks and significant pain but she will make it just fine. Since this is her third artificial joint I am just worried that each time we go through airport security she will make the machines play “Jingle Bells” with all the titanium she carries.

Thanksgiving was very quiet for us with only one family member and a friend joining us. With my sister’s recuperation in full swing that was all she could handle. We managed, however, to stuff ourselves with great food and had fun playing Mexican Train with the dominos.

December has started with rain and cold but that is a joy here in Fresno and marks the advent of the winter. We are hoping to arrange a cookie exchange with some neighbors and friends and to eventually get all those decorations up for the fun-filled season. We hope to gather with family and friends and make this year one to remember. My hope for everyone is that you are blessed with the friends that you need to fulfill your lives – with just enough blessings to bring you happiness and with joy that fills you with peace. Many blessings.