After Thanksgiving came a whirlwind of Auxiliary activity. Our division held its Change of Watch on December 4 and our flotilla's annual Holiday Party- the PC way of saying Christmas Party- was on December 5. There were things I had to do to prepare for both (I design and publish the programs and had awards and certificates of Appreciation to print). Then, between the first of the year and the 9th, I completed and published two newsletters, one for the division, and one for my flotilla.

On December 10 I attended a Wreaths Across America ceremony here in Tampa as an event photographer. While I attended as a member of the Auxiliary, the Am. Legion asked for my photographs for their website as I got some good ones. I have years of experience photographing events and I am not shy about going where I need to get good shots. One of my better shots that day was of a young Marine just two days back from Afghanistan laying the wreath in honor of the Marine Corps dead. I think his colorful dress uniform had something to do with that. Unfortunately, in every shot there is this woman who refused to sit with all of the other guests. She set up a lawn chair just beyond the memorial and ended up blighting every photograph. Two of our members laid wreaths, one for the Coast Guard and one for the Navy. (One member was retired Navy- but wearing the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform!)

I still have much to do before the new year. I think a part of me is throwing itself into work so that I don't have to think about being alone this Christmas. I have not even put up a tree.

P.S.: The image above was created with one of my photographs taken that day.

I am going to spend some time today catching up on posts. I have a lot to read!