December 15 – As most of you know, I volunteer as a House Docent at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's “other house” over in Bedford (it is actually right on the border where Lynchburg and Bedford County meet). On Dec. 13, I was there for the last time this year – it closed Dec. 15. Poplar Forest will re-open for the 2012 season in mid-March.

As I was driving home, and it was getting darker every minute I remembered that next week – the 22nd – is Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. From then on, the days will get longer every minute and we will enjoy daylight a little longer each day. Hooray for that!

On Dec. 12, I attended the Farmville Herald's Annual Correspondent's Luncheon held at Country Cookin'. As always, it is nice to get together to see old friends and to put a face to the name of some of the “newcomers.”

On Dec. 14, the Abilene Homemakers Club held their annual Christmas luncheon at the Riverside Cafe. We have had a wonderful year. As a result of a very successful quilt raffle and bake sale, we have been able to continue our outreach programs to the Piedmont Juvenile Detention Center, several of the nursing homes in the area, and the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Homes. We would like to express our appreciation to you for your continued support.

This weekend, Bob and Cathy Bissett of Chesapeake (formerly of Abilene) will be visiting John and Marolyn Lavra. The men will enjoy some hunting and fishing and the ladies will enjoy some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Don't forget, the Abilene Community Club is holding a “Beamer-Ball” raffle for a football autographed by Coach Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech. Tickets are available now. You can order tickets by sending a money order or check to Tiffany Dempsey, 3350 Abilene Road, Charlotte, C.H. 23923, or call 390-6401, 223-7688, or 223-8343. The tickets are $2 each. The drawing will be held on Dec. 22nd.

If you have any news or announcements that you would like to share, please call me at 223-2271 or e-mail me at kz5ro@kinex.net.