The Big Tree

This is the 'big tree' at the end of Moffit Road in New Castle, Pa. It is a grand,
majestic tree, spreading it's broad, proud limbs in every direction. I eagerly anticipate walking to the 'big tree' when I'm visiting my in laws.

It is a landmark that has been my walking focus for many years. I first walked to it with my father in law, but as the years have passed, Dad became a bit slower, and now has finally retired from hiking. Now I go alone, but once in a great while someone will join me. Last week my daughter Skye came along.

I've seen the 'big tree' in the summer and winter, in the snow and the rain, surrounded by fog and under warm sun, richly covered with green foliage, and looking quite elegant displaying graceful bare branches.

I'm not sure what type of tree it is, but it's lovely. Cornfields are nearby. Rolling hills surround it. Clouds overhead cover it like a canopy. Moffit Road leads towards or away from it, depending on your perspective. A few people live along the road, in sight of the great giant. It is a splendid tree, and it makes my walk an inspired one.

"I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree...
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray..." Joyce Kilmer

I'll always hear Dad's voice asking, "Are you walking to the 'big tree' today? Wish he could still come along.....I think he is in spirit:)

More December Notes

Today Keith, Skye, Wyatt & I rode/walked/ran in the surrounding neighborhood. A nice morning temperature-wise, although overcast, to get some exercise. Wyatt thought he was in Heaven being outside and with ALL of US:) Keith's working on his biking stamina, so Skye didn't get her normal workout. I did get in some running whenever Wyatt decided to chase the bikers:)

Our Small Group had their annual Christmas Dinner last night. We departed from our Progressive Dinner style that we've done in the past and met at Biaggi's, an Italian restaurant, in Cary. It was excellent. Even Keith was able to enjoy a meal of pasta and Italian sausage. Afterwards the group traveled to the historic Apex home of the Stern's, where we tasted various desserts and drank delicious hot coffee. Their home is always a feast for the eyes, as Teresa has a flair for decoration like no other person I know of! Must say visiting together was the sweetest part of the entire night:)

Today I'm baking sweet bread, something I love to do when I have the time, and yeast bread is such fun to make, and eat:) These days I usually only bake bread at Christmas (Swedish Tea Rings), and it's part of the holiday tradition for me. Sugar and gingerbread cookies used to be a top priority when the kids were small, but we don't have the time to make/decorate them anymore, and don't need to eat many of them. But Skye and I have found an especially good gingerbread recipe this year so we've baked a few batches---yum:)

Our sweet and precious neighbor Christa dropped by early afternoon and brought some goodies:) Such a sweetheart:) She and her family, Todd, Gina & Ali, attend the same church as we do.

Our 'Self' neighbors left some wonderful sugar cookies and a gift card to their son Mason's music site. I must say the cookies were very good, plus they were packaged like large buttons--so neat! How sweet of them:) The music I'll leave to Skye:)

A blessing to have neighbors dropping off goodies and saying I care:)

A dear old friend called today and asked if we could come to their house tonight. As much as I'd LOVE to see her & her family, I'm really tired in many ways and am not sure if I'm up to a night out across town.....have to decide, but maybe a nap would help my outlook:)

Skye got her Appalachian deposit in the mail today. How things will have changed by this time next year---we'll be looking forward to her coming home from Boone. Not sure if I'm ready for that, but I know she is:)

Finished reading the book "same different as me". It is POWERFUL!!! A true story that shows how much difference we make when we simply love the unlovable. I challenge you to read it in 2008.

Oh how sweet the sound:)

Sweet gentle rain is falling in Apex tonight:)
What a peaceful sound.
What a blessing after not hearing it for far too long.
It's chilly & damp, and Christmas lights glisten through the droplets.
I'll sleep contentedly hearing rain tapping & sliding down the window pane while I travel from one dream to another....:)
My bed is calling!
Goodnight moon (sleeping behind the clouds):)

December notes

I've been in warp speed since Thanksgiving, so sorry about the blog updates & "ponderings" not being consistent.

Did some Christmas baking today, and attempted to decorate the tree---discovering half dead light strands put an end to getting that project done:(

Our grand puppy Poppy arrived yesterday & haven't even had time to see her--that's bad:( Seth & Kelley probably think I'm not excited. At least Skye & "buds" have been over & taken photos of the cute Westie baby girl.

Need a longer weekend. I love to wrap gifts but can't seem to fit it in, between cleaning & all the house stuff.

Would LOVE to have blown/raked leaves today; a perfect day to be outside here! High of 68 degrees:) Didn't have time:(

Keith's trying to get our Christmas letter designed & typed, and I'm even thinking it may not be a priority to get one out this year.

Have found Holiday music online this year, so am listening to some nice Christmas streaming music without commercials! And from a person who LOVES Christmas music, the radio stations are playing the same songs over & over--not good.

Have missed traveling to Pinehurst & seeing my mama:(

Have been reading "The Screwtape Letters", finally! Makes me think!
Also beginning to read "same kind of different as me", by Hall & Moore.

Celebrated with longtime friends an old friend's college graduation tonight. He's in his 60's so this is something he's worked on (& off) for years. What an achievement!! Hurray for Ralph!

Skye will wind up her next to last semester at Wake Tech this coming week. She has exams & papers to write. And hopes to get "an invitation" from Appalachian State in the coming weeks.

Christmas will be here in 2 weeks & 3 days--whoa!!