Albany

A new year has arrived and life goes on at a very rapid pace. Sorry I didn't have news last week but didn't get back home until late Sunday night. I would ask people to please call me with news. If I am not home leave a message on my answering machine or e-mail me at bennettkathleen0@gmail.com. If you would like me to call you let me know and I will.

The holidays are over and I am sure everybody was very busy with school, community and personal gatherings. The fourth and fifth grade at Crescent Park School put on a great concert. Hope many of you got to hear it.

The Barton family gathered at the home of Franklin and Margaret Barton on Christmas day. This included their three sons, Jeff, Jimmy and Brett, their wives and children, Franklin and Margaret's four great grandchildren. There were 23 people all together. After attending the Christmas Eve service at the North Waterford Congregational Church, Jane Wardwell joined nephew Darrin Reynolds and family in Harrison for a wonderful meal and gift exchange. On Christmas Day niece Jessica Nye and family and Danijean Collins and family, and nephew Darrin and she gathered at the farm for their traditional dinner and tree.

I enjoyed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my son Douglas and family, Jen and Bella. We had a nice party and sing along with Chris and Elton Cole, Eben Katlin and boys, Devin and Cole, Kim and Pat Carson and their children, Jake, Sierra, Brooke and Colton. Must not forget the newest member of the family, Ozzie, the nine month old Golden Lab. The next day my family all met at the home of Chris and Elton Cole, Maire, Eben and boys, Kayla and friend Robert, Robert's mother, Janice, Doug, Jen and Bella and Ozzie, and myself. Had a grand time eating, playing games and opening presents. On Friday, Doug and family and myself headed for Bennington New Hampshire to celebrate with Dan, Heidi and sons Tristan and Carter. We enjoyed our visit but I was glad to get back home on Sunday Eve. Nice to sleep in your own bed!

I want to wish my friend Margaret Barton a very happy 70th birthday last Wednesday Jan. 3. We like to joke about the fact that she is exactly one month older than I am to the day! Have a very happy and safe new year.