In Celebration of Number 52!

Oh, our sweet home town! Each year, the city has a tradition of lighting the Christmas tree in the town square the night following Thanksgiving. As we are usually gone, we have only been able to catch the festivities only a couple of times in the nearly 27 years we have lived here! So, this year, Wes and I bundled up and went. On the porch of the historic Cook House landmark, groups of young performers sang and danced their way through many familiar holiday songs. Then, our mayor greeted the huge, boisterous crowd and informed us that our town has recently been named #52 in all U.S. cities (as cited in a Money Magazine 2007 poll) for the best "everything any family could want - economic opportunities, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a sense of community." Meaning that now it will be even harder to move back to the city, so Wes would have less commuting time.

Once Santa has arrived on the firetruck and comes to the porch of the Cook Mansion, the crowd goes wild and the countdown begins to light up the tree in the park-10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1..... Afterwards, the strolling around town begins-people everywhere- most all the cute little shops are open late and many are handing out treats for all who stop by.

St. Lawrence church volunteers hand out hot cocoa and home-baked cookies to all who come inside.

The law office in town puts on quite a show with synchronized lights and music..a crowd pleaser, to be sure.

Just before returning home, we stopped by Harris Bank. There, we were greeted by Rollie and Janis and I was "awarded" a winning disc and collected a coaster set! Between winning this and the free snack of the month at the library, I am feeling like I'm on a true Winning Streak! Let the holiday season commence!

Our town is ready!