Family Christmas

It was December 26th and our family gathered to celebrate our Savior's birth. We gave to one another the love in our hearts, a priceless gift, wrapped with hugs and tied with smiles as we spent cherished hours together. My sister did most of the cooking this year and served a delectable feast prepared without the aid of her oven, which decided to take a rest on Christmas this year. But nothing can stop the determination of my sister! What a trooper, she still managed to bake a ham, augratin potatoes, and pumpkin pie by using her roaster. No, she did not cook over the fireplace, but certainly put lots of love in the meal, and I love and appreciate her so much. Patty, Tammy, and I always have fun gathering around the table, chatting and catching up on important "girl talk", the content of which builds up through the months we are apart. Though we do talk often, many times the daily routines overshadow the underlying needs for women-chatter.

Hannah and Kate beside the Christmas tree. Nothing quite compares to the joy of little children and the delight on their faces. As Laura Ingalls Wilder said, "Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."

My grandson, Jonathan with new jacket he had wanted. My nephew, Jeremy, getting ready to open a gift, which he hopes is associated with sports! These two had been outside in the above normal temperatures, but managed to come in in time for food and gifts.

Here I am with my new scarf from Patty. It is so warm and soft and I love it. My niece, Cassie is beside me on the couch.

The "girls" are at it again--on the computer looking at the calendar, trying to plan a girls-weekend in spring to celebrate Tammy's birthday. Though no particular day was set, it was agreed that this would be fun and we would possibly go to Lake of the Ozarks, where there are lots of shopping opportunities.

When evening arrived, and we had wished Hannah a 'Happy 14th birthday", we had to make our way toward southern Illinois through some very foggy spots, but got home safe and sound.

Saturday morning we got up and continued our Christmas "journey"--this time south to Bowling Green to visit our daughter, Maura and her family. Not having seen them since last year, it was amazing to see how much Emily had grown. She is such a sweet young lady, and really a great interior designer, by the looks of her room. When her brother, Nick went off to college, she eagerly moved to his room, and made it all her own, with happy green walls and bright pink dots. I need her skills for organizing my closets, as hers was right out of a Martha Stewart magazine! Here is Emily with her pet hamster. We were glad to get to visit with Jo, Maura's Mom while we were there.

Nick, in his cowboy hat, had just been out working on the farm putting in a fence. His heart is in the country, whether it is on a tractor, or hunting, but still he is pursuing his college degree so he can afford that long "2 mile gravel road" back to his house in the country.

We thank the Lord for His mercy and grace and guidance in uniting us with Maura and her family. Leon and I had prayed for her before we ever knew where she was, and in 1996 God answered our prayers, and we give thanks for her and all of her family.

"To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind, to cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world." ***Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) American President. Presidential message (December 25, 1927)

Here Donald and Maura are with their dog, Biscuit. We wished them a "Happy Anniversary", and then continued our journey up to Radcliff to say hello to our friend Joe.

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!"--Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

We are now back in our quiet home by the fire-side and thankful for a safe journey and the refreshed feeling of love, friendship, gratitude and kindred spirits which are our gifts from the Lord received through the time spent with family.

Christmas with Gabriel

Today was a fun day spent with our grandson, Gabe, and his other grandparents, Steve and Diana. We enjoyed a nice visit, ate some wonderful Mexican food, and then off to Ten Pin Alley for some competitive bowling. Somehow, I think I must have the wrong idea of what it takes to win at bowling, because I kept bowling close to my age!!! Which isn't 300!! Anyway we had a good time and I am amazed at how fast Gabe is growing up and we are almost exactly the same height. He opened his gifts and enjoyed trying out his scooter before our bowling adventure. They gave us a neat photo key chain that holds 60 digital photos, and Diana had already put some of Gabe's recent pictures on it. It is a very nifty little photo album that you can carry with you.

Gabe is growing into a nice young man, and will be in high school next year. Wow, where does the time go?? Our Christmas "journey" has been so "enjoyable" today, and we look forward to the upcoming week as more memories are made. Tomorrow I will meet my sweet sister for some "secret" Santa activities! Ho! Ho! Ho!

