A Bachelor's Christmas

While the title of my latest blurb may suggest something bordering on the melancholy, let me preface it by saying it is anything but. Instead it is my way of saying thanks to all those wonderful friends of mine throughout the state who continuously take care of this "old" bachelor during times like this, the holiday season.

Allow me to go back to Thanksgiving. I was blessed to spend it with my great friends of many years, the Nichols family, Philip, Kellie, and Megan, in Vilonia. Members of Kellie's family were also in attendance as she hosted her first Thanksgiving dinner in their new home (or ever, for that matter). Great food goes without saying. But the great fellowship with friends warmed this bachelor's heart.

And now Christmas is here; my favorite time of year. Thus far I have been blessed to travel to Hot Springs and spend a day (this past Thursday) with my best friend, Christy and her kids---including newest arrival, 3 week old Gregory Michael, who is 9 lbs, 3 oz. of huggable, lovable, all boy. Thank you, Christy, Colton, Dakota, Allison, and Gregory for a great day. Let's not go so long without seeing each other in the future. I have also been blessed to spend some quality time with my adopted family, the Leonards. Last night I spent an absolutely wonderful Christmas Eve-Eve sharing in visiting with David and his wife Natalie (yes, as in, David Leonard, front man of Jackson Waters!), who came in from Nashville, TN; Amy and her fiance Alex in from Little Rock, and Rob's mom Lu, in from Cabot. And of course household regulars, Rob, Carla, and Emily. A wonderful dinner was consumed, followed by gift exchanges, and then the telling of the Christmas story by Rob. Before the holidays are over, I expect to get to visit with the Nichols once more, as well as my good friend Chris Floyd and I look so forward to it!

I would be remiss in not mentioning special times spent with the Whaleys---Jim, Denise, and Tabitha--- over the past several days. Besides the great coffee, Dads Place has become special to me because of the people.

So, thanks again everyone! And thanks and praise be to God for taking care of the bachelor.