The day after Christmas, Zeke asked:  "When will it be spring"!  I know the feeling!  So far we've had a mild winter, and I'm thankful for the sunshine.  The shortest day of the year is now behind us;  I'm looking forward to the new year and hoping to spend more time singing, writing, reading, gardening and enjoying every day - one day at a time.  I can't believe that I'll be turning 65 in a few days.  Where has the time gone?  Six months until retirement and then I'll be on the road again (just like Willie Nelson) - hopefully traveling to spend time with family in Virginia.  Uncle Pat - I just found out that Willie is still alive!

Thanks for all your comments thru the Christmas holidays; it's so nice to know what's going on with the siblings.

Remember the gig in September - it will take us all summer to plan for that....... Jan, I'm thinking about the poodle skirts and a 1960's act.  I'll be meeting with Amy in a few weeks to talk about it!   Since the gig will be on the platform of a train station - I would like to close our "performance" with the spiritual song  "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad" .  

Also, I'd like to rent the house on Cedar Lake for that weekend - third weekend in Sept.  !!!!  If you ain't fer it, then you must be agin it !!  Brothers, Sisters, Nieces, Nephews, let me have any ideas you may have. 

LOL
Betty Sue

P.S.  I wanted to post the "Rainbow Song" on FB for a couple of friends, but couldn't figure how to do it - so I'll post it here and direct them (Becky and Ed) to or web page.  Becky saw 3 rainbows yesterday and felt that it was a message that everything will be all right.  I felt the same when I saw this one a couple of years ago

Ok, time to change up the weekly goings on.  Do we ever really get ready for Christmas?  I don't, but Christmas seems to get ready for me in the kindnesses shown by people I meet, the flashbacks I have of Christmases past, and the reminders of what it is all about when I see what sacrifices people make to give something special to their loved ones at Christmas.

Late to my last Walmart gig this morning, I was welcomed by a Walmart Greeter who told me it was ok to be late today.  "Everything will be all right," she said as I hustled to my kiosk and dragged out my benefits summaries and my computer.  As I set up the table I heard Mom's voice like an echo.  How many times did she tell us that everything would be all right.  Hearing her words from the mouth of a compassionate acquantance,  I am comforted like a child.

Then I think of Daddy, bringing home goodies from the VFW.  I crave the sticky chocolate drops and the hard candy always found at the bottom of those bags.  I remember how he helped us crack the walnuts.  I also remember Daddy showing me my Christmas present early when I was home sick from school (didn't that happen to every one of us?).  Can you remember the mischief in his smile and the sparkle in his eyes?  Can you remember how Mom pretended to disapprove, but couldn't keep the smile from her face either. 

Dear Sibs, Family and Friends -- please share your favorite Christmas memories -- or anything else you have on your minds.

Posted with Love by Kathy Gail

Merry Christmas to Family and Friends!!!   It's warm and sunny here in NC - doesn't feel like December at all - but that's ok.  Last year we had enough snow and cold weather to last a long time.

This entry will serve as our space for comments of your choice for the upcoming week.  What's going on in your life?  What are your plans for Christmas holidays?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Let us resolve to keep the spirit of Christmas in our lives throughout the year.  Let us honor and cherish it and spread that feeling, that light, that love and caring to all we meet.  I think it comes naturally to the Collins Clan anyway,  but I know that I sometimes need a gentle reminder.

Twas the night before Christmas when all thru the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a MOUSE!  Below is a picture of the "Christmas Eve Mice" that I mailed to Uncle Pat and Ol Bob.  Just talked to Uncle Pat - some of them didn't make it in one piece - he said they looked more like elephants - But they tasted good!

The heartbreak of losing two of the miniatures (mother and baby) two weeks ago today, has given way to joy as we watch the remaining mother and baby play in the sunshine.  It's a great Christmas present for all of the Browns on Roy Tritt Road ........ , especally for Nola.  Zeke has named the baby Jumper! 

Let me know if you like our new web design.  I'd like to find a black and white picture of all the siblings - or maybe take a recent one and convert it to black and white for the page banner.  What do you think?

This entry will also serve as our: Subect of Your Choice for the coming week.

Posted:  Betty Sue

I have received word from Teresa that Terry's mom has been admitted to the hospital at Indian Path.  She has lost the ability to swallow.  Hospice has been called in.  The Colliers need our prayers at this time.

Teresa, please keep us informed.

Posted:  Betty Sue

I had planned to close our website down on the first of December.  I wondered if it had served it's purpose in keeping us united ; but the family has voted to keep it going for another year because it is a way of keeping informed about what's going on in each other's lives.

As you know, this site is not like FB where each person can initiate a conversation.   With this entry, feel free to talk about whatever you want under comments.  I will begin with my comments.

Posted:  Betty Sue