Smithville

When I went across to Susan's for our walk, she presented me with a gigantic pony tail plant for my birthday.  Looks great at my dining room window--hope I can keep it alive.
In return, I gave her gifts for her kitties, "catnip papers" and a crinkly worm (don't even ask) for which they and she were very appreciative.
Finally and at long last, got my Christmas cards finished.  Spent the morning writing them out, took them to the P.O., then swung around to the library and bank.  (I like to give each of the two trash collectors a card and cash.  I think they deserve it more than a lot of others.)
Picked up Aline at 2:00 and drove to Smithville in a dark and gloomy mist.  I don't, as a rule, like being out on such a day, but we had made the date and I kept it.
Glad I did, as it turned out to be a delightful sojourn.  We ate at the Smithville Inn, where Aline insisting on treating me for my birthday.  I had a "veggie melt" and a Blue Moon, A. a turkey platter.  Very tasty and she said we must have dessert for my birthday, so we shared an incredibly delicious chocolate cake/pie type thing.  After coffee, we strolled around and went in a variety of little shops--uh, "shoppes"--then enjoyed a light and sound show on the lake.
Home by 6:00 (it felt like 9:00), I dropped A. off, then responded to Betty's phone message and we had a good chat.  Got an unexpected Skype call from Ellen, always a pleasure.  She's going to stay over up north two nights, as she'll accompany her hostess to an event.  Just as well, as it will give me another day to prepare for her visit, so that will work out fine.
Picking up Leslie for breakfast today and later will attend a dinner sponsored by the--agh! Democratic Club--with Aline and Susan.