Christmas at the Duckpond.

One angle of the lit pond.

Here in Gainesville, we have a couple of major hospitals.  Shands at UF is the hospital where I was born.  They are a teaching hospital, and one of the top facilities in the country.  We also have North Florida Regional Medical Center.  This is the newer of the two, and also where my little G was born.  They are a great facility, as well, and I especially love their women's group.  But I'm not here to take sides, so I'll move along. 

It seems as though everyone in town has a preference for either Shands or NFRMC - there is no in between.  It's one, or it's the other.  No matter which the locals prefer, most won't argue that both hospitals are actively involved in their community.  In October, I wrote a blurp called Pink Pumpkins which was about a Breast Cancer Awareness event that Shands was hosting.  But, now, I am going to talk about North Florida and one of their annual events. 

The infamous duckpond.

If you're familiar with the Gainesville area at all, you'll know that when referring to NFRMC, a lot of people mention "the duckpond".  That's because, in the front of the property is a pond fully equipped with a pathway all the way around, beautiful landscaping, and of course, ducks.  Every year, North Florida Regional holds a Lighting of the Duckpond event.  I can't say I've ever been to the lighting ceremony, but seeing that pond lit up has always been a highlight of Christmas for me, and for many others in the area.  As a kid, I remember being out late, Christmas shopping, and we always asked Daddy to drive by the pond so we could see the lights.  Ahh, childhood Christmas memories! 

This year, on Friday, December 2 (which is today), from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, North Florida will hold their annual Christmas lighting affair.  They will be displaying more than sixty thousand lights this year.  There will be an appearance from Santa & Mrs. Claus, along with some of the elves.  It's free to the public, and they will offer hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes to all who would like to partake.  For information on parking, please visit the In the Community section of their website. 

Hope to see you there! 

Songs of the Season.

I like themes.  In October, I focused a lot on cooking and the kick off of Fall, not to mention there were a couple of posts on Breast Cancer Awareness.  In November, the focus was being thankful and counting your blessings.  I brought that to you with my Month of Thanks series. 

Today marks the beginning of a new month.  To carry on our thematic tradition, I've decided to do yet another series called Songs of the Season.  Every day, well, hopefully every day throughout the month of December, I will post a Christmas song to help ring in the holiday cheer.  There will be more substance to this series than just thirty one days of Jingle Bells and Ho-Ho-Hos.  I know for some people, the holidays aren't always happy and joyful, as they are for so many of us.  Some are experiencing the holidays for the first time after the loss of a dear loved one.  Others are out of work.  Some are lonely.  Some are terminally ill.  And some are hundreds of miles away from their families.  Whatever the case, I'm hoping that this series will bring just an inkling of holiday happiness to whoever may tune in this month.  And on that note, we will kick things off with something a little goofy.  If the song doesn't make you laugh, the video is sure to crack a smile.  Happy Christmas!