"Fluffy" Is Ready for Christmas

Our cat, "Fluffy" likes to come in and get spoiled everyday. He takes up residence on the rug beside the door to the deck and sleeps in the sunshine. Today, he was very agreeable and posed for a Christmas picture with his stocking and gifts. He soon was back to sleep while I baked cookies in the kitchen.

Each day this week I have put on my chef's hat and been making Christmas treats, candies, cookies, and as my sister says, "that evil rice chex and pecan mix". She only calls it evil because she finds it irresistable. Yesterday I made one of Leon's favorites-chocolate chip cookies, and today I made one of mine, peanut butter cookies. The only real candy I made was peanut butter fudge, because my Mom made the BEST candies and she and our neighbor would get together one evening before Christmas and make several different kinds. Mom made perfect divinity, which I have not attempted, for I know it would pale in comparison.

Tomorrow we will begin our family visits by going to spend the day with our grandson, Gabe and his other grandparents, who have raised him. Gabe is 13 and I hope to have a picture of him for an upcoming post.

As I was reading some gardening e-mail from P Allen Smith I came across the following quote, which I want to share with you.

"In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts, whose windows and doors are half concealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends..." from "A Winter Walk" Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

I tried to upload a picture of Walden Pond, but had some difficulties with our slow connection, so that will have to be another day. Meanwhile, I hope everyone's heart's are full of the joy of the Lord, and thankful for all our blessings during this holy season. God bless you in your journey.

O Tidings of Comfort and Joy

In preparation for celebration Christmas, the wreath is hung on the door to welcome all with "tidings of comfort and joy." The tree is decorated with memories from many years and Christmas's past. Ornaments from my childhood are carefully placed on the boughs, as I recall seeing them gleam through the cedar branches lit by the larger Christmas lights every year in my home when I was a child. I recall having hung them for several dozen years before, and each time finding just the right spot for each to glimmer and reflect the lights. Though I am much older now, still Christmas has the power to transform us into the children again, and renew our hopes and joys, with gratitude for the Christ child whose birth we celebrate.

This is one of the precious faces that brings such joy, as she holds her own spot on our tree, my baby girl in kindergarten, and now her daughter is this age. Wow! Where do the years go?

These special ornaments are filled with the smiling faces of my children just 30 years or so ago. It seems they should still be this age, but instead have blessed me with wonderful grandchildren, whose pictures can also be found hanging on the boughs. Time goes by so fast, but some things remain the same, like the love and faithfulness of our Savior. It is a wonderful time to remember all the blessings we have received and enter into this holiday season with thankful hearts.

This is my precious son, when he was two years old, and went to school to have his picture taken at the school when his sister had hers taken. This ornament fills me with joy, as he now has 4 children of his own, and I am blessed with many sweet faces filling our tree.

Beside our tree sits the china cabinet of my youth, filled with even more memories of past Christmas' when family would gather around the table, and celebrate together. The china dishes were used and many of the "best" bowls and silverware were used at this important occasion. My aunts and uncles would come and join us, as my grandmother lived with us, so all of her children came for the holidays too. I remember we had snow on Christmas more often back then and I would listen for sleigh bells on the roof on Christmas eve. It was next to impossible to go to sleep, knowing that when I woke up "Santa" would have already been there. I always wanted a doll, and I think I still love dolls, probably due to my association with that being the special Christmas gift I most looked forward to receiving.

Another happy memory hangs on the door, of the china cabinet. The ornament, my daughter made for me, hangs on the key, reminding me of yet another Christmas and the joy that comes from our family and friends. Each loving act of kindness we share with others continues to bring joy through many years to come.

Don't forget to "enjoy the journey" through this holiday season, and spread tidings of comfort and joy.

Christmas Carols Sung by the Choir

Last evening we had the privilege of attending a beautiful Christmas Concert and hearing our granddaughter sing. The evening was perfect with family gathered celebrating Jesus' birth and watching all the talented young people give of themselves. There was a reception afterwards and the youth had fun, relieved the performance had gone well. I loved being my husband, daughter, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren and rejoicing in the Lord, a delightful start to this holy season. May everyone enjoy your journey through this Christmas season.

