New Year's Eve

I haven't been to a New Year's Eve party in about 20 years. We usually are asleep when the new year comes in. Of course the neighbor's tend to shoot off fireworks and that can make sleeping difficult. 2008 was a good year and I expect that 2009 will be too. I can expect that because I'm not in charge the Lord is. If I was in charge we would be in big trouble. The only bad thing that happened in 2008 was the death of Scruffy. But we found Sassy so that helped ease the pain.

Weather report: cold and windy but not as bad as it could have been. Venus is very bright in the sky and looked gorgeous near the crescent moon.

Hair news: I should have washed it but decided to wait another day.

We went out to eat for breakfast, that's the main reason I didn't wash my hair. Didn't want to go out in the cold with wet hair.

I got a new rice cooker at Wally World. I love rice and I want to try different kinds. I like the black and mahogany rice even if DH didn't.

We took down the Christmas decorations and I organized everything. Put all the snowmen and Santa stuff together and the nativity and angels together. We also have several Star Trek ornaments. We didn't have as much stuff as I thought we did. We do have tons of lights, 3 big boxes full. Why I don't know.

DH vacuumed the whole house and I dusted the bedroom and living room. I'll dust the rest another day.

Photo of the day, more Refuge. I love the wide open spaces. I can see why this place was sacred to the Indians.



Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyfull singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100

Winter

in Oklahoma is rough. It got up to 73 degrees today with a perfect blue sky. I don't know how much longer I can handle this, lol. Well it's starting to change, the wind has turned out of the North and it is definitely chilly now. Next week we're supposed to have a winter mix, rain/snow type of stuff. I'll believe it when I see it.

We're thinking about going back to the Refuge tomorrow to play with our Christmas presents. The temp is supposed to be only in the 40's but that's not too bad.

The black and mahogany rice came out really well, it turns everything purple and it tastes like rice, not anything weird. But DH won't eat it, won't even try it. Well he has plenty of other stuff that he can eat. I'll eat the purple rice by myself.

We don't have enough milk to make cocoa, boo hoo. Do I want to venture into Walmart to get some more? I don't know, I'll think about it.

My hair has entered a new phase. The hair on the sides is flipping out. DH says it looks like the wife's hair on the Jetson's. That's OK it'll move out of that phase pretty soon.

Photo of the day, another one from the Refuge.



Pay heed you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones? He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.
Psalm 94:8-11

Pooped

I got used to not working and working all day today has worn me out. We'll work tomorrow and then we have the rest of the week off, yay! I got used to sleeping in every day. Going back to the normal routine next week will be rough.

I got some black and mahogany rice at the health food store. I have never heard of such a thing and it looked interesting. I'm cooking it right now. Unfortunately my rice cooker bit the dust so I have to cook it on the stove. If I had known the rice cooker was dying I could have bought a new one with my Christmas money. Now I'll have to use my own money, nuts. I'm going to mix turkey and veggies with the rice. I think it'll be good stuff.

I need to move my cactus, they are becoming a hazard. They are getting to close to the walkway. I broke off one last summer because DH got thorns in his leg. The other day I got thorns in my purse. I have a good place to move them too. I just need to light a fire under DH.

Gorgeous weather today, near 70 degrees, what a Winter.

My hair has grown enough now that it no longer looks like a pixie. Hang in there.

DH wanted me to post this on my blog, I like it too. "God hears no more than the heart speaks; and if the heart is dumb, God will certainly be deaf." Thomas Brooks

Photo of the day, DH and Sassy bonding. Sassy just hates to have her belly rubbed, you can see how desperately she wants to get away.



For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
Psalm 92:11-12

Beautiful Day

Sometimes it's really hard to come up with titles. We did have a beautiful day today, a little chilly but lots of sunshine.

We had Sunday School and Church this morning but not this evening. There are no services for the rest of the week due to the New Year's holiday. We have to work Monday and Tuesday then have the rest of the week off. I'm so used to not working that it's going to be tough to go back to work tomorrow.

