SNOW? It's a big deal around here!

It has been 40 years since we saw snow... Well, not really. There was the blizzard of '73 and the 'surprise' snow that shut the city down 6 or 7 years ago. I can't visualize that exact date due to PTSD.
My boss's error in judgement that day cost me big time. Because she was from a state which frequently experienced snow, she could not comprehend what the big deal was for us. She scoffed at the excitement and urgency to get out of town. Therefore, I waited too long to leave and could not move my frozen Lincoln out of the parking lot. I stood in line with all the other stranded motorists and paid a ridiculous amount to spend the night two blocks away at the Marriott (where the power went out and I wept for my nice warm fireplace at home). It was the first and only time I have been given a toothbrush along with my room key. No one checking in was prepared for an overnight stay.

But I digress.... anything not frequently seen becomes either very special or very terrifying, depending on your personal circumstances. While I am concerned for those who will suffer from the cold I cannot ignore the beauty of snow flakes floating and swirling to the ground. I cherish the first moments outside after the snow has ended and before drivers have ventured onto the slippery roads. The hushed silence of a fresh snow is a rare and amazing gift. Moments of not a single sound as the miracle stops us in our tracks. Perhaps this is God's reason, His joy, for sending the snow. To force His frantically busy children to pause a moment to witness His wondrous works. Like the rare snowman below.

Truth be told, I had nothing to do with making this snowman. My mother told us children that it was too cold to go out, so we did not get to play in the snow. She went outside, built the snowman and then allowed us to come out to have our picture taken with it.

There were many rumors, drawn from fact, that the snow was full of dirt, pollution and nuclear fallout. I thought for years that my mother did not want us to get sick and was too unfamiliar with snow to know that it would not hurt us. But now I wonder if she actually wanted some time to herself to play in the snow.

If you have snow today how dirty is it? Do this to see:

Gather these items:

a plastic container that is empty, clean, and has a lid
a coffee filter or piece of paper towel
a bowl
a magnifying glass

Fill the container with fresh snow
Put the lid on the container and let the snow melt.
After it has melted hold the coffee filter or paper towel over the bowl.

Pour the melted snow slowly over the filter or paper into the bowl.

What do you see piling up on the paper or filter?

If you can't tell, use the magnifying glass.

(I am not sure I want to ruin my fantasy)

~

"From the fullness of His grace,

we have all received one blessing after another."

~John 1:16 (NIV

Island Escape

SALTY DOGS

SALTY VETERANS

INTERESTING HISTORY

EXOTIC BIRDS

REMINDERS

BEAUTIFUL SKIES

NUTRITIOUS SUSTENANCE

(it contains carrots)

RELAXATION

AWESOME VIEWS

FAMILY SMILES

FAMILY GAMES

"We had joy, we had fun. We had seasons in the sun."

THANKS MARILYN!!!!!

I Just Love Gardening!!

Especially when it is done by someone else!

Today the landscape crew did an excellent job!

I really hated to see them go.

I hope they will return some day!

8 Months without a DISHWASHER

Month 1 - 22 year old dishwasher died.
Looked at dishwashers at Lowe's, couldn't
decide which one I wanted; didn't bother me much,
my husband did the dishes.

Month 2 - ditto

Month 3 - starting to feel a little bad, but his hands are so soft!

Month 4 - Thanksgiving cooking, the kids did the
dishes, it was hard to watch.

Month 5 - Christmas - Daughter brought paper plates to dinner!

Month 6 - Birthday dinner for hubby, I had to leave
for a meeting (honest) Kids did the dishes.

Month 7 - Dear Husband busy with pastor search committee (hmm... is he eating out a lot?) had to do some dishes myself, immediately started to dream of a spiffy new model.


Month 8 - After much deliberation I finally
chose one.
But I could have made it until Easter.

Prayers Answered, Healing Came

" There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,.."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (TNIV)

As we stood watch during the final hours of the earthly life of my sister-in-law, Julia, visitors began to share how committed Julia was to fulfilling her responsibilities as a Christian and as a church member. She had taken seriously her role as a mother even in the face of opposition when others didn’t understand her reasoning.

With time growing short she was completing tasks that many would have left undone. She wanted her final tithe to be delivered along with her offering to GPS to help feed the hungry. She demonstrated love for her family by meticulously making decisions in advance. The comment most often voiced was that Julia was never heard complaining throughout her long illness and always had a smile on her face. We all agreed that was an example we hoped we could follow.

What are you portraying as your journey proceeds?

Is the vision of all those around you following your example a beautiful Masterpiece?

Or, is it an unsightly drawing that should be discarded?

~

What will people say about you when you reach the end of your journey?

~

"Show me, LORD, my life's end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is."

Psalm 39:4 (TNIV)

~

DAY 21 - AUTUMN LEAVES

I do not understand.....

... why anyone rakes leaves.

It seems like such a waste of precious time. They will
either blow away or naturally recycle into your grass or ground.

I think they are beautiful and I love how they crunch under your feet.

Today I am thankful for falling leaves that remind us that seasons change as life changes and in a few months after cold dark days, there will be new life again.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:.."Ecclesiastes 3:1

THANKSGIVING - DAY SEVEN - BEAUTY

I am writing while driving towards the mountains of North Carolina. Today I am thankful that I live in a state where in less than two hours I can enjoy the mountains or see the ocean.

The fall leaves are especially beautiful this year. The vivid colors depend on the weather to reach their full potential. The golden colors are my favorite. The reds and the golds this year are truly breath taking. The masterpiece (the nature not the photo) below was taken on the property of the former home of Carl Sandburg in Flatrock, North Carolina.

"Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"

Psalm 8:9