January 2018 is a month in which sky gazers have anticipated and will truly enjoy as the sky shows off with a Blue Moon, a total lunar eclipse, and a super moon all in the same month.

Cherishing Moments From The Holidays

By now, most everyone has completed all their Christmas gatherings, with the exception of those who are still waiting on family members to arrive from out-of-town for an after Christmas get-together.

Even though getting ready for a family gathering is always a lot of work, it is well worth every second to spend precious time with family.

Having all three of my grandchildren in the same house at one time is an extra blessing to me, as two of them live out of the state. We had our final gathering for Christmas 2017 on New Year’s Day.

Their desires for gifts vary each year as they grow older. Payton, my five-year-old granddaughter, loves going on sunset photo shoots with me, so one of the items I purchased for her this year was a child’s camera in hopes she will continue her love for photography as I have.

Aaron, my three-year-old grandson, loves trucks, lizards, cars, insects, nerf guns, as he is all boy! This year, we had a new addition to the family for Christmas, baby Wade, who is now three months old. He was pretty easy to please, as he doesn’t know what it is all about yet.

The family photo was quite interesting as usual. Getting adults to cooperate is more difficult than getting children together. Being the photographer, I set up the tripod and assigned family members to their places, left a spot for myself, and with 10 seconds on the timer, I ran to my appointed spot before the photo snapped.

I did this several times until we finally get a good one. This is always amusing; I’m glad I’m in good shape! Wade really showed off for his first family Christmas photo. He had the biggest smile on his face, as he was probably laughing at his Nana running back and forth to her spot before the camera snapped the photo. We were missing several family members, as some couldn’t make it and others would be coming later.

The opening of gifts is always fun, as it is priceless watching everyone’s faces light up with the discovery of their unknown gift. Of course, we always have a few good laughs. One of which came from my brother Allen’s friend who did a comparison collage of him.

One was a photo I had taken of him as a young boy while he opened a pair of boxers, held them up to himself and posed for the camera; the compared photo was of him now at age 45, opening a gift which also happened to be a pair of designer boxers as he also held them up for a photo. Some things never change.

Then we have our family game time, which this year was “Things.” Cards were dealt to each person and read out loud as it came to their turn. Each person in the game had to give an answer that hadn’t been given when it was their turn.

One statement was “things the cat brings in.” You can only imagine some of the answers to this one.

These will all be treasured moments to hide in my heart in addition to all the other ones. The gatherings are anticipated, then they come and are gone in no time. Enjoy time with family all throughout the year, seek those special moments, and remember to hide them in your heart.

New Year Resolutions

With 2018 just beginning, most people are beginning a “New Year Resolution.” I’ve always wondered why people wait until the New Year to begin doing something that they wanted to do long before. With January being the start of our calendar year, I guess it is easier for some to keep up with when they begin something new.

One shouldn’t press for an unrealistic goal, as it could cause discouragement instead of betterment. Sometimes, gradually doing something is the best way to begin. I wholeheartedly believe in having a vision, bettering oneself and doing it within reason. If you make a resolution, think it through first.

I hope 2018 brings you many blessings and that each one of you have a great New Year and can attain your realistic goals in life.

Happy New Year!

HAMLET – Senior citizens from Richmond County began arriving early at the Cole Auditorium on Wednesday for their annual Christmas party presented by Richmond County Aging Services.

HAMLET – As the holiday festivities continue throughout the month of December, senior citizens will be able to enjoy their own special day on Wednesday, December 13.

ROCKINGHAM – With the holiday season comes many good things, but Duke Energy is keeping customers and local residents aware of potential unwanted business.

ROCKINGHAM – The holiday season has a magical way of bringing people together as they join in all sorts of fun activities. One such activity will be taking place at Hinson Lake on Saturday, December 9, which invites people of all ages to join in on the fun.

ROCKINGHAM – Downtown Rockingham filled up quickly Saturday morning with holiday spirit as food vendors, crafters, activities for children and art displays celebrated the city’s annual Christmas on the Square event.

ROCKINGHAM – Car lovers gathered Saturday at Griffin Toyota in Rockingham for the “Cruising for a Cause” event fundraiser, which was aimed at raising funds to benefit Richmond County Special Olympics (RCSO).

Many times in life we are faced with difficult decisions and situations we would rather not have to face. In saying this, we all will deal with them at some time in our lives.

ROCKINGHAM – Downtown Rockingham will be buzzing with well over 100 vendors on Saturday, December 2 as the 21st annual Christmas on the Square event is set to be held.