What happened to all the snacks?

      The church goers greeted us warmly after we heard why Santa do what Santa do.  “Y’all come back’” each said, moving on as their curiosity was satisfied.
      The Porters, who befriended Admiral during his college days, were there and very welcoming since their last visit years ago. As we followed them up the long winding drive to their home, Admiral said "It's the same house I remembered 50 years ago."  Tales of  family, friends, funerals and weddings filled the air. Fortunately the chatter was louder than my tummy, roaring to say “feed me.”
      Mid afternoon, following the Porters, we took off for lunch about 30 miles down the road in the next town.  I did say we were at 40 and plum, didn't I?  That's for 40 miles out and plum in the sticks.  Enroute Admiral and I searched the car for snacks, only to recall we polished them off yesterday.
      Our eyes danced at the all-you-can-eat buffet.   Extreme will power and a rational head prevailed to select bits of yummy faves, totally satisfying any hunger pangs that may think about stirring.
      All  I can say about the drive back to RVA was it was long. "Where did all the traffic come from?  Why do they clog up the road I'm on?" I wondered while Admiral napped as I drove.
      Christmas plans came, went and made for a fun, very social holiday. At parties we met each other's friends. Admiral was amazed I knew some of his friends.  Did he know I went out with one of them?  He wondered whom I didn’t know.
      There is no place better to end a year or begin a new one than the Hope & Glory Inn in Irvington.    The handsomely designed cottages, clever gardens (even in the bleak winter) and delightful lobby with fascinating guests provided stimulating conversations, connecting with ole acquaintances.  We had such fun that time slipped away, making us very late meeting wonderful friends for dinner and ringing in the new year.  
      All too soon the clock struck midnight.  Welcome 2011.  What would it be like?