We went out to the Refuge today to take a few photos, play with Christmas presents. DH bought a new camera for me, my other one, which isn't very old, didn't have a viewfinder and the batteries didn't last very long. The new one has a viewfinder and the battery lasts a long time! I got DH a camcorder. He wants to make movies and edit them in Photo shop. We took Sassy along she did really well in the car this time. The other day when we took her out she barfed in the back seat. I'm not sure if it's motion sickness or just fear of riding in the car. Looks like if it was motion sickness it would happen every time and it doesn't.

The rum cake tastes better and better the longer it sits. Of course it's all gone now. I have enough rum to make another one but I'm out of sugar so it'll have to wait until I can get some.

I don't make New Year's resolutions because I never keep them. But I have been thinking about goals. There are things that I would like to do, to accomplish but in the past I haven't been able to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve the goals. I keep thinking about the kids who work so hard to get to the Olympics. They make sacrifices, they do without one thing so that they can have another. So I have laid out some goals for myself. Some of them will take longer than a year which is why I'm not calling them New Year's resolutions. I understand that I can't have everything, that I have to make choices. So here goes:
1. Lose weight and keep it off.
2. Stay with the gluten free diet, don't assume that I don't need to be on it once I start feeling better.
3. Grow my hair out, (I really want long hair) this will take several years, of course.
4. Start and stay with a Bible study and prayer time every day.
These things will require a certain amount of sacrifice. Like I said, I can't have everything.

Photo of the day, Sassy eating dinner.



For a thousand years in Thy sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night.
Psalm 90:4

Rain

We got a pretty good little storm during the night. I woke up and heard the rain falling, it sounded like rocks hitting the house, I thought it might be hail, but I went back to sleep. This morning there were puddles everywhere. Very nice! Then the wind started blowing out of the Northwest and it started getting chilly.

We went out to the Refuge to take pictures but the wind was so cold we decided to wait and come back when it's warmer.

We went to the church this morning for about an hour to get it ready for tomorrow.

I got a turkey from Wally World the other day and I baked it today in one of those baking bags. It's cooling off now and then I will divide it up and put most of it in the freezer. I used to hate baking turkeys because part of it would be dried out and part of it almost burnt. No problem with the bags.

My brother is here using DH's computer to surf the Internet.

I think I'm pretty much ready to take the tree down but DH usually wants to wait until New Year's Day.

Photo of the day, this is how the variegated yarn is working up in the sweater that I'm making.



The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine; the world and all it contains, Thou hast founded them. The north and the south, Thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Thy name.
Psalm 89:11-12

Humidity

It looked like it rained overnight but I don't think it did, I think we just got a heavy dew. It was cloudy for most of the day and I really thought we might get some rain, but no, sigh.

We ventured out into the world to spend the Christmas money we got from DH's mom and my mom. The stores weren't crowded at first because we went out in the morning but while we were in the store (Walmart) things started getting lively. By then it was time for us to leave. We went to Walmart, Atwoods, Hastings book store, Hobby Lobby and the Mall. We had lunch at Hong Kong Buffet. We had a great time.

Sassy's innards are still making noises but the diarrhea is gone. No more ham and duck for her.

Photo of the day, from the State Park. This is a cool looking bridge that goes from one building to the next.



Whom have I have in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73: 25-26

Thankful Thursday

I'm very thankful that Jesus came! What would life be like without Him? I don't even want to think about it.

Last night my church had a special Christmas Eve candlelight service. A lot of people were there, it was very beautiful. Yesterday afternoon we went to visit DH's parents. His niece and her husband were there too. We brought Sassy along just to see how well she gets along with other dogs. FIL has 2 dogs and niece has 2 dogs. Sassy was thrilled, she wanted to play and play. One of the older dogs kept trying to calm her down but the younger ones just played with her. We've decided that since she is dog friendly (Scruffy wasn't) we'll get another dog as a playmate for her. They can keep each other company while we're gone. After church last night we watched Prince Caspian. It's a great movie. I hope they make the other Narnia stories into movies too.