December Calendar and Maine Waterfront

 
 

December's Accomplishments

With only 4 days gone, this month has been busy and is picking up speed. On Tuesday evening we enjoyed our Christmas party at our photography club at SIU. It was a delicious meal, beautiful setting, and very interesting speaker. The speaker had made a recent trip to South Africa and showed photos of all the terrain, wildlife, and beautiful birds. It was fun to get to take the trip from the comfort of our ballroom and feel like we had shared the experience. At the meeting we received our calendars and mystery tour pictures back with awards. I was surprised and delighted to find I had tied for first place on the calendars we made. I am attaching the December picture from my calendar entry. The photo of the cardinal in the snow was taken on a honeysuckle vine outside my kitchen window. The real photo of me taking the picture, up in the kitchen sink, thankfully was never taken.
Today was my paint classf, and I finished my painting of the Maine Waterfront, which I have been working on since April. I jokingly tell the other ladies that my goal is to paint 2 inches per class, and sometimes that isn't easy with my favorite brush--the liner! I will also try to attach a picture of my painting, if my patience endures with our slow dial-up connection. Leon was excited to see the picture and immediately claimed it as "his" Christmas present. I have a real fondness for the picture, as we just visited Maine in October, and saw lots of lobster traps, like the ones in the picture.
I am looking forward to hearing my granddaughter, Hannah, sing in with the choir from her school tomorrow. She is such a blessing and I know the program will be a special treat, and a treasured part of our Christmas memories. It seems each month offers many avenues to enjoy the journey, and December is no exception.

Thinking about Pumpin Pie

I have been thinking about pumpkin pie--turkey and dressing---sweet potatoes and lots and lots of family gathered together, giving thanks for all our Lord's Blessings. Yes, Thanksgiving Day is on the way, but then it should be everyday, right! We all have much to give thanks for when we stop and count our blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone---and don't forget to have a slice of pumpkin pie!

Blessed And Thankful

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, I find myself counting my blessings and reminiscing about so many family gatherings and yesteryear. While looking through photos to share with everyone, I came across this funny one from vacation. I know many of you probably don't have your tickets yet, but as you note on the sign, " the Pumpkin Town Prom" is underway. It may be pumpkin pie, or pecan following turkey and sweet potatoes, but a celebration to be sure! I loved the car that is ready for the prom queen, and the little red wagon for the children. The picture was taken at village in the Poconos, where we stopped and checked out the harvest goodies. There was hot apple cider, and it was welcome, as the temperature was about like it is here today, in the 30's.


I look forward to gathering in the kitchen (Tammy's this time) and preparing the meal with her and my sister. Just to have loved ones gathered and to hear their cheerful voices, and smell the festive aromas, is fulfilling before we gather together at the table. It does my heart good to reach out and touch my daughter, my sister, grandchildren, niece and nephew and cherish every moment that we share. In today's fast times, it is good to slow down and talk with those we love. Listen to the children's laughter, for they grow up too fast, and we don't have as much time as our ancestors did before there was automobiles and electricity. What is wrong in this picture? The faster our appliances go and make work easier, the less time we have. It is crazy, isn't it? We must take the time to realize we are blessed. We should ask the Lord to watch over all of our soldiers fighting for our freedom, and thank God for His abundant Blessings. Be safe as you enjoy our Harvest of Blessings.

Purple for Patty

As I was making my way through my photos from Massachusetts, I came across this photo which I took at Mahoney's Garden Center. When we were there I saw this table of purple flower pots and immediately thought of my sister, Patty. I was going to buy one for her, but somehow they lost their beauty when taken out of the whole picture, so this picture is for you, Patty. Just to let you know I am always thinking of you with love. Look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin, Squash or Gourd

Another week has flown by already! It feels like winter is just around the corner. We had our "first" snow of the fall yesterday. Although there was no accumulation, there were still some flakes glistening on the brown oak leaves on the ground this morning. The above photo was taken at a Country Garden Shop in Barnstable, MA. The crates were stacked on the roof and each had a pumpkin, squash or gourd in them. It made a neat display, and of course photo to share.


After my past post of planting daffodil bulbs, I was talking with my daughter this week on the phone, and told her I was "digging bulbs". She asked what I was doing that for, as just last week I was planting them. This week we dug our canna and elephant ear bulbs. These kind cannot make it through the winter in our temperatures, so they have to be re-planted each spring, so we took them out of the ground and gave them a home in our basement for the winter months. It is extra exercise, but cheaper than the health club, and more beautiful when they bloom next year.


