December 22, 2009. Jackson, Ms. Arrival.

Six hours later, we were home in Jackson. It is a wonderful thing to have your granddaughters help so efficiently. The first thing upon arrival we drank a cut of tea. It is the age old custom of welcoming friends and relatives that immediately seems to make you welcome. Next Kate and Mary Frances, Christina and I set out to bring in the Angus beef from the truck to the freezer. By arranging the belongings in the back seat of the truck, the girls came with us to the apartment to unload the truck. Andrew came to help with the heavy lifting. With everyone helping, the Christmas decorations were installed, the dishes put away and all our clothes taken up to the bedroom. The girls were a huge help. It is somehow very reassuring when the youth can complete tasks better than we oldsters.

Our apartment could hold all the stuff from the truck. It even looks like our home. The quilts are the first clue. Now tomorrow morning we will hang pictures and change sheets and towels. Tonight, friends of Andrew and Christina's, Jim and Eleanor and three of their children came to dinner. She is an artist and he a doctor, who entertained us in their home the last time we were here. I was delighted to see them again. Tomorrow we will take tea with Linda at her home, so will see more friends, and then Church service on Thursday will be at four o'clock. Our days will be busy and happy. Our Christmas season has begun.