TODAY I HAVE BEEN

RUNNING ON EMPTY ... DECEMBER 28 2013 ,,,

I think Thanksgiving and Christmas have finally caught up with me, and today ran me over.  Every time I sit down I just want to take a nap - and I am a nap-taking person.

Have gotten cleaned up from the Holidays, only thing left to do is put the tree away - which will be done next weekend, sometime, maybe, if I get around to it, whatever!!!

I think I feel like the dogs tonight, completely zonked out.  The dogs have a reason - they chased rabbits a good part of the day for bossman.  Except for her bad leg Sam is doing pretty good, she doesn't even look like she was running rabbits today.  I didn't chase any rabbits.  I have more sense.     I drove down to the mail box to get the paper and mail. 

Then there is Coco - he looks like he has been thru a war.   A major war.  He is the biggest, heaviest and fastest.  He is the one who breaks thru the briars and underbrush, while Sam and Molly (a friend's beagle) follow along behind.   Coco is draggin'.  His face looks like it went thru a meat-grinder.  

Thank goodness for aspirin and doggie pain pills.  

It is hard to believe there are only 3 days left in this year.  

Am already starting to fill up my 2014 calendar.  Getting a handle on what festivals I will be doing, what traveling I will be doing, up-coming graduations, who knows what else.  One thing I am not - BORED.

I figure this will be my last blog for 2013.  Have  a great New Year's Eve and Day, be safe, be thankful for all your blessings and God Bless. 

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

AND ALL THRU THE HOUSE...DECEMBER 26 2013...

There's wrapping paper, bows, boxes, ribbons, left-overs and, most important of all - MEMORIES - Memories of another blessed Christmas with family and friends.

What more could anyone ask for?

And, don't forget the snow - it is snowing again.

I am going to do something a little different today.  I am going to share a story with you, one that I have written and is included in Volume III of my IF ONLY I COULD TALK books.  All of my stories are written from the subjects point-of-view.  I hope you enjoy.

DONKEY'S STORY

 

I am cold and tired.  The journey has been long.  I am a donkey.   I don't have any other name except "Donkey".  I belong to a man named Joseph.  He has always been kind to me, sees that I have enough to eat, a dry place to stay.  But this journey has been long and hard.  If I am cold and tired, I can't begin to imagine how Joseph and Mary must feel.

 

Joseph did not want to undertake this journey, especially with Mary  expecting a child any time.  How do I know this?   I might be just a donkey, but I do understand what they talk about.

 

But to get back to the story.

 

All citizens have been ordered to Bethlehem for something called a census and taxation.

 

Joseph was very considerate of Mary.  At the beginning Mary walked along side of Joseph, they talked, sometimes laughed, but were always together.  Occasionally I had to slow down as Mary would tire, and there were times we would stop to rest.

 

Today, though, when we were preparing to continue our journey, Joseph did not place their belongings on my back, but instead placed a rough blanket and helped Mary up.  I would be carrying her instead of their belongings.

 

Then Joseph did a most unusual thing.  He placed their belongings on his own back.  In that fashion we resumed our journey to Bethlehem.

 

Mary cried as she saw him struggling with their few necessities, but he wiped her tears away and told her not to cry.  He could handle this.  He said we were just a short distance away, and should arrive sometime late in the day.

 

Later, as we were walking, I heard Mary gasp, and cry out, not loud, just sort of a whimper.  Joseph stopped immediately and asked what was wrong.  She just sort of laughed, then said she thought she was going into labor, the baby would probably be born before morning.

 

Poor Joseph, he looked so frightened.  Coming to my head he placed a hand on me and told me that we would have to hurry.  Mary needed a place to lay down, a bed and a roof over their heads.  I immediately picked up my pace, which isn't to say much, as I only have slow and slower.  But I tried.

 

As we approached the gates to the city I couldn't believe how many other travelers were already there.  We had seen some on the road, but nothing like this.  Where did they all come from?

 

Finding a sheltered corner, Joseph left Mary and me, saying he would find us a place to stay.  He started to leave, but turned back and asked Mary if she would be all right.  He looked so worried, that I had to do my "donkey grin".  She told him that for now she would be all right, but that they would probably be parents before morning.

 

Boy did he run to find a place to stay.

 

We waited and waited.  I could tell Mary was in great pain.  I became quite worried.  What could I do?

 

Finally I saw Joseph hurrying toward us.  How relieved I was, but then saw his face and knew something was very wrong.

 

Almost in tears Joseph related that there were no rooms anywhere in the great city of Bethlehem.  All were filled to overlfowing.  He said he had just about given up hope when the last Inn he entered had a compassionate inn-keeper.  He told Joseph that although there were no rooms available, he did have a small stable behind the Inn, which had clean hay inside and would protect us from the weather.

 

 

Crying, Mary answered that ANYWHERE would be good, we needed to get there as soon as we could.

 

Arriving at the stable, Joseph hurriedly gathered together large armloads of sweet smelling hay, making a bed for Mary to lie on.  While he was doing this I watched as Mary carefully sat down on the side of a feed trough.  I just stood there, waiting, not knowing what I should do.

 

Once the bed was finished Joseph gently helped Mary lay down on the bed of hay.  Then Joseph turned to leave, saying something about somebody called a mid-wife when she cried NO - THERE IS NO TIME!  OUR BABY IN ON THE WAY.

