The End of February--Whew.

Today is the last Sunday of February.

I am glad to see it go.

Either we've had freezing weather or occasional days of mild weather with harsh gusty winds (dislike wind).

And little rain.

Forecasters tell us we're already in a drought--this may make for a long 2011.

March may have winter like days/nights but in reality it's the beginning of spring in NC.

Buds are sprouting, forsythia is blooming, daffodils are appearing, cherry trees are blooming.

Spring is always uplifting for the soul.

Sunrises & sunsets are glorious.

The nights are still chilly, but as the day progresses the air warms & swirls around us like bathwater.

Birds are singing:)

People become less grumpy:)

Everybody flocks outdoors.

I feel joy renewed.

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again

Sarah Ban Breathnach

On My Mind Lately

1. K. & I need to make a will & fill out End of Life forms.

2. The house needs: painted outside, painted inside, wallpaper stripped in living room & kitchen & master bath, hardwoods refinished, bathrooms remodeled, living room carpet replaced, kitchen updated. Whew!

3. Dream of a trip to Scotland; for our 45th wedding anniversary & to take Skye to see the Isle of Skye (with all the family:))

4. Always wanted to do a family trip to upstate NY to show the kids where K. & I lived as newlyweds.

5. Would love a family trip to Santa Fe, NM, & the Grand Canyon.

6. Dream of traveling to San Francisco, taking a train across the US & through Canada, seeing Glacier National Park, visiting Europe.

7. Should be more careful with my Diabetic diet--definitely should!

8. Reading on my Kindle "A Journey" by Tony Blair...very good!

8. Am I doing what the Lord requires of me?

My Valentine

“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows.

Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

And the sky of the sky of a tree called life;

Which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide.

And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.

I carry your heart.

I carry it in my heart.”

E.E. Commings

Growing Old Gracefully...

2011.

A new year.

It brings thoughts of promise;

new beginnings,

new dreams,

old dreams fulfilled,

more time with precious friends,

less time complaining,

eating well,

walking more,

reading the Bible more,

reading more,

smiling more,

hugging more,

treasuring family times,

traveling,

encouraging others,

being kind,

loving the unlovable,

comforting those in need,

being more compassionate,

reaching out to others,

resting peacefully,

being still,

lavishing loved ones with love,

savoring a good cup of coffee,

relishing the moment,

looking up,

thinking before speaking,

laughing at myself,

traveling more,

being thankful,

saying thank you,

praying without ceasing,

praising the Lord,

allowing myself to be inspired anew,

and....

maybe buying a pair of red cowgirl boots:)

Christmas in Photos

Saturday, Christmas morning, everybody gathered here at 8am to open gifts & have Christmas brunch--egg & sausage casserole, oj, coffee, blueberries, & tea rings.

Opening gifts took a while, especially with Wyatt & Three Three entertaining us simultaneously:) Skye loved her aqua KitchenAid mixer, Keith was excited about his gas blower, Cameron really liked his Rock Band Keyboard, Kelley seemed glad to see her king comforter, & I loved my jewelry & new Kindle cover:)! Blessings galore:)

By noon, S&K & Three Three had to leave to celebrate at K's mom & dad's. Cameron stayed on most of the afternoon.

Snow was forecast for the afternoon/evening so we were all on snow watch:) I prayed for enough snow I wouldn't have to work Sunday:) And, low & behold, the Lord answered that prayer! By the following morning we had 7 inches of the most glorious fluffy white stuff!! A first for NC on Christmas!

My extra special Christmas treat...a Sunday to sleep in, rest, & pack for our trip to Pa. A day for our part of the world to be calm & quiet since most activities in the area were cancelled--no church, no traffic, just a peaceful beautiful snow day in N.C. A day to look forward to our time the following week with the Mc Clan, a whole week away from regular routine, a week to be with family.

So sweet:)

Christmas

A sweet day of family & good food & nice gifts:) A day to relax after the hustle & bustle of the season:)

Tonight weather forecasters are predicting a possible 3-6 inches of snow! Could we end the night with a white Christmas? It would be the first measurable snowfall on Christmas since 1947!

I must say I'd love to spend tomorrow packing for our trip to Pa. rather than going to work--but time will tell.

Blessings to all this new year of 2011. May it be one of delight, compassion, deep peace within, & sweet joy in each new day, for every day is a gift:)

Top photo: a dusting of snow a few weeks ago

Bottom photo: the Mc girls, Kelley, Skye, & Brenda opening gifts this morning:)

December Wish List

1. Will we get out Christmas letters/cards this year--stamps are bought, draft is written, but...I'm writing this blog instead:)?

2. Will I get down the big tree?

3. Will I get Swedish Tea Rings made?

4. Will my cold/cough go away??

5. Will we have another snow dusting before Christmas? It's been cold enough lately:)

6. Will Skye be able to get home this week after the blizzard forecast for Boone the 13th/14th?

7. Will I figure out what to get Keith for his birthday/Christmas?

8. Will we have bad weather traveling to/from Pa. the week after Christmas?

9. Will I find joy in my job this Christmas season (need an attitude adjustment some days:))?

10. Will calmness & peace be foremost in my life this season?

11. Will I find time to get a haircut & a pedicure--sort of essential for a happier me?

12. Will I get Wyatt to the groomers for a bath?

13. Will I be able to meet with my care receiver before Christmas?

14. Need to finish shopping:)

15. Have our girls' birthday celebration for Lorraine Dec. 14th at Brigg's:)

16. Plan to spend Dec. 21st shopping with Lisa & Kathy:)

17. Have a Small Group lunch Dec. 18th at Biaggi's:)

18. Have a couples' birthday celebration for Keith & Lorraine Dec. 17th:)

19. Where will we celebrate Keith's birthday lunch with the family Dec. 19th?

20. Plan to go see Tron at the IMAX Dec. 18th with Lindsay, Cameron, Seth, Skye:)

21. What will I serve for Christmas morning brunch?

22. Will I give generously to those who need my help/my time/my smile?

23. Will I remember countless times daily to be thankful & grateful for the lavish love of the Father who pours out His love & blessings upon me continually!:)

I give this all to Him.