Hello, Dear Friends!
It's officially winter, here in the Pacific Northwest, and
the time of year when we celebrate Christmas,
Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
I like to call it 'The Season of Light'.
Not only because we adorn our homes,
businesses, and outdoor spaces with beautiful,
twinkling lights, but we also celebrate the bringing of enlightenment
to mankind.
It's so symbolic of how we look to a higher power
to bring us light and hope during our darkest hours.
xx
We also celebrate the beauty of nature and its many gifts
when we decorate the tree and adorn our homes with
bows of evergreens, holly, pinecones and winter berries.
It's so peaceful to sit in front of a warm fire
with the glow of candlelight and the twinkling of
the Christmas tree, reminding us of how very
fortunate we are to have a cozy home and
presents under the tree.
It is only through grace that we have these circumstances,
when so many do not, and we should never take
this for granted.
We owe our very existence to the generosity
and wisdom of nature to provide us
with a home, sustenance, heat, and water.
This is also something we should never take for
granted. We need to take care of this
beautiful planet that so gracefully provides
us a home.
"All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all."
- Cecil Frances Alexander -
1818-1895
Kai agrees.
Although he just wants one little bite of
those deer that insist on roaming through
his territory. Just a little nip, but Mama says, 'No!'
xx
Aw! Sorry Kai!
A rare ray of sunshine.
As you might be aware, here in Washington State
we have had some very severe storms with
destructive flooding and slides, recently.
We were fortunate here, on our little mountain,
and suffered no damage.
Many families were not so fortunate, though.
Again, through grace, there was no loss of life.
My youngest son, Dustin and wife, Jen, took
a wonderful cruise around the Mediterranean
this year.
One of their stops was in Turkey, where they visited
the home of Mother Mary in her final years.
They brought me back this lovely memento.
I've kept my decorations simple this year.
Just a few of my favorite things.
Delicious appetizer from Daughter-in-law, Erica.
The Mr. and I hosted the family for an early
Christmas celebration the weekend before.
I cooked a glazed ham, and we had delicious, scalloped potatoes
that my daughter, Heather brought. I also served a green salad
with pear, cranberries and walnuts, rolls and apple sauce.
I baked a spice bundt cake with sugared cranberries for dessert.
We had lots of appetizers, cookies, mimosas and hot chocolate.
We managed to corral the grand boys long enough
to take a quick photo!
We even got them to smile!
Usually, it is at least one that makes a funny face :)
Last year's photo with Santa. Lol!
Of course, we were missing one this year.
Our youngest, Jack, who is now enjoying Hawaiian life.
xx
Wreaths I made at the annual wreath-making party
my daughter-in-law Jen hosts.
xx
The Mister's workshop.
A pretty sunrise out my window.
Snow in the foothills.
Driving over Snoqualmie pass on our way to our son, Gabe's house
for thanksgiving.
Morning sunrise.
xx
I know it has been a while since I have connected with you,
my dear friends.
I accidently got locked out of my computer and
needed my son to come and fix it for me.
I am not tech savvy!
He lives over an hour away, and has been very busy,
so, I had to wait a while. Turns out, I could've just called him,
and he could've taken care of it over the phone.
Oh, well. Anyway, here I am and I promise to be more present.
I have missed you!
xx
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
Mine is to slow down and enjoy life more.
It's been a busy year and I will fill you in on
all that has been going on in my future posts.
Wishing you a wonderful 'Season of Light',
and many blessings in the coming New Year!
xxoo