Giving Thanks

... the day after.

Yesterday found the Mac family at home celebrating many blessing.  Food, warmth of home, family, friends. We had a bounty of goodness served up at the table.  Reflecting at prayer time .. each person gave a short offering of thanks for what they were most grateful for.  I had to give a BIG shout of thanks for the progress Nathan has made:  He is developing the skills to EAT in the dining room at the table with the whole noisy lot of what is his family.  Just a few weeks ago, this was only a dream. Now, he regularly eats with us.  I'm praising the Lord and saying AMEN!  Thanking the dedicated work his therapist is doing ... we call here the miracle worker!!  Next on the list of miracles:  Haircuts, baths, and trimming toe nails.  Hey, with God in control, we have success!

Starting Off The Holidays

... with a BANG!

Sunday afternoon found us at a rare concert (rare as in I don't usually go to concerts;)  .. the Trans Siberian Orchestra was playing in Spokane, Washington.  The performance was OUTSTANDING!  If you haven't been to one of their shows, be sure to catch them if they are performing near you.  Picture Beethoven on crack ... and you've got a good idea of the energy, sound, fireworks,  flames and snow to kick it up a notch.  Thank you Patrick for the early Christmas present.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday ...

Nathan luv'n him some venison ribs

Our Day, Plus 30 Years

 Old Irish Blessing:

May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children's children
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in Blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward

Today marks our thirtieth wedding anniversary.  We've been celebrating all weekend.  First with a lovely dinner out on the town Saturday, an overnight get-a-way, Sunday brunch  ... and dinner with our family last night.  

Mr. & Mrs. Mac - On This Our Wedding Day, 11/8/1980

Mr. & Mrs. Mac - 2010

With all of that merry making .. I'll return to my Monday night football widow status.  Mr. Mac has been enjoying a week of vacation time at home.  Rainy weather and a cold front moving in this week should make for a final end to the summer season. 

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday ... (a day late;)

sunrise over North Idaho

Oh So Pretty!

Gr-gr Grandma Minni's parlor lamp .. waiting for a good dusting!

It finally arrived!  My heirloom parlor lamp.  It's been years of patient waiting .. trying to figure out how to ship it safely from St. Louis to North Idaho without breakage.  Great-great grandma's lamp is finally resting in safety atop my dresser.  Although my dad claimed it to be from the Civil War era, from a bit of research (on-line) last night, I peg it from the 1880's to about 1901.  Thank you, my friend and neighbor (Cathy K) for bringing this heirloom home to roost!

The lamp is painted with chrysanthemums.  Funny .. not remembering what floral pattern was on the lamp nor the color scheme .. I'd say my bedroom was designed with it in mind.  We even have chrysanthemums on the bathroom curtains and upholstered dressing stool.   Please, Lord, don't let my family members be the ones to break it ... AMEN!