HOPE

I have turned my computer off three times to try and get it to work.  Maybe it does not like the cold weather.  The wind added a real chill to my walk with Haiti this morning.  Kim dropped her off for a visit.  She was very stubborn wanting to go to the park but the sidewalks are not cleared off so we just went around the block. 

Dad did some more carpentry work on his table.  He likes sawing and hammering.  He also shovel the driveway a bit more.  Our street is pretty good with only a few icy spots where I go extremely carefully. 

Haiti is being bad wanting a bot of dad's sandwich.

"The authentically hopeful Christmas spirit has not looked away from the darkness, but straight into it.  The true victorious Christmas spirit does not look away from death, but directly into it, 

Advent begins in the dark."  - H. Rutledge

It was interesting yesterday as we disgust the sadness of those who had lost their husbands but were very hopeful.  The pain had not gone away but had dulled.  I admire these dear older ladies and their spirit.

"Christmas was foretold centuries before the birth of Christ.  Is it any wonder that the Christmas season is filled with anticipation.?"

A child born for us

a son given to us.  -  Isiah 9:6

SNOW

Ken phones from Melbourne to tell us our weather news.

He was returning home from watching the children swim and going to the dentist.  His denture is to tightly glued in so they will leave it until it gets loose.  He has been swimming too. 

The children get bused from school to go to the swimming pool.  Holidays start on Dec. 20 and they can hardly wait.

The one tree branch was almost touching the ground and dad will cut it off in the morning.  For now he just knocked the snow off.  He drove me to my lunch meeting and then went shopping.  He bought jackets for Haiti and Peanut and the socks and hats for the poor homeless people.  He also bought lots of food so we will not go hungry if we get snowed in.

Not very good but they are a great group.

I did my little devotional reading but felt it lacked energy.

The house was beautifully decorated and helped us get in the mood for Christmas.

I am going to put a few Christmas quotes on.

"Christmas is doing a little thing extra for others."

Charles Schulz

SLIP AND SLIDE

No I did not make this snow man but I can remember the days when I did.  The other thing was a fort that would require a lot of work.  Today I enjoy looking out the window and watching.

Yes Nancy we did have snow most years in Saskatoon for Christmas.  Snow is not any fun here,  I tried to walk over to the Post Office and was terrified it was so slippery.  A lady came along to help me by taking my hand and keeping me steady.  I told her I was going to rest at Star Bucks and I did but then I turned around and carefully made my way home again.  I was so grateful for a hand to hold.  I was so grateful for our sidewalk being shoveled and a path to the door.  I will sprinkle ice on it in the morning ready for the next snow fall.

Dad went to the eye doctor and had drops but in and the sun blinded him when he came out.  He stopped at the hardware store.  I should have gone with him.  I usually do but it is usually a long wait and I wanted to make some more soup only with the canned soup that dad could have but not for me.

One thing I like about Christmas is feeling like a child again filled with wonder at a snow fall and the lights on our neighbors houses.

Christmas also beings out many emotions but the lights remind us to look for the light that is always shining.

To-morrow is our Christmas luncheon and I want to buy some warm socks for the homeless on our way.  Dad will drive me as I will not drive in winter conditions.

I know there will be an outpouring of love and affection as we gather together.

WINTER

It was snowing when I woke up. and it continued all day.  Lovely to look at but not so lovely to drive in.  We had a quick drive to White Rock early in the morning but stayed in the rest of the day.

I really wanted to go for a walk just over to mail some letters but dad said no way.  Our driveway is on a slope and can be slippery and I sure do not want to fall.  Just looking out the window at the wonderland of white was good.

I am finding my writing is not so good so writing cards is a chore, a nice chore but a bit annoying when my letters seem to bump into one another.  It was a very ordinary day and minutes turned into hours with amazing speed.

The man next door who shared the building of the fence came over to shovel a path up our driveway and along our sidewalk.  This allowed me to take a few pictures of the houses across from me with their lights creating a fairyland.

Dad is making our little kitchen table,  that he built,  a bit stronger and more leg room.

I am reminded that even though life changes one thing we own his our own experiences and also true friends that may move away but still have a place in your heart.  Also the love of your family.  I know I can be annoying at times but I blame old age.

"Be the kind pf woman who embraces life and seeks for truth. 

