The Suwannee is at flood level, and we hope that Old Saint Nick won’t be easily deterred when he views that usually placid old stream from his sleigh way up in the sky.

My brother and I took a high water tour of the homeland this past Sunday and reminisced about other times when the river was high. We both agreed, that in our memories, we have never seen the river “this high” this “early” in the year.

Oh, well, Christmas is a “coming”, and here in our home, we are in the Christmas mood and much of the Christmas spirit abounds. Whether the river is high or low, we know how to spread cheer and the message of hope to friends and loved ones.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, remember there are things to enjoy here in our home “Around the Banks of the Suwannee” that don’t cost a lot of money, and you don’t have to travel very far to see them.

Take a drive over to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. The entire park is illuminated each night through Christmas Eve, and it’s something to behold. On the weekends, all the buildings are opened, and you can stroll through the grounds and make memories with those you love in a beautiful setting “Way down upon the Suwannee River.” Roast marshmallows, enjoy the carols and sing along, and enjoy beautiful music played by some outstanding musicians in the Tower Auditorium “Way down upon the Suwannee” River. You will be so glad you did, and I am sure you will enjoy the time you spend with those you love and cherish.

In Suwannee County, take a drive through Suwannee Lights out at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

Hot cocoa and all kinds of wonderful things to behold at this, the original light display in the Suwannee River Valley. I remember when the late Mrs. Jean Cornett had a dream for this and made that dream into a reality. I will never forget the first time I was driven through that magical tunnel of icicles by James Cornett, and the wonderful feeling I had knowing something this beautiful was being offered to those who live in this area, wonderful.

For just a “lift” in your holiday spirits, and I am not pushing any private business here, but take a trip out to Noble’s Greenhouse in Live Oak, Florida. The many varieties of poinsettias and Christmas cactuses Kim and Chris Carter have available are something to behold. You are sure to be blessed with just the beauty of what is around you, as you stroll through this veritable bower of beauty. They might even offer you a bag of popcorn as you stroll through the area.

The State Parks of Florida are a wonderful place to spend some time with those you love at this time of year. Not only are you improving you own “wellness” and those you love, but you will also encounter unforgettable sights, sounds, and fragrances. The rushing waters of the Big Shoals at Big Shoats State Park located on CR 135 north of White Springs. The shoals are Florida’s only white water, and if you’ve never seen them, they are, in a word, unforgettable. You won’t forget them. The sound of the rushing waters across the rocks, and the fresh scent of slash pines in the crisp winter air, all pretty spectacular.

Jasper’s City Park is wonderful. A lot of work was put into the beauty of the Jasper City Park, and we thank those who worked so hard to make the park so beautiful. Our hats are off to you. In thinking of Jasper, I also have to mention Ward Daniels and his family, Jasper, Florida. Ward does an outstanding job each year decorating a Christmas float that always takes your breath away. Thank you, Ward, for all the marvelous work you put into this event. We appreciate you.

And, I will mention in “Jasper” if you need your spirits lifted, go into the Posh Pineapple on Central Avenue, and you are sure to get your spirits lifted by either Laura Dees or Melanie Shortt Gay or both. Beautiful holiday items perfect for those you hold dear. Cathy Jo Foster at Sunsations also has beautiful gift items galore, and you might “luck out” if you are in there on the right day and be able to purchase one of her son, Burke’s, delicious hotdogs. Love Burke.

In Live Oak out on U. S. 90, Gywn’s Gifts and Décor is marvelous. When you enter that store, you feel like you have encountered a fabulous Christmas present all done up with the most fantastic and sparkling tinsel and trimmed to the “nth” degree.

Want to stop during the lunch hour or dinner if you are bit “peckish” and sit down and rest while enjoying pure comfort, a few suggestions for you: breakfast the Dixie Grill, hard to beat, the BEST I know anywhere, anytime, fried green tomatoes and smoked fish dip at All Decked Out Café on the corner of Duval Street and Lee Avenue, fantastic, want something a bit more, try their shrimp and grits; you won’t be sorry. If something creamy or sweet tempts you, savor the splendid and sumptuous creaminess of the crab bisque at the 406 on Duval. Want pure decadence on a plate, order the bread pudding as only the 406 can do it; beyond wonderful.

Take a drive through any of our towns, and just enjoy the beauty of Christmas lights. Some folks do go “all out,” and their efforts are appreciated.

As we enjoy this season of love and light, don’t lose sight of the reason for this blessed season. Many churches in our area have candlelight services. Check your newspaper to see what time these happen, and make your plans to attend. Hearing the old, old story of the Holy Nativity seems to be “new” each year.

Visit the public libraries in your communities. Our Suwannee River Regional Library system offers wonderful Christmas books, books on tape, DVD’s and any number of activities that are sure to please. Check out a great Christmas book or DVD. Come and participate in any number of activities available for you in Live Oak, Jasper, White Springs, Jennings, Dowling Park, Branford, Lee, Madison and Greenville. If you don’t have a library card, and you are a resident in this area, we encourage you to obtain one, for you or any member of your family. What a marvelous gift for your child, the gift of reading. The facilities are nice, and you can come spend time utilizing the computers and other services available at your public libraries.

Before signing off, I wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas. I pray it is one filled with joy and happiness for you and yours. Here’s a recipe for you. It’s not a new one, but it’s a good one.

Also, this time of the year is a time for cooking special holiday treats, and I am going to share one that was a favorite of my beloved second grade teacher, the late Mrs. Virginia J. Daniel. It’s easy to make, and it’s wonderful. I shared it last year, but this is such a favorite, I am going to share it once again. You will love these, and they are easy to make and DELICIOUS.

She loved encouraging the artistic talents of her students, and she was extremely artistic in her own right, and she was always about doing for her church, White Springs United Methodist, her school and her community. I miss her, but her legacy lives on.

Here is her recipe.

FOREVER AMBERS

Ingredients

1 lb. orange slice candy, finely chopped

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup pecans, chopped

1⁄2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 teaspoon orange extract

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

Combine chopped orange slice candy, sweetened condensed milk, chopped pecans, flaked coconut, orange extract and vanilla in a shallow, lightly oiled baking dish.

Bake for 20 minutes at 325 degrees or until mixture bubbles.

Stir in powdered sugar until smooth.

Drop by teaspoonful’s onto waxed paper, when cool enough to handle, roll into balls.

Let stand until firm.

Store in air-tight container.

Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and, even the way the season feels, and remember, sometime the simplest things, those that seem simple, make the most lasting memory. A shared cup of coffee or hot cocoa. A visit with someone you hold dear may mean more than you will ever know.

From the Eight Mile Still on the Woodpecker Route north of White Springs, wishing you a Merry Christmas!!