Happy New Year

The last day of 2008 is only a couple days away. A natural time for reflection on the past year and looking forward to a brand new year all fresh and untouched. It has been a very quiet holiday for me. Mostly I just stayed home by myself and rested, read, and thought. I realize that I have not taken much time to think. Not in a morose, sorrowful way, but in a considering kind of way about where I am today and where I want to be at this time next year. Of course, life is what happens when you're making other plans, but if I don't have some kind of direction then I tend to wander aimlessly about wondering what the heck is going on. Aimless wandering is neither satisfying nor productive. I will trust the good Lord to direct my life where He wants me and I will make an effort to listen to the whisperings of the spirit and then go and do. I have been in survival mode for so long, it's kind of exciting to be looking forward to the new year with anticipation and hope.

I am counting my blessings. All my children and grandchildren are healthy and doing fine. I am able to visit with my parents regularly and share my life with them while they are sharing their lives with me. I live in a beautiful place in a home that keeps me safe from the storms raging outside. I am healthier now then I have been in years (and wonder of wonder...I caught some of the year end sales and am down to a size 12-14). I got my hair cut and now I'm styling, or sorta styling anyway. It looks like I've found a good job working with good people doing work that is not too hard and yet keeps me busy. I have brothers near by who take care of me and help out when I need it. I am lifted up in the blessings of the gospel, my wonderful ward, and the people I'm privileged to know at church. I could probably go on for about another hour or so, but I won't be so boring. Being grateful has been a large part of my musings this holiday season.

Although not without its challenges, life is good. Happy New Year.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Ah, from the coast inland, we are getting hammered with a major winter storm. I measured 9 to 12 inches of snow in my front yard, and it is snowing again. It looks magical--all white and beautiful, but man oh man, it's COLD!! I'm going to have to dig out my car in the morning. My brother swiped the snow away by the road, but the wheels are buried and there's 6 to 8 feet of snow I'll have push away between the front of my car and the road. I went out and started my poor car this afternoon, swept it off, and hiked around the poor thing. It's white and practically disappeared in the snow. I wore my boots that were up to my knees and had to dig the snow out of the tops of them when I came inside. I am officially welcoming winter today here in Paradise.

Here's wishing you a warm Christmas week, happy memories, and joyous family moments.

Fives and Sixes

Man oh man, paradise has turned frosty. I slogged through six inches of snow on Sunday and it's still hanging around with a little more added to it last night. When I got home from work tonight, it was 5 degrees F. THAT'S COLD!!

I figured out why I was so cold when I moved here in February and the snow was deep and I like to froze. Because the thermostat on the oil heater isn't right. When it says 65, which is what I set it at, it's really closer to 58 or so. Tricky thermostat. Saved me some oil. I lived in my long johns, woolly socks, and warm blanket. You can't see your breath at that temp, but it's still cold. Now with my fire place the home front is much warmer this winter. Praise the Lord.

News about the folks is mixed. Dad seems to be improving, gaining a bit of weight and feeling pretty good except for the fatigue. Carmen isn't. She is sick from the chemo, her side is still hurting her terrible, and she isn't hungry. We just put one foot in front of the other around here and pray for the good Lord to sustain us through this challenge. No one has a guarantee of tomorrow. We may feel immortal, but that's the illusion. Take a moment to tell someone you love how you feel. Take the time to forgive someone and lighten your burden by casting away all the anger and sorrow that may haunt you. Life is fragile and love is eternal, so if you're going to spend your time on something worthwhile, let it be an eternal activity and love those close to you with the love that binds.

How grateful I am for my multitude of blessings. I know my Heavenly Father knows my name and holds me in his thoughts...guides me, directs me, and protects me.

Deck your hearts with joy, love, and peace.