What matters is how you choose to love and be loved"

-Oprah Winfrey

ENJOY

One by one I unwrap the Christmas ornaments that have been given to us over the years.  Some are even hand made and are treasured more and more over the years. 

It seemed like I had to choose between going to see Justice play basket ball and going to church.  There was a pancake breakfast made by the men and Heather who also is allergic to wheat was going to make me some pancakes and sausages.  Also it was the morning we were to bring toys to be given to families in need.  I promised dad I would leave early and we would be able to get to his game in good time.  So I enjoyed my breakfast and the church service.

We are continually reminded of all the tragedies caused by war and injustice while we pray for peace we are more and more aware of the peace that we can bring into our own misunderstandings,

It is so hard to take pictures when they are always on the move.  Justice scored four baskets and is improving every time.  Carol also came to watch and enjoy the game with us.

We all enjoyed going out to lunch at the Spaghetti Factory.  It is so good to get to know Tasha and Justice a little better.  Dad and I enjoy the game even if we do not know the rules very well.

I am trying to write a few Christmas cards but sitting at the table for long periods of time make my back ache.  I do enjoy getting cards so I want to make a little effort.

The joy of Christmas is remembering and enjoying memories of the past.  Every year is different and we would love to all be together.  Ken phoned after we got home and is making plans for a holiday after Christmas.  The are having a work to rule which really messes things up.

"Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.

-  William James.

CONFUSION

A wonderful day with our house full of people and one baby and two dogs.

Ophelia is excited to play with the new toy.

Thanks Sandra for bringing the healthy snacking cake.  There was a little bit left for Leah to take home.  I was planning to make broccoli soup but by the time the broccoli  arrived I was feeling confused.  Evidently Haiti was too as she went and stayed out in dad's car to keep away from Peanut.

Earlier in the morning Carol dropped by to bring some baking for Kim to take to school.  She had forgot to bring it in the morning to school for her party.  Too bad Carol left before the cake arrived.  She brought Haiti with her and we would return her when we went to Carol's and Panteli's for supper.

Theresa and Morgan were on their way to Salt Spring to add some cravings to the craft fair.  I am sure it would be amazing with all the crafty people over there.

 

Theresa looking lovely as usual helps her mom with supper.

Morgan sits by he tree that Carol had bought and decorated.  My she had a busy day.  After supper it was a dash to the ferry as usual the time had gone by too fast.

For many Christmas can be a confusing time.  For me it is a time to express our love for one another.  For some of us it is a time to renew our faith in God because of the gift of His son.  For others it is a secular celebration when there is a desire to express good will to all and let the magic of the music and beauty of the lights and decorations take away the dark drabness of our days.

Yes for some it is a sad time as  we remember loved ones  and difficult times but miracles still happen.  Maybe if we could put all our sadness in a box and wrap it beautifully knowing God is the One who will open it!

If we could all hear one an other's prayers God might be be relieved of some of His Burdens,"

-

TOO FAST

Everything is moving too fast.  I feel I should be feeling the Christmas spirit with the houses on our street sparkling with lights.  Two Christmas cards have arrived and I have not even started.  We do not send very many any more but I do like to receive them.

Dad went in to see Dr. Nolte with me and they had a great conversation about hats.  He was admiring dads fancy black one. 

He decided to have me have a transfusion of iron but even this may not give me an energy boost but I am hopeful.  He also wants me to have a sleep test which I was going to postpone but now I have an appointment already for the 9th. 

The Dec. calendar is filling up quickly.  I told Aileen that I would do a Christmas reading at our luncheon and I had great ideas but. . . .I was thinking of starting with God's promise of a plan way back in Isaiah 111-10.  The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him

The spirit of wisdom and understanding,  the spirit of counsel and might.

The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Then a short reading from Luke and a short story from 1261 about the origin of the creche started by St. Francis.  Then a story from The Christmas Joy from a Chicken Soup book.  I will have to look and find these stories.

Haiti came over today and I took her for a walk when we returned home.  She walks very fast now or just maybe I am a little slow.  It was fun having her walk with me.

Kim came and picked her up and had a short visit.  She is working hard at school which drains her energy but she is in good spirits.  She always cheers us up!

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved

loved for ourselves or maybe in spite of ourselves."  -Victor Hugo