Every year there seems to be one weekend right before Christmas when parties happen. For me, this is the weekend. Last night, my ecological restoration group held its annual party. Lots of fun and foolishness. I have known some of these friends for more than 22 years. We do restoration work on prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Check us out at Poplarcreekprairiestewards.org or on Facebook.

This afternoon, my line dance group is invited to an open house hosted by our dj and instructor at their home. I have danced with some of these people for 20 years. It is not just country anymore! Out host and hostess go all out with decorations and food. Every room has a theme-reindeer/moose in the kitchen, snowmen in the living room, angels in the dining room, santas/nutcrackers in the family room. Decorated trees are in every room, including three bedrooms. A harpist plays from a bridge/hallway upstairs so the music just floats over everything. Tables are filled with all kinds of yummy food and beverages. This gathering always gets me in the holiday mood. I go home ready to decorate my own, lone tree.