Today we went to my mom and brother's house. Mom's cooking ability isn't as good as it used to be. She baked ham and a duck and the duck wasn't ready. When I started carving it the juices were running red. So I put it back in the oven for another 30 minutes. The meal was pretty good anyway. Next year I'm going to see if she wouldn't mind if DH and I cook the meal. She might get offended, but it doesn't hurt to ask. We brought Sassy along, no other dogs there. Mom gave her a bunch of ham and duck and now she's got gas and diarrhea. I've asked mom not to do that but she does anyway. Sassy will get over it eventually.

Last night I baked a gluten free rum cake. I haven't made a rum cake in over 20 years. It came out pretty good. It tastes a little different because of the gluten free flour but it's still good.

Photo of the day, one of the buildings at Quartz Mt. State Park. They have art camps in the summer.



Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.
Luke 2:14

Eve of Christmas Eve

Walmart was crowded but not too crazy, the later in the day it is the worse the place is. We went to the Mall and it wasn't too bad either. Tomorrow it will be nuts I'm sure. I got a new pair of shoes in the Mall. All shoes hurt my feet but some are better than others. So far these seem to be pretty good. We ate at Chick Fil Lay (probably spelled that wrong). I had the grilled chicken salad, I was hoping that it would be gluten free but it wasn't, there was some in the salad dressing, should have read the label first. Oh well.

We're about to reach the end of our Christmas videos. Right now we're watching a Disney show, Small One. It only lasts about 20 minutes but it's very good. I think the last one is the Nativity Story, we haven't watched it yet.

Went to the health food store to stock up on some gluten free goodies. DH is pretty much joining me in this thing. He does have his gluten stuff that he likes which is fine with me. But I don't have to cook anything but gluten free which makes it easier.

Almost forgot the weather report, cold and cloudy. But it did get up into the 40's for a while. We even had a tiny bit of moisture, it didn't last long.

Photo of the day, another one from the State Park.



For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Last Day

of work, now we have the rest of the week off except for a short time on Christmas Eve when we have to lock up and clean up after the service. I'm looking forward to just relaxing and maybe working on my sweater or quilts. We do need to vacuum the carpet. Sassy chewed up a coaster that had cork on the back and now there are bits of cork on the floor. There's also grass and leaves everywhere too.

The south wind is just as cold as the north wind. At least today it is. It's 28 degrees right now and I don't know the wind chill but is must be pretty low. Sassy want's to go out. She had better do something out there and not just sniff around. It's supposed to be in the mid 50's tomorrow, that's more like it.

We ate out at a Vietamese-Thai-Cambodian place last night. I hoped what I got was gluten free but it wasn't. The soy sauce they used has wheat in it. So I suffered for a while. There's a bunch of food left over and DH is eating that. I made some rice stuff that I got from the health food store.

Some folks brought goodies to the office today so I pigged out on fudge today. It's that time of the year folks.

Photo of the day, another one from the State Park back when it was warm, a couple weeks ago.



Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

Cold Front

Don't you just love these creative titles? Well a cold front did come through but the wind isn't as strong as the last one so it's more bearable. Talking about the weather is probably boring to some folks but it's very interesting to me. Today while I was walking the pooch I noticed that the sky in the South was cloudy and the sky in the North was clear and blue. Quite a contrast. We're not supposed to get any moisture. We could use some but not in the form of freezing rain. Yesterday was so nice and warm the birds were making a lot of racket. Today they're quiet, probably trying to stay warm somewhere.

I made a gluten free chocolate cake today. It will definitely take care of any chocolate cravings.

We only have to work one day next week, Monday, then we have the rest of the week off. Except that is, Christmas Eve. There will be a special service at the church that night and we have to clean up and lock up after it. That will be our last Wednesday to lock up for 3 months. December 28 will be our last Sunday for 3 months, whoo hoo!

