Picture A Day Challenge for 12/24/07

Christmas Eve. This is traditionally (for the last 14 years) one of the busiest nights of the year. Our church used to have four services on Christmas Eve, but it was eventually cut down to three to allow people more time with family between the second and third services. This year we went down to two, one at 6 and one at 11. We used to have snacks in the conference room between services because there wasn't enough time to go anywhere, much less home. So a couple in our choir opened their home to those serving during both services for fellowship and food. Thank you Sam and Monica!

Since DH had to work on Christmas Eve, he left Austin right after we opened gifts. Both sons decided to go home with him, but I stayed to visit with the family a little longer. That had been the original plan anyway, but because DH's company didn't decide if they were working Monday until the previous Thursday, all the plans got thrown into chaos. It was a very upsetting day for me on Saturday and Sunday trying to figure out if I was going to come home with DH so we could take only one vehicle up there or take two cars and I would stay. In the end, it worked out. I had a very nice visit and a beautiful drive home the next day.

The route we take from San Antonio to Austin is through the Hill Country backroads. It is some of the most beautiful country in the world. Yes, I'm biased. Sorry, just can't help it. About halfway, there is a hill that marks the highest point in the journey. It's not such a big deal going to Austin, but coming back home, I look forward to that hill in anticipation of what the vista will behold when we top the hill. Christmas Eve was sunny, clear, and crisp. And though the area is in need of rain, the view is still spectacular.