Hello everybody from Golden Oaks. How is everybody? At this time, I think all residents here in the village are doing well. Everybody is busy and about ready for Christmas. Everyone is having family over, going places for dinner, and just enjoying this time of year. Most everyone is eating too much. I know that I am. All the food is so good. It’s great not to eat alone all the time.

Sorry to learn that Nina Carter’s brother Harold Ferguson had passed away. Connie Gann and Golden Oaks residents send our sympathy out to the family.

At this time, Janice Jones is at Stonecrest Assisted Living. She is doing great. Hopes to come back to Golden Oaks. Connie Gann and Golden Oaks residents hope to see her soon and wish her good health.

The Palace hosted a Christmas dinner at Golden Oaks on December 18, 2009. Those in attendance were: Juanita White, Ethel Becker, Tom Turner, Mildred Turner, Sylvia Laycock, Easter Conley, James Thurman, Alma Dallas, Estelle Whittemore, Hazel West, Beulah Murray, Bonnie Brown, Vickie Regsby, Lucie Dubuc, Ann Lawson, Scott Stinson, Doris Powers, Linda Sutton, and Glenda Browning.

Santa and his helpers were there, too. We had our pictures made with Santa. The lunch was delicious. Everybody received a gift and played Brain Game. Lucie Dubuc won the door prize. Everybody had a great time. Thanks! It is always a fun time when they come over to the village. We wish the Palace a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year!

This week has been busy trying to get all things done. I’ve been going to dinners and suppers, out to breakfast, trying to bake some, watch the Titans, and talk on the phone. I could hardly think of all my news. Hope things are okay. Maybe things will slow down soon!

At this time of year, the year 2010 is about here. Connie Gann and Golden Oaks residents would like to say thanks to all that have been nice to everybody. We are so blessed here at Golden Oaks. Thanks everybody!

I called Inez Ballou this morning to tell her the Titans would play today. Her son, Keith Ballou was with her, so I called back. She is doing better. Her boys are so nice to visit mother. They call her “Little Ma.”

Sun Crest Home Health hosted a dinner at Oakwood in Westmoreland, TN. Connie Gann drove over to be with residents there for dinner. Connie said that they had lots of delicious food. Everybody had a great time. Leigh Taylor, LPN, was hostess of the dinner. She enjoys making residents feel better. Leigh always makes everyone have a good day.

Pleasant Hill General Baptist Church was at Golden Oaks on December 16, 2009 singing for residents. We all enjoyed the time we sang along with them. There was a large crowd that came out. Thanks to all, have a Merry Christmas.

On Sunday night Alma Dallas had her Christmas supper at Golden Oaks. Had lots of delicious food. Everybody enjoyed the time together. Golden Oaks Community Room is a nice place for residents to have family dinners.

At this time I would like to slow down and thank Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for the nice fruit basket. It makes everybody feel so blessed; it did me.

When residents got up on Sunday morning the snow was on our housetops and cars, some on the ground, so pretty. Our little birds were out eating from the feeders also having a great time.

On Sunday Our Titans won. Sometimes they almost don’t, they are so lucky. Inez said, Why do they do that? I said they just don’t think they won’t get beat. They almost did. They won 27-24. Wish they could win all the time. Maybe they will. It takes teamwork. We think they are a team you can enjoy most of the time.

I will say good night again. This year has been a good year. We have a great place to live here in Macon County. People move here and they talk of how nice Macon County is.

Take care, have a good week.

On Dec. 19th Doris Ballou and family met at Golden Oaks Village for their Presley Christmas gathering. Family came from Indiana that we only see each Christmas as well as nearby towns. Everyone ate and enjoyed. We were pleased to have Juanita White joining us, she helps us and is a good friend. God Bless and thank the management of Golden Oaks Village.

On December 17, 2009 the Macon County Times hosted a Christmas dinner for the employees. They had country ham and lots of delicious food. Everybody enjoyed the time. After lunch Clay Morgan, Editor & Publisher, made a nice talk telling everyone how proud he was of all employees, what a good job they were doing. It made everybody feel good about themselves. Thank You.

Juanita’s Kitchen

Lo Cal Pie

1 carton fruit flavored yogurt

1 cup fresh fruit, to match yogurt flavor

1 carton Cool Whip

1 graham cracker crust

Mix together and place in graham cracker crust. Chill and serve.

Good with fresh strawberries, mandarin oranges, diced peaches or unsweetened pineapple. Enjoy.

Juanita’s Baking Tip: Drop a leaf of lettuce into a pot of soup to absorb grease from the top.