All the good rain we have been receiving is great for the trees we planted, as well as the bulbs. I am still working on photos from our trip and taking advantage of the photo deals at Walgreens to have them printed. At 10 cents each, one cannot buy color ink and photo paper for that price. I am having a great time, enjoying our journey again as I travel through each day.
I have begun thinking about the holidays and all the blessings in my life. I look forward to time spent with those I love, and making happy memories together. I have been thinking about the past Thanksgivings of my childhood, when we would gather together for turkey dinner, and many times it would include my grandma and aunts and uncles. It seems there was snow on the ground almost always around that time. Dad would go quail hunting, and I bundled up and went with him a few times. I did not carry a gun, but walked quietly along and watched the bird dog point and flush the birds, and then we would have quail for breakfast the next morning. What a treat, and so very yummy. Mom was such a great cook, and I know for sure I am blessed beyond what I can even realize, to have been surrounded by family and made such cherished memories.
Enjoy the journey each day and give thanks to the Lord for all your blessings.

Bulbs, Books , and Blessings

With less daylight, and cool, gray days, I have been thinking of more painting, book reading and the upcoming Holidays. I have been keeping busy with the bulb planting, tree watering, and winterizing our plants. I transplanted some of my plants that were in pots on the deck into different pots, and did some trimming before settling them in to their winter home inside our house. We should have lots of good oxygen with all they will give off. When space is at a premium, it takes some creativity to find a spot for all the plants I can't bear to watch freeze outdoors. It doesn't help that I can't resist trying to start new plants off the cuttings of those I trim, thus they do multiply. We gave a couple to a friend for his office, and that made the task easier.

The oaks are dropping their leaves faster than usual. Many years they hold a lot of their leaves until spring, but the winds are bringing lots of them down already. My little dogwood has about lost it's leaves, where just a couple days ago it had lovely pink leaves outstanding against the browns and grays.

I just finished the book, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. It was very interesting and a little strange, but I find myself thinking about the story now that is finished, and wanting to go back and resume the book. It deals with raising dogs, yet gives much insight into people. When we made our trip south to visit Leon's brothers, we met a couple from Hilton Head in a restaurant and she was telling us about the book, so I bought it then and have been reading it since. Leon is now reading the book, at my recommendation. I am looking forward to having others to discuss the story with, as it keeps recurring in my thoughts.

I wanted to post another photo, but it took two tries and several minutes to get the one uploaded, so I will go ahead and publish this and try again next time. Hope everyone's journey through autumn in your corner of the world is beautiful and blessed.

November - Here already?

It is hard to believe that it is November, and soon the election will be over and 2008. We have been busy the last couple days with preparations for the upcoming photography meeting. With a couple contests due at SIPS, I have been trying to make decisions on what pictures to enter, and even taking some more for the Mystery Tour.



On our trip to take pictures yesterday, we ended up at Lowe's, and that is always dangerous when there is end of the season sales. Yes, we bought 15 trees--all evergreens. So today we have been busy planting. It was a wonderful day to be outside, and enjoy the warm temperatures of fall. We did get them planted and watered, and even had enough energy to have a bite of supper when we came in.



I will attempt to upload a picture we took of our plantings. Tonight we turn our clocks back, so less daylight at the end of the day tomorrow.

Busy with the Daily

Since we have been home I have been getting back into a daily routine. Catching up on laundry, groceries, meals, etc. Leon has been trying to do some leaf maintenance--which will be an ongoing job for the next couple months. But we do love the trees!


I heard on TV that they have about 16" snow up in the Poconos---and we were just there! Wow, we got home just in time. And up in Burlington, VT it is in the 20's, now I understand why the motels up there don't think the heat should be on when it is in the 60's---It is a different world for us from down south.


This morning we had 2 bluebirds on our bluebird house. Guess they are looking for a winter residence to protect them from the elements. Our woodpeckers are working on the suet and the finches are beginning to gather in for an easy meal.


Tomorrow I will go to my paint class--I sure do miss seeing all the ladies and am really excited to work on my "Maine Waterfront"--as now I have been there.


