Just for You, Joanne!

My sister is one of a few new employees in a prominent law office in our town.  She has retired from years of service to the County's juvenile court system, and now works part time as a legal secretary.  Recently she told me that one of the long time legal secretaries was retiring at the end of December (the end of the year).  She wondered if a retirement party would be planned for Joanne.

That gave me a bright idea!  I had invited Joanne to tea on November 24, but a Green Bay Packer game took precedence.  Joanne had asked me to keep her on my teatime invitation list.......I would be doing far more than that ...... I would be bringing the teatime celebration to her and this time, it would be a retirement surprise.

And so I did just that.......

 Pumpkin Scones with spice glaze and Chocolate Chip scones

What a special moment it was!  I packed up the scones and Devonshire cream, and mincemeat tarts, a note about the experience of teatime pleasures, and contact information should anyone like to come to tea.

 

My sister and I had arranged the best time for me to go to their office, and I arrived carrying armfuls of goodies.  I had planned to set up the food and then lead Joanne into the conference room, but she was already there, taking a break with her new trainee.  "Hi, Joanne.  I've brought the tea party to you, in honor of your retirement," I said.  I set up the food, and looked up to find the entire female staff gathered in the room.  I introduced myself and told them I would be happy to talk with them about coming to tea, or serving tea at their own home. 

 

As I have said before, I love to share my baked goods with others, especially those that least expect it.   As I was getting ready to leave, Joanne said to me, "This is the nicest things anyone has every done for me."  Happy Retirement, Joanne!

 



Bedtime in Galilee by Bernice Rice

When the little Jesus had been fed

And warmly covered in His bed,

I wonder, if like other folks,

His mother told Him little jokes.

Or if she washed His little shirt

All soiled from playing in the dirt,

And smoothed it out with loving care

Before she hung it on a chair.

Then, after she had fixed a latch,

Sat quietly and sewed a patch.

Perhaps she tiptoed with the lamp

To see if Jesus' curls were damp.

I wonder if she knelt and prayed

About the bills that were unpaid.

These precious bedtimes Mary had

Before she lost her little lad.