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Brownstown-Sefton News

“This House is Maintained …
… Entirely for the Convenience of Our Cat” are the words on a small sign that I bought one day at a resale shop, thinking it was funny. However, as time has went on, and with the added care and maintenance of our kitty (i.e. diabetes, special diet, shots, etc.), I can see the truth in those words.
Not that we mind, for she is a good kitty, and we would be heartbroken if we should lose her.  
There has been some subtle changes in attitudes (namely, ours). We now call her “Miss Kitty,” I guess, trying to build up her self-esteem and importance to us and our little family of assorted critters.  
She enjoys joining us in the living room in the evenings, but when she is ready to go to her room (which was destined to be my work room originally), she lets us know by looking at us, sometimes putting a paw on our legs and meowing softly. She then leads the way to “her” room.  
So one of the adjustments to accommodate the kitty was giving up my well-organized, quiet, roomy, well-illuminated-by-windows, long-dreamed-of work room for a crowded little corner of the living room.
However, my “corner” is within close reach of the coffee pot and tea kettle for tea. While brewing the tea or coffee, I can look out the window to check on the outside critters.
I can also hear the mother and baby donkey when they call for their carrots.
The refrigerator is close by and I have my books, favorite photos, and decorative things given to me by friends, in my little corner.
Bill’s TV-watching chair is nearby, so we still have togetherness, even as I work and he relaxes. So, actually, it is perfect!
So all works out OK for everyone, and I know that if and when the day comes that my workroom is “vacated,” I will be too sad to appreciate its advantages over my little living room corner … for we would certainly miss, Miss Kitty … and things could be worse.
Treasured Unexpected Gifts
This is the season of giving, but some people just have giving hearts … in any season.
Looking around my kitchen this morning as I drink my cup of tea, I see evidence of this. On my kitchen table is an angel figurine, which was given to me by Lucille Fisher. A little, bright yellow teapot and cup sit on my kitchen shelf, given to me by Betty Miller.
On my wall hangs a pair of sunflower-bedecked pantaloons, cleverly made from two dish cloths, given to me for my “new kitchen” when we moved from the woods house, compliments of Anna Marie Isobel.
And just recently, Sally Behrends brought a little donkey Christmas tree ornament, which is now adorning the little Christmas tree on our kitchen snack bar ­­– perfect! A tiny white Christmas angel bear stirs on top of the tree.
Inspirational and pretty books are also found in my kitchen, given to me by Elizabeth Kasten.
An adorable white teddy bear sits among the pillows on our bed, a gift from Joanna Helm, just handed to me from a shelf in her bookstore.
My kitchen (and home) also holds memories from hearts that have passed on, but still hold a special place in my heart’s memories, which I feel are God’s gift to us.  
These gifts are precious, not only because each is so meaningful to me, but also because they represent the goodness in these special people’s hearts.
But the most precious gifts we can receive (and give) are the friendships they represent, which need no tangible tokens, but only the knowledge that someone cares.
Christmas Lights Were Glowing in Brownstown…
… as we drove around Monday night. Some homes have large, colorful, bright and beautiful displays, and some are more quietly lighted, with the Christmas tree visible through the window, in an older-fashioned, but still beautiful way.
Some Special Christmas Memories
Some may remember the Fayette Faces story on our own late Ruby Goldsborough’s “Depression Tree.” She brought in a tree branch and decorated it with homemade ornaments, cotton, and little bits and pieces of ribbon.
Ruby also wrote a touching poem about memories of the Depression Trees of her childhood, which was included with the story and picture.
Ruby was known as Brownstown’s Resident Poet, a title she richly deserved. She was not only a poet in words, but also in all she endeavored to accomplish – sewing, creating things of beauty, growing and arranging flowers, etc.
She began entering many competitions at the Fayette County Fair when she was a young girl and continued as long as she was able.  
She had many, many ribbons she won at the fair and probably held the record for entries over the years.
We also remember the Christmas Celebration Displays in the yard of the Dennings on Cherokee Strip in Brownstown. They also rated a Fayette Faces story.
They not only had a highly visible Christmas showplace, but they also had Christmas music.
I don’t know that such memorable Christmas memories are being made for our children these days, but the important message that we should instill in our children’s hearts and minds is the real meaning of Christmas and the gift that the blessed mother, Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes and gave to the world – the baby Jesus.
Announcements
Sefton HCE Unit
Christmas Party
The party is at 11 a.m. this Thursday at The Hitchin’ Post in Brownstown.
There will be no gift exchange this year, just a relaxing time of food and friendship.
Brownstown Library Bake Sale …
… at Rural King in Vandalia this Saturday, from 8 a.m. until all food is gone. Giving to the library is also giving to the community.
Fayette County HCE Board Christmas Party …
… is Monday at Ponderosa in Vandalia, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of a gift exchange, each one is asked to donate $5 for Lighthouse Pregnancy Center.
Stories…
… are abundant at the Brownstown Library, in books, magazines,  movies, DVD’s, etc. Also, computers for research, information, news, etc.
Stop In and See the Unique Christmas Tree …
… at the Brownstown Library. It is made entirely of books, built by Lana Potter and Virginia Wilbur.  
Food Pantry Items for December …
… are cans of vegetables, four cans of fruit. Anything will be appreciated.
Don’t Forget …
… to let us know about your Christmas and holiday parties, visits and celebrations. Drop the items in the small black box directly under the pink mailbox on U.S. Route 40 or call or e-mail me.
Santa Claus is coming …
… to the Brownstown Firehouse on Dec. 21, at 2 p.m.  
Upcoming Christmas Events
First Christian Church
• Sunday-Sunday school Christmas program-6 p.m.
• Monday-Extreme Zone Christmas program-5 p.m.
• Dec. 21-Combined Christmas service with Liberty Christian Church-6 p.m.                    
Liberty Christian Church
• Dec. 21-Combined Christmas service with First Christian Church at Liberty-6 p.m.
Methodist Churches
• Sunday at 6 p.m.-All-church Christmas potluck and program at Brownstown UMC. Shut-ins at 5 p.m. The offering goes to United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville and United Methodist Children’s Home  in Mt. Vernon.
• Dec. 21-March to the Manger-A special Christmas over and above the  regular offering during morning service.
Christmastime Activities
First Christian Church Christmas carolers visited several homes of shut-ins and sang at Aperion Care in St. Elmo on Sunday evening.
Brownstown First Christian Church
Duane and Laura Willms greeted the congregation of First Christian Church as they gathered for Sunday morning services.
They were led in song by Karen Underwood, Judy Pilger and Matthew Smith, accompanied by guitarist Walt Kinney, Mitchell Smith on drums and Robin Lovett, pianist. Terry Smith led the Communion meditation. Special music was contributed by Robin Lovett, followed by the morning message, delivered by Kevin Bonifacious.
 

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