Barbara Walton
December 22, 2011

I can hardly believe that a whole year has passed in such a hurry and we will be celebrating Christmas, once again, this week. Each year we promise ourselves that next year will be different; we’ll start early and not let this last week overwhelm us – well, we did it again with lots of last minutes things still to be done. As we go from store to store we are hearing more “Merry Christmas” greetings than in years past. I believe Christians have finally decided that enough is enough; this is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and we want to, joyfully, share this good news with others.

This past weekend was jam-packed with all kinds of fun activities for Oda Rockett and her daughters, Kim, Karen and Marilyn. They went to Baton Rough to see the great-grandchildren perform in the “Nutcracker” on Saturday. The weekend started with settling in at the Renaissance and then later dinner at “Alexanders” on Friday night. Saturday started off with pizza, a shopping spree, and lots of fun just being with family. After such a busy day, the family enjoyed having a quiet room service meal. On Sunday they all went to an Episcopal Church for their morning worship with brunch, afterwards. While Oda was away from Spearsville, her little dogs, Haley and Maggie, were well cared for by Alex.

Mary Gene Rhodes was treated with a visit and lunch on Sunday morning by Lou Ellen and John Russell. Last Sunday, Susan and Michael Spears came. We are so glad to see Mary Gene being pampered by her family, during this season and throughout the year.

Clyde Barron has been in the hospital this week with a problem with his heart. He is doing well by they are keeping a close eye on him. In between tests he is getting lots of rest. When Clyde and Lynette are not at church, it leaves a big hole in our church family. He is our “go-to” person and is loved by everyone. Hurry and get back to Spearsvillle; we miss you.

Remember to pray for Joe and Christy Hatley that they will have good days. May they feel the presence of God in a very special way and the love and concern of their many friends, as well.

I want to take this time to thank everyone who has gold me about your enjoyment in keeping up with the happenings of Spearsville through the article I write each week; this is, indeed, humbling. My wish to everyone is a very Merry Christmas with a stocking filled with all kinds of goodies that fill your dreams. May the coming year be one of peace, love, health and prosperity as we aspire to live a life that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

The following is a recipe that I got from Judy Thompson and I thought that you might enjoy it, I certainly did. If baked in small loaf pans, it would make a great gift for a friend.

Country Fruit Cake

(Yummy and very moist)

1. Mix:

4 egg yolks

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

2. Combine:

2 cup Flour

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp allspice

1 tsp cloves

2 tsp salt

3. Alternate:

1 c fruit juice with the dry ingredients as you add to the sugar and eggs yolks

4. Add:

1 cup oil

1 cup fig preserves

1 cup pear preserves

1 cup pineapple

5. Flour & Add:

1 1/2 cup cherries

1 cup raisins

3 cup chopped nuts combined with 1 cup flour

6. Fold in:

4 beaten egg whites

Bake in a large tube pan for 4 hours at 275 degrees

Note: You can substitute the preserves for other kinds that can be bought at store that you might like better than fig/pear.

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