More village progress; and a sad note

Thanks to our rainy Saturday and cloudy Sunday, we were able to work on our annual Christmas Village over the weekend. We had all but completed the first section last Wednesday, Veterans' Day, the day we traditionally begin. Because of a change in the way we took down the village last year, this year's project is already ahead of schedule.

On the left above is the beginning of the Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol section. The frame was positioned, the bases were put in place, and some structures and accessories were put onto the section for arrangement. It wasn't long before the section was all but finished. Every piece depicts a scene from the famous seasonal story about Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim Cratchet.

Before the weekend's activity ended, we had already set up the framework for the third section which probably could be called the main section as it is the largest. We are so far ahead of schedule this year, we are contemplating adding a section in another room. That will depend on events not in our control.

Last week we mentioned that Gator Wife had to undergo an unexpected test. We got back the results and they weren't very pleasant. As a result, she will begin the process of preparing for surgery and probable chemotherapy. It is my turn to walk at her side for next several weeks as she has walked beside me for the past eight years.

I will keep you informed of the progress of the Village from time to time, but there won't be much ranting and raving on events I can't control anyway. These posts may also be few and far between for the foreseeable future.

Thanks for being with us and, if you're so inclined, a little prayer for Gator Wife would be greatly appreciated.

And finally, it's easier to reach A Gator in Maine now. We are also at http://www.gatorinmaine.com/.

GiM