DH wanted to take a family portrait so he put his camera on a tripod and used the timer. Following is the result and also the photo of the day.



Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.
Psalm 69:34

Changes

Weather changes that is. Today the weather is gorgeous but tomorrow we're supposed to get a cold front sometime after noon. Maybe I need to get some long underwear. It can get pretty rough out there walking the pooch.

In a couple of more weeks DH and I will get a break from having to lock up. We take turns every 3 months and that 3 months can seem like an eternity. I'm looking forward to a break. Right now we're waiting for a Christmas party to end so that we can lock up after it. It's not a church group but rather a group from the army base. They usually clean up after themselves which is great.

I've been gluten free for 2 days now and I'm feeling better. Going off the diet just isn't worth it.

Now if I could just do something about my feet. Maybe new shoes, probably a trip to the doctor. I need to build up the savings account a little before a trip to the doctor though.

Photo of the day, another one from the state park. The lake is really low, you can see the water line here.



Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation.
Psalm 68:19

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for thick fog. That sounds weird but we have been bone dry and the fog brought some moisture. Everything smells so good outside when it's damp. It feels almost like it has rained.

I had a nice day off. DH and I went to Walmart early in the day before the crazies got there and had a non stressful time shopping. Later we went to Kmart which is never crowded. The prices are a little higher but sometimes it's worth it just to avoid the crowds at Walmart. We went to the health food store and got some gluten free pasta, flour and snacks. I fell off the gluten free diet for a while but now I'm back on it. Stomach already feels better and it's just been one day.

We went to Hobby Lobby mostly to just look around. They had jewelry findings and metal beads on sale so I bought a few things. DH bought a small nativity scene to add to our collection. We have a collection of nativities and a collection of snowmen. The snowmen collection is unintentional, people just kept giving us snowmen.

I don't think DH's toe is broken after all. I think he just bruised it because it's not as swollen or bruised looking today, still hurts though.

We ate breakfast at Wayne's Drive Inn and lunch at Hong Kong Buffet. We had never been to Hong Kong Buffet. There's a lot of variety there, definitely a place that we will return too. We were going to take DH's parents out to lunch because tomorrow is his mother's birthday. But his mom is sick so we didn't go with them. I don't know if she's really sick or not, she really doesn't like to go out in public very much. She suffers from depression and doesn't take her medication like she should. We bought flowers for her instead.

Photo of the day, another photo from Quartz Mt State Park, nice sandy beach.



My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Psalm 62:1,2

Coooold!!!

Yesterday was rough, the wind chill put the temperature at about 5 degrees there for a while. This morning we had a little ice but it is all melted off now and that's OK with me. I love snow, hate ice. But, snow around here is rare and ice is very common. The wind has finally died down and walking Sassy isn't quite as rough as it was yesterday.

DH thinks he broke his little toe again. There's not much that can be done about it except just put up with it. He sure is hard on toes. My feet are hurting, but that is an everyday thing for me.

We had a funeral today that I thought would be a small one but was actually a big one, lots of young people came. The man who passed away was barely 30 years old and had a baby. Very sad, to lose a loved one at this time of year, not that it's easy at any time.

One of the other churches in town caught on fire today, it was really bad, several million dollars damage. The leaders have a good attitude though, the church is not a building it's the people and the people are OK. The building was very old, now they will get a new building.

Photo of the day, another one from the state park.



When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4

Major Change

It was almost 80 degrees today, then the cold front hit. Now it's 30 degrees with a very strong wind blowing. I have no idea what the wind chill is but I had to really bundle up to take Sassy out.

At church tonight they had the children's musical. The preschoolers sang a couple of songs first and then the older ones took over. The ones that had speaking parts really impressed me, didn't miss a single word. Everyone did a great job. We had quite a crowd there with all the parents and grand parents. It was almost 9:00 before we got home.

I've been eating too much gluten lately, need to go back to gluten free. My stomach is complaining.