I have been working on my photos for the SIPS calendar contest, which is due at the Nov.4th meeting. Also, trying to go through the photos I took while in New England so I can get some printed for an album. There is just something about having them in your hand--kind of like reading a book. Nothing quite replaces it. I saved some little mementos to put in with them and journal about our journey.


I gathered about a bushel of apples from our trees and made a pie, and have some to store for the upcoming days. And even hung some of my laundry on the line to dry, which I love to do on pretty days.


So now you know what I have been up to while not on the computer. I will make an effort to share our daily "travels down life's path". I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and all the season's bountiful blessings.

Home Sweet Home

Saturday, we made our way from Springfield, Ohio through Indiana and into Illinois. All the way we had a wonderful overhead changing canvas, painted by clouds on a brilliant blue background. The wind made new brush strokes with every mile, and a new picture for me to photograph of our journey. I will attempt to post one from home, but with our slow internet speed, the others will have to wait until we are at a high speed internet location. We arrived home about 7 P.M. and unloaded the car. Very thankful for an outstanding trip, and no problems along the way.


It was wonderful this morning to have our little cat, "Fluffy" come out of the garden shed to meet me. He has been spoiled all day long, with lots of treats and petting. I think he missed us a little, as he is not very sociable with other people. I did plant a few more daffodil bulbs this afternoon, and we planted a couple trees which we got in New England--one pine and one fir. I have a couple more perennials to plant tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. Needless to say, it is always great to get home, and always fun to take a trip too. So each day brings a new place to discover, even if it is in our own back yard. We found lots and lots of leaves have fallen while we were away, and I did take a few photos of our woodland and pond. Our leaf color surely pales in comparison with Vermont and Maine. I am thankful for the pictures taken, so I can revisit all the places we saw during the upcoming winter months.


Until later--don't forget to Enjoy Your Journey Each Day.

On the Road to the Midwest

The "most unique" of all the barns we saw.

Friday was spent on the road westward. Most of today's photos were taken from the car window as we drove down the Pennsylvania Turnpike and into West Virginia. I saw so many neat barns and farm, and wanted to share a few of them with everyone on this journey. There was such a wide variety of shapes and settings, but each one spoke to me of the life on the farm and all the work that goes into the farmer's lives.

I loved this "Drink Milk" barn. I know it must take a lot to keep it so pristine and painted.

This farm set off in the distance is my "Patriotic Farm" with the glorious red, white and blue.


The red barn with the black roof.

Cattle grazing around the Marlin Zelmore barn.

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I particularly like this barn which I call "round and square". Honestly, I think the round barn is a separate building, but in my photo it has become part of the square barn, which I like.

We drove through 4 tunnels on the PA Turnpike, and I always feel very strange going through the center of a mountain--this is the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel. It is always wonderful to see "the light at the end of the tunnel." We hope to arrive home this evening. "Home Sweet Home!"

From Pocono to Ephrata

We awoke to a brisk 28 degrees this morning in Hamlin, PA in the Pocono Mountains. The foliage in the upper elevations had lost much of their color, but as we drove down the mountains the leaves were still on the trees. It was very interesting, as you could tell your elevation by the amount of leaves remaining.

As we drove our planned route, we noticed a sign that had an arrow and said Red Detour, so we exited the main highway and followed it. It lead us through some very scenic roads, and I had the opportunity to take pictures of this mountain stream.

We drove through many little towns and noticed similar architecture in many of them. There were buildings with colorful cupolas and each with their own story to tell.

We reached Ephrata, PA in the late afternoon, and enjoyed the peaceful setting of this National Historic Landmark. The Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 as a German religious community by Conrad Biessel who lived, worked and worshiped at the Cloister. The German settlers came here seeking spiritual goals, rather than earthly rewards. Some were married and some celibate. In 1813 the married group formed the German Seventh Day Baptist Church. It is a very interesting history to learn about. I will include a few pictures of the grounds so you can enjoy our journey too.

This was the Ephrata school building.

This is the cemetery on the Cloister grounds.

We drove through some of the Amish communities and then made our way to the Pennsylvania Turnpike to head on west. We stopped for the evening at Breezewood, PA with more new memories made of the places visited and people we met.