Merry Christmas Grammie Mills!

Earlier today, someone told me I make the best foam when I steam milk. I was flattered as I made her drink and thought that was a great way to make a barista happy - to complement their product.

Later on that day, I found out I was wrong.

There's an old woman who comes in to the Read every day. She walks from her house a couple blocks away. She's pushing 90. Every day, she orders a cinnamon roll, a cup of coffee and stands at the end of our counter to give us a hug before she leaves. She is the sweetest old lady in the world. You have to yell real loud to her, and get up very close, but she's wonderful and a joy to see in the mornings.

A couple weeks ago, everyone at Rock City received a hand written card. Written inside, in very shaky handwriting, was an invitation to a holiday party, which Grammie had invited us to. Everyone was honored at the idea. Grammie was very excited about it. Whenever she'd ask us if we'd come, she'd vibrate and exclaim "OH GOODIE!!" whenever we'd tell her we'd make it.

The party was this afternoon. Words cannot explain how humbling it was. Her house was decked out. Every shelf was and crevice was decorated in garland and statues of snowmen, santas and reindeers in only a fashion that a grandma could pull off. The turn out was pretty good, Susanne and Yvvonne came, as did Erica, Sues, KT, Jessie, and I. When everyone was present, Grammie spoke up. She told us the reason why she had the party was to show her appreciation to us. She said she was so appreciative to us for serving her every day with a smile and creating such a wonderful environment for everyone to enjoy. She told us she was throwing us a party so she could serve us and show us how much we ment to her.

I have never been so moved to tears. I have never had a customer go so far out of their way to say thanks. Grammie welcomed us into her home, threw us a party and made us all feel really great about ourselves and the job we do. She went so far out of her way. It really was amazing. No compliment, no tip could ever make me feel the same way Mrs. Mills made me feel earlier this afternoon....

Can you smell it?

It's coming! The holiday season is getting closer and closer. Ok, so if you include Thanksgiving it's already here. This is the first pile of wrapped presents, waiting to go under the Christmas tree. Crazy isn't it? But there's so much to do and so much to prepare for, it seems almost crazy not to get a head start!

So, holiday plans. I really wanted to stay home for Thanksgiving with Kim and Abby. However, Audrey, Kim's long time childhood neighbor invited us for dinner. In the course of 6 months, she lost her husband, her cat and her dog. So, as much as I really want to have Thanksgiving at home, I just can't say no. I will be bringing stuffing though :-P So, we'll be heading over to Waldoboro for supper. I'm planning on making a HUGE breakfast. I just can't decide between dim sum or a traditional, hearty breakfast. I need to plan a menu, as Thanksgiving is in about 9 days. Eep!

Christmas, of course, involves more plans. My mom is coming up to spend it with us. Which, despite it all, should be a lot of fun. I've decided Santa will being one or two really nice gifts this year. (and all following years) This year, I think it will be a dress up chest and a tea set. Granted, Abby will get more than just that, but I want to work on the quality of the gifts, not the quantity. Kim's going to buy her a toy piano too. My goal this year is to sew stockings for me, Kim, Abby, my mom and Kim's parents. And to fill them. There's a few traditions here and there I'd like to start too. I haven't decided what I'm going to do on the Orthodox celebration of Christmas. If anything. It will probably be something small. Also, I do plan on putting Abby's shoes outside for St. Nicholas Day. And lighting candles for the Advent.

We're going to celebrate Hanukkah also this year. I need to find a Menorah. Last year, we just lit tea lights but I'd like to do something special this year. Again, nothing special. Just a nice dinner, time with family and maybe a game of dreidel.

December 31 is Kim's birthday. I have a nice present planned, but no real plans. I have to ask him what he'd like to do. He's turning 30, so I think he wants it to be low key :-)

I think the only thing I haven't planned is Yule. Hmmm....