Photo of the day, another photo of Quartz Mt State Park.



Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

Spending Money

We went out and I spent some more of my Christmas money. I bought some multi colored (I think it used to be called variegated) yarn to make a sweater. The sweater will be plain, just ribbing at the bottom and then stockinette stitch on the body. The yarn will create the pattern. There were several choices and I had a hard time making up my mind. But the one I choose did seem to jump out at me so to speak. It's called Earth and Sky and it's different shades of brown and blue. I think it'll be gorgeous.

There's a strong wind out of the South today. For a while there it looked like it might rain but that's all gone now. The temp is in the lower 60's and tomorrow it's supposed to get into the 70's. After that we have a chance of some winter weather. The northern part of the state usually gets the snow and ice. We're lucky if we get even a little moisture. Oh well.

I didn't make turkey fajitas, I made a stir fry with brown rice instead. Good stuff. I have one venison roast left. I think I'll put it in the crock pot and then make fajitas out of it. We've been eating out a lot lately and believe it or not I'm actually getting tired of it. Time to cook again. The health food store has buffalo, I'd like to try some of that, maybe the ground (hamburger) variety.

DH loves fruitcake but I hate it. But, my new cookbook has a recipe that looks pretty good. I might just try it. Of course it means going to Walmart to get the ingredients. I should have written down what I need earlier and I could have gotten it when I was there to get my yarn. I think I'd like to make some fudge too. I haven't made fudge in years.

Photo of the day, weird looking tree roots that we saw at Quartz Mt State Park. It is in very sandy soil and it looks like water has washed a lot of soil away from the roots. The tree was still alive though.



Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10

Road Trip

We took a small road trip today. Went to Altus then up to the Quartz Mt. State Park, on to Granite, Lone Wolf, Hobart, then down towards the mountains, passed by the windmills, through Meers, turned East along the North side of Lawtonka Lake, then home. It took a half a tank of gas but we really enjoyed it. We took Sassy along and she slept most of the way, at least she didn't throw up in the car. She is slowly getting over her fear. I took several photos that I will post one at a time for the next several days. The landscape gets really flat the farther West you go. I used to live in Dumas in the Texas panhandle and that's like living on a table top, no hills anywhere. Clovis in Eastern New Mexico is the same way. You feel like you can see all the way to the North Pole. The area I live in now is positively mountainous in comparison.

I think I'll make turkey fajitas, the recipe calls for chicken but turkey will do. There's a good recipe in my new cookbook. I also get a free one year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine along with the book. Can't beat that.

Still in a knitting mood and not a quilting one. The quilts will get done some day.

I took Sassy for a walk a little while ago and the moon was rising in the East. It was so beautiful, a pink color and the sky was a gray-blue. Did I have my camera with me? No. I need to make a habit of taking it with me more often.

Photo of the day, this stream and hill were in Quartz Mt. State Park. The stream had trout in it. At least that's what the sign said. The bad thing about traveling in the off season is that the bathrooms are usually locked. Fortunately there were lots of good bushes around.



God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, thought the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
Psalm 46:1-3

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful that I live in Oklahoma where the weather is beautiful for a significant portion of the time. Although we could use some rain. I think this is a beautiful place.

Two more days of vacation left, sigh. It never lasts long enough. We got our Christmas bonuses yesterday and spent some of it. DH bought 4 movies at Hollywood Video. They were selling them buy 2 and get 2 free. We got the lastest Indiana Jones movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Veggie Tales the Pirates Who Can't Do Anything and a kung fu movie with Jackie Chan. I like kung fu movies every now and then. We spent the whole afternoon and evening yesterday watching them. They were all good, no duds in the bunch. I found my cookbook at Walmart for 11 dollars less than the bookstore. I love it! I spent the afternoon today making cookies for the Choir to give to some kids that they are taking care of this Christmas (buying gifts for).

