Merry Christmas

It's been a very busy month .. one that has blessed us with the arrival of our wee little granddaughter, Rowan.

At nearly two weeks of age, she is still in the hospital after needing heart surgery .. and may be home in about a week.  Need I say that we are very blessed to have her and can't wait to hold and spoil her.

We had a lovely dusting of snow Christmas Eve and have plans to spend Christmas Day with our loved ones at home. 

Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy season, it's nice to remember why we celebrate.  In a few hours, there will be much chatter and tearing of paper as the young and old open presents.  Platters of food .. and sweets to be passed at the table.  It is good to remember that Jesus is ...

... a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
   and the glory of your people Israel. ...Luke 2:32

A PJ Day

Here it is nearly 1:00 PM and I'm still in my pajamas.  The weather is cloudy and I am enjoying the leisurely time spent sipping coffee, eating homemade waffles (after grinding the wheat .. of course), fresh thick bacon from the piggy we bought at the fair .. sizzled crisp .. and watching a few cooking shows for inspiration.  America's Test Kitchen (Cooks Country) featured St. Louis style pork steaks that I'm going to search the internet and find the recipe. 

Granny Day Care is closed this coming week .. that means I'm in vacation mode and can eat bon bons, pick up and go shopping at any hour of the day, or just bask in homemaker's bliss.  With Christmas just around the corner, I'll probably finish up shopping and drag out the decoration boxes (with Mr. Mac's help) from the storage room.

Well, perhaps I should figure out what new recipe I'm going to invent with Thanksgiving leftovers.

See you around blogland.

  

Through A Glass Darkly

Deep Lake, Millersylvania State Park, Washington

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a (wo)man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (KJV)

Changing Of The Guard

photo by Mrs. Mac

We had a beautiful extended autumn this year .. warm and mild.  Then it all changed when we woke up with a few inches of snow yesterday morning ... with another four inches during the day.  Bright autumn day to .. beautiful white and black scene .. just with a few winks of sleep.  Our winters can last a long time in the North Woods ... five to seven months of the year can be expected.  This winter is supposed to be a 'la nina' weather pattern with heavy snowfall.  The first few months are great and a time of rest from gardening and kitchen canning work.  By February I'm ready for a little vacation to a warm sunny spot for about a week.  That's just long enough to get over the winter time blues and make spring and summer easier to wait for.

Have a blessed Sunday!

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

RIP Miss Holly

Nathan and his faithful companion, Miss Holly

I just went to check on my beloved Miss Holly (the dawg) and found she had passed away in her sleep.  Old age crept upon her with a heavy hand this year; first with a liver ailment .. then springing back to life, and now this autumn with aches and pains from the arrival of cold weather.  She passed with a little labored breathing that I thought was just snoring.  Just yesterday she was running around in the yard with a little gusto.  But .. she labored getting up and down.  Much love she gave, only asking for food and shelter.  My heart is filled with many happy memories that will keep me warm through the grieving period.  Rest in peace my beloved friend.  Good night.

Love,

Mamma

Still Life - Ruby Tuesday

In the Odyssey, Homer declares pears as a 'gift of the gods'

Red glow sweet crisp fruit

Hanging on orchard tree boughs

Washed by autumn's mist

Pears .. betwixt summer and winter .. aaaahhhh!

A very Ruby Tuesday .. for more inspiring photos and to join the 'red' rubies .. click here.

photo and Haiku by Mrs. Mac

On The Road Again

Edit - My screwy computer posted pictures from I don't know where .. that only show up on my iPhone .. not laptop .. What gives?  Anyhow .. I've reposted this post .. you're not seeing double.

This coming week I'm off to the second annual Scarf Sisters Retreat.  We're meeting in Northern Michigan for lots of catching up, eating, sight seeing .. and, of course, lots of hugs and prayer time.

2010 Scarf Sisters Reunion - Idaho

Hubby is holding down the fort .. and Ann will help out when needed with her younger brother Nathan.  But before I leave .. there's lots of work to finish.  Baking bread and making freezer meals.  There's also about 30 lbs of ripe tomatoes to can, raspberries and apples to pick and garden debris to burn.  For sure .. I will need a vacation from just getting ready to go on this trip.

Oh .. there's the oven timer .. have to scoot.  Enjoy your weekend!