December 31, 2016
Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! Merry
Christmas and more Blessed New Year to my family and friends!!! I am happy to
share that as part of my tradition, I completed the 9-days Novena Masses for
Christmas, much Thanks GOD!
The Christmas season brings
beautiful memories of family traditions which I closely follow to be
consistent, and continue receiving the blessings and graces that God has
faithfully showered upon us. Thus, activities during the Advent days leading
toward Christmas included: Novena Masses, gift-giving and sharing with the
children, less-fortunate brothers / sisters, family, and friends; donations to
charitable institutions, and many, many more!
One tradition is our group
party, this year themed White Christmas (all attendees wore white), hosted by
Jojo I. held at the residence of Marlin in Natomas, 12 – 10 PM, featuring the
‘white elephant gifts exchange’ lasting 3 hours, and parlor games. Everyone
enjoys the party annually. Another tradition is our visit to the Charles
Spinetta Winery and Wildlife Art Exhibit on December 26. Located in Plymouth,
Amador County, it is 30-minutes’ drive from our place along scenic beautiful
ranches and wineries. We spend time wine-tasting, and art viewing, bought a
case for home supply (4 bottles each of Primitivo, Black Muscat, Rossette). Mr.
Charles, the owner, showed us around the gallery. While I was partial to
outdoor landscape frames, Sean opted to purchase the ‘Autumn Eyes’ titled
painting – close-up of a friendly Wolf- now hung above his bed headboard,
serving as his guard.
The new Palladio Luxe
cinemas, where you need advance reservations, allow us to visit the new shops
in the area, such as the Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom Racks, Victoria’s Secrets,
if you miss to get early schedules. Oh well, nice place to roam around, even in
the cold weather!
Significant highlights for the month:
·
On our Opus Dei group (2nd Saturday of the month), Fr. Mark
returned and I was blessed to be 1st on line in the long Confession
queue so I was able to focus on the other activities for the day, culminated
with the Benediction; thus, the ladies had a meaningful preparation for
Christmas!
·
There were Raffle and get-together events in our church; Likewise, Fr.
Aldrin celebrated his 20th Ordination anniversary, so we had
reception after his Thanksgiving Mass on Dec. 27;
·
Books read for the month: The Flame of Love, by Elizabeth Kindelmann;
Resisting Happiness, by Mathew Kelly, distributed to parishioners, and 4 more
books. Movies watched for relaxation were: Assassins Creed, Rogue One, pre-quel of the
Star Wars series, The Passengers, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence;
·
Meaningful get-together with friends, and trying new places to dine also
comes with additional calories, needing more discipline and Resolution to
control weight gains for the New Year!
·
I am continuously communicating with my lawyer in Bohol, Pinas for the
titling of my Valenzuela lot property for its economic development, and
following up with Jen Alvaro of Megaworld for the 8I, El Jardin title.
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
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