Yesterday we had lunch at the Crackerbarrel and today we ate at Mama Rosa's Tortilla Factory. In case you haven't noticed I love to eat out and we have Christmas money to pay for it. When that runs out we'll eat at home again. The new cookbook has some great recipes in it.

We went to Chickasha this evening to the Festival of Lights, the pictures that I took turned out blurry but DH got some good ones. This is the Christmas tree.



The following ones are just general views of the lights.







Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 43:5

Coooold!!!

There is a strong North wind and it's only about 31 degrees without the wind chill. I don't know what it is with the wind chill. We didn't get any of the snow flurries, that's probably a good thing, but then the night isn't over yet. Walking Sassy is no fun right now.

Olive Garden was great, I got chicken with an apricot sauce and veggies, plus the usual salad and bread sticks. DH and I went all out and had dessert too. We had a good time with the group.

We've been watching Christmas movies all afternoon, watching "It's a Wonderful Life" right now. Sassy is scratching at the door so I'll have to venture out in the cold pretty soon.

I'm wearing the multi-colored sweater that I knitted. It's nice and warm in this weather.

Photo of the day, a nice flower picture to remind everyone of Spring and warm weather.



The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

First Day

of our last vacation of the year. We planned this right, a week vacation, then work a week, then we get several days off for Christmas and even a few days off for New Year's. Normally we only get New Year's Day off but this time we get the rest of the week as well. Can't beat that.

DH signed us up to bring a bunch of cookies to the Choir fellowship Friday. The cookies will be given to some foster kids that the Choir is buying gifts for this year. Isn't it nice of him to volunteer for me to do something? I think he should at least wash the dirty dishes. I could just buy cookies but then I like to bake cookies so I'll go ahead and make them, maybe a few extra for us.

Tomorrow we will have our Staff Christmas Party at work. Actually we're going to lunch at Olive Garden. Sounds good to me, I'll take a free meal anytime. We'll also get our Christmas bonus checks then too. That'll give us some spending money for the rest of the week.

It was pretty warm today, in the lower 70's but now we're getting a little rain. I hope we get a lot more. Tomorrow they're predicting snow flurries. I don't mind snow but freezing rain I can live without. But, freezing rain is usually what we get. As long as it doesn't interfere with our trip to Olive Garden.

Photo of the day, one of the hills on the Refuge.



Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalm 35:12-14

Busy

I didn't have time to get on the Internet yesterday. I hate being that busy but a lot of things were going on at work and we had to be back to unlock and lock up again. Our Sunday School department had a Christmas party at the church and we had to be there for that. Only about 15 or 16 showed up but we had a good time anyway. We had a White Elephant gift exchange but no one brought white elephants (except DH and me), all the gifts were nice. In fact people thought the things we brought were cute. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

There's a lot of stuff going on today. There was a Men's Breakfast, we've finished cleaning up after that. The Children's Choir had a rehearsal and we cleaned up after that. We're waiting for the Japanese meeting to end so we can clean up after that. Then at 6:30 the Adult Choir is presenting special music for everyone. So we'll have to clean up and lock up after that. I don't know when we'll get home this evening.

I took Sassy for 2 long walks so far today, I hope they are enough for her since I'm running out of time to do much more. The weather is gorgeous, warm enough to go out without a coat. She really loves to walk around the neighborhood. I think that's her favorite thing to do, I enjoy it too.

Photo of the day, a close up of the little waterfall out at Medicine Park.



For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for my church family! DH and I went to Cracker Barrel for lunch. We were going to spend some of our Christmas money so we got a pretty pricey meal. DH got sirloin steak and I got trout. I was going to get steak but I haven't had trout in years and I love the stuff. Anyway it would have been over $20 but some friends from church were there and they paid for our lunch. We didn't know about it until after they left and the waitress came over and told us. It totally blew us away. We saw them sitting there and we waved and said hi and they waved and then we all went back to our meals. So now we still have Christmas money to spend on something else.

