DAY 24 – A FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS

Christmas is here – or almost here, but suddenly Jack has a plethora of un-Christmassy things to do. A fence is down and the cows got out, so he and June (and Dick the Dog) chased down the cows and mended the fence. It took all morning.

Meanwhile, the four women and Sadie were busy with Christmassy things. Shirley and Ethel decorated the living and dining rooms with boughs and the Oregon holly sent by Aunt Ida. And when Vance’s box was opened, Ethel nearly wept to see the beautiful door piece and table decorations made with fir boughs and holly from the Washington coast. These things added much to the family’s enjoyment of the holidays.

At 4:00 p.m., Bertha and June arrived. Bertha brought roast chicken, frosted ginger cookies, and two pumpkin pies. At 5:00, the other guests arrived – the Boehms and Mrs. Cordell and her son Jay. The party was lively, and a good time was had by all.

After the dinner dishes were cleared away, Shirley set out the pies, cookies, and Ethel’s fudge. Then Ina called them all around while she lit the candles on the tree. The moon shone in on the tree, adding enchantment to the scene.

And now we must leave them to their revelry, knowing that it was a skimpy Christmas with everyone well remembered. KW