Season of Light

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