We have decided to confine Sassy to the living room/kitchen area while we're away at work. That space is pretty much puppy proof (I think). She also got several more toys today. She's been playing with them all evening. I've also started walking her farther (even though it is COLD out there).

One of our neighbors has decorated his house to the hilt for Christmas. He made a big deal out of Halloween and I was wondering what Christmas was going to be like. Well he pretty much lights up the neighborhood. That's OK I like Christmas lights. We don't have to pay the electric bill, ha, ha.

We had to get DH's mother something else for Christmas since he decided to take her gift for himself. We got her one of those blanket wrap things that you can zip yourself into while watching TV. But she doesn't seem to be the cold natured type. When we go over there she is sitting around in her nightgown and robe. DH on the other hand is always cold so the wrap thing suits him. We got her 2 nightgowns. I've finally decided on what I want DH to get me, at least one thing anyway. The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, notebook style so that it stays open. I have a paperback version but I have to hold it open with 2 rubber bands. I started to get it today with my Christmas money from my brother but I think I'll let DH get it instead.

Photo of the day, one more tree picture. This one was a deep burgundy color, I think it's an oak tree. Could be wrong though.



One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.
Psalm 27:4

Sassy

Boy is she in hot water. When we came home she had got into some of our DVDs and chewed up the covers. The movies themselves weren't damaged, fortunately. So she will be allowed to live. Obviously the house still isn't puppy proof. We need to get her some more toys, maybe that will help. I haven't been walking her as much lately. She's got entirely too much energy. I'm gonna have to extend the walks. I've figured out what was causing my joints to hurt. They started hurting when we first got her and I started walking her. I was walking too fast and jarring my feet and knees. I've slowed down lately and that has helped a lot.

Very cold today when the wind turned out of the North. I have to wear several layers while walking the pooch.

At the church DH and I put up the 12 foot Christmas tree in the Family Life Center, it looks pretty good, better than last year. Some volunteers came in and decorated the Worship Center and the foyer leading into it. It all looks very pretty. Too bad they don't take everything down at the end of the season, we have to do that.

Photo of the day, another Fall tree from the Park.



Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
Psalm 24:7-10

Not as tired

Usually I'm so tired I can hardly stand it but I feel pretty good today except for the feet, but then they're always complaining anyway. The main reason I went back on the gluten free diet is because the last time I was on it my joints didn't seem to hurt as bad and that seems to be the case again. For several weeks my hips and knees were hurting pretty bad off and on and the last couple of weeks there has been very little pain. I'm hoping it's due to staying off gluten, I'm pretty motivated to do it anyway. Now if I could just lose some weight too.

Weather report: almost made it to 70 degrees today, but it's supposed to turn cold over night with a cold front coming through. Cold weather is fine with me, I like to wear sweaters and I have the 2 that I knitted to wear pretty soon.

The cold is nearly over, just a dry cough every now and then.

Photo of the day, I think this looks kinda Christmasy, like holly or something, although I don't think it is holly. Just a berry of some kind.



Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Back to Work

The funeral was big but they didn't have anywhere near 200 for the dinner. Better safe than sorry though.

Saturday is going to be very busy, a men's breakfast in the morning, Japanese class fellowship in the afternoon and then the choir is presenting special music in the evening. Whew, I'm glad we're on vacation next week. This is a very busy time of the year with all the parties. We don't have to attend all of them, just lock up after them and clean up after them.

Very chilly today with the wind still out of the North.

Last night my brother gave us a Christmas present, money. My favorite present. We can buy whatever we want that way instead of getting something that we will have to take back because of being the wrong size or whatever. I have no idea what I want to get though.

I put a venison roast in the crock-pot and now I need to do something with it. I think I'll make stew with part of it and save the rest for sandwiches or whatever.

We are in the process of watching our Christmas movies. White Christmas is playing right now. Sassy keeps trying to step in the middle of my keyboard.

Photo of the day, more Fall trees.



The Lord lives and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation.
Psalm 18:46