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Last Saturday night, Mrs. Hill and I enjoyed an evening at the historic Thomas Center and Gardens, on the night of the Christmas tree lighting.

We found easy parking along the west wall of the garden, and made our way inside where people were enjoying hot cider and cookies, and dancing to holiday songs sung live to a piano accompaniment. Almost immediately I saw people from my work whom I had no idea would be there. We chatted a while, then Miriam and I went upstairs and browsed the gallery of local art, and took particular interest in the historic photos of Gainesville. This history of this fair city is a special interest of mine.

Then, after some time, we made our way outside where we enjoyed still more refreshment, in the form of hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies. All of the above was completely free. We paid $7 to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the Duckpond, where the streets were lined with luminaries. It was wonderful, and everyone was so nice, though we covet their historic mansions. Then I got to pet horses.

Finally, it was dinner at Big Lou’s before heading home full of food and Christmas cheer. Gainesville really is great.