It's not the beginning or the destination that counts. It's the ride in between . . .

“It's not getting from A to B. It's not the beginning or the destination that counts. It's the ride in between...This train is alive with things that should be seen and heard. It's a living, breathing something -- you just have to want to learn its rhythm.”  ~ David Baldacci

In December we gathered at Paula's lovely Victorian home to celebrate the Christmas season, have our book exchange and a lovely potluck Christmas luncheon. Stephanie, Suzanne, Paulette, Carolyn, Paula, Darlene, Ann, Lillian,Patti, Brittany and Sandy attended.  We had a wonderful lunch of roast chicken, rice pilaf, green salad, Italian Wedding soup, home-made rolls, vegetables, Sparkling Grape Juice, as well as pie and ice cream.

Our book exchange is always lively, as you are allowed to "steal" a book twice, but the third owner gets to keep it, unless the first person to get a gift (who also ends up being the last person to choose) decides to steal it away.  
 Paula always has a festive table set for the Christmas luncheon

 These banners change throughout the year.

Brittany, Lilian and Suzanne

Sandy, Paulette, Carolyn and Patti

Some fun quotes from The Christmas Train:
“It's often said that God works in mysterious ways. You have to really think about what He's trying to do. You can't be lazy and believe in God; He doesn't make it that easy. It takes spirit and faith and passion to really believe. Like most things worthwhile in life, you get back what you put into it. Only with faith, you get back a lot more.” 
― David Baldacci, The Christmas Train

“It’s been my experience that most folk who ride trains could care less where they’re going. For them it’s the journey itself and the people they meet along the way. You see, at every stop this train makes, a little bit of America, a little bit of your country, gets on and says hello. That’s why trains are so popular at Christmas. People get on to meet their country over the holidays. They’re looking for some friendship, a warm body to talk to. People don’t rush on a train, because that’s not what trains are for. How do you put a dollar value on that? What accounting line does that go on?” 
― David Baldacci, The Christmas Train