Several members of the Belle Williams Volunteer Class of the First Baptist Church and their guests enjoyed a cruise to Nassau December 2-7.

The group left from Jacksonville and cruised to Key West, Nassau and Paradise Island enjoying many tours as they pulled into ports along the way.

Aboard ship, many of the ladies participated in the stage activities and some even won medals.

Toasting Good Health

(MS) - There are many traditions at Christmastime, including raising a glass to toast to the good health of friends and family. This tradition dates back to old England, where wassail was the drink of choice at this time of year.

Wassail is a warm drink that is made from ale (similar to beer, but heavier) or wine. It is often flavored with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. According to the “Women’s Day Encyclopedia of Cookery,” the word wassail is derived from the Old Norse word vesheill, which means “be in good health.”

To create a tasty, nonalcoholic version perfect for Christmas or to take the chill off of any winter’s day, try this recipe.

WASSAIL
1 gallon apple juice
2 oranges
2 lemons
1 lime
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
1 quart water
1 cup sugar
1. Heat the water to boiling. Cut the lemons and oranges (and lime if using) in half and squeeze the juice into a separate bowl to save, throw the skins and pulp into the boiling water. Add spices and simmer for one hour. 2. Remove the cinnamon sticks, a few cloves, allspice and save to one side. Using a slotted spoon or strainer remove the citrus peels and pulp and the remaining spices. Return the cinnamon sticks and saved spices to the water. Add the apple juice or cider and return to heat. 3. When boiling remove from heat and add the citrus juice and sugar. Simmer very lightly for another 10 minutes and serve.

Class member Edythe McCall celebrated her birthday while on the cruise and was honored by the crew with a cake and a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

On the trip were class members, spouses and guests, Mary Ann Bentley, Mary Burt, June Chafin, Roberta and Ed George, Nancy and Wayne Madden, Edythe McCall, June and Ed Smith, Ann Tanner, Julia and Dennis Palmer and granddaughter, Jessica Ward, and Ruth Holes and her guests, her sister and her husband, Betty and Jerry Spiropoulos of Leary, Tex.; brother and his wife, Jack and Barbara Younkins; niece and her husband, Toni and Alan Chicoli; and friends, Susan and Randy Orbach, all of Pennsylvania.

Chris Townsend drove the group to Jacksonville and enjoyed several days with his wife, Tara, and boys, Garston and Henry, at St. Simons while awaiting the ship’s return to bring the travelers home.