 

I wish you could have seen Joseph's face - he was white as a ghost, wringing his hands.  Mary told him not to worry, she had helped deliver babies before, just do whatever she told him to do.

 

I moved further back into the stable where I found some oats and a little bit of hay.  So I decided to have my supper.  I tried not to pay too much attention to the humans as I figured they would do what they had to do.

 

Suddenly I heard a faint cry, then Mary's weak voice and Joseph answering that they had a SON.  He was God's Son and his name was JESUS, as God had instructed.

 

At that time I really didn't understand what all the fuss was about.  I moved a little closer and saw a really tiny person, wrapped in some sort of cloth, with only his hands and head visible.

 

The next thing Joseph did was prepare a very little bed in one of the feed troughs in the stable, and then he laid that tiny little person on that bed of soft, sweet-smelling hay, a bed in a manger.

 

Mary drifted off to sleep, Joseph sat watching.  After our long journey I was so tired that I drifted off to sleep also.

 

Suddenly I was awakened by a bright light shining right into the stable.  Looking up I saw this big beautiful star right above us, shining down on the baby.  And the singing.  I have never heard any more beautiful music that I did right then.  I thought I must be dreaming, but Joseph said something about "Angels" everywhere singing and telling the world that GOD'S SON had been born, telling them not to be afraid.

 

Suddenly I heard a strange new sound, very faint and soft, but gradually increasing.  I had such a funny sensation as I listened, then suddenly I knew what it was - it was the animals!.  All the animals were singing to the new born baby!

 

Nothing was harsh or loud, just a soft lowing, baaing, birds were singing in the middle of the night.  They never sing at night.  The horses were neighing, every living creature was praising this baby. Even I, a lowly donkey, had to sing, but never had my braying been so soft, it was as if something else were braying for me.  I looked down, and even the mice, living in the stable, were sitting up and singing in their little mousy voices.

 

As the singing went on and on, I had the most wonderful feeling, as if I, a lowly donkey, were experiencing the most wonderful night of the year!

 

As the singing gradually died away, people began arriving, travelers that had come for the same reason we were here, to pay taxes, residents of the city, all bringing food and clothing for the baby, standing in awe.  Then shepherds began arriving.  they had seen the star and heard the angels, and left immediately to come worship the KING, bringing lambs as their gift offering.

 

I was tired, just wanted to sleep, but so much was happening!  I didn't want to miss anything.

 

Then to my astonishment three new visitors arrived - I heard them called The Wisemen.  These Wisemen had been traveling, following the star, until they finally arrived in Bethlehem. They brought gifts of gold, myrhh, and incense.  After paying homage to the baby Jesus, they told Mary and Joseph that they had to return home, but were going by a different route because King Herod had heard about the new KING, and wanted them to tell him where Jesus was.

 

For the rest of my life I would be "the donkey" that carried Mary, then Mary and the baby JESUS.  Many years have gone by, I am now old, have forgotten many things, but the memory of that night in Jerusalem, when the animals sang, praising that tiny new born baby, is as fresh today as it was back then.

 

I am only an old donkey, but the memories I have of the bright star shining on the new born baby, the angels singing, the animals singing, the visitors arriving, the gifts given - what a memory.  How blessed I have been, just a lowly donkey, that I was able to be a part of this wonderous event.

 

I have heard it said that on the anniversary of this baby's birth, right at the stroke of midnight, if You are outside and keep very still, you can still hear the soft singing of the aimals as they come awake, and for a few seconds sing their praises once again of the newborn KING.

I hope you enjoyed this version of the CHRISTMAS STORY.  Let me know what you think - I always enjoy hearing from all my friends and family.

Have a great day and God Bless.

PS - this story is copyrighted, so please don't use it without written permission.

TWO DAYS --

AND COUNTING ... DECEMBER 23 2013 ...


Coming down to the wire.  Today my list includes - cleaning the house - making the candied nuts - and the puffy puffs - and the shrimp ball dip.  Also mailing a last minute gift.  It will probably be late, as I am running late, which seems to be normal for me.


It is also another dark and gloomy day - still raining, but getting colder.  As long as it doesn't turn to freezing rain.  They are not predicting - as of last night - any snow for Christmas.  Of course that was last night, and they never get their predictions right to begin with, so why do I listen.  Probably because I don't have anything better to do.

Tomorrow will also be busy as I will be doing all the pre-prep cooking that can be done the day before the day.  Hopefully I have not forgotten anything and will not have to make an emergency trip to the mall, or something.

Then tomorrow night is our Christmas Eve service at Church.   That is one of my favorite services of the entire year, that and the Easter and Christmas cantatas.

So, guess I had better get crackin' doin' all the things that need doin'.

Oh, one other thing:  I am already planning three - that's right 3 - get-aways for next year.  First, three friends and I will be going to Ohio on a photo-shoot and are planning on having lunch with a couple of special friends.  That will be in March.  Second will be my annual trip to Phoenix to visit with the kids and grandkids in April.  Then Nancy and my trip to drive some of Route 66 in May.  that should be a hoot - have already told Nancy NO TREE PURCHASES on this trip.

I'll keep you posted on any future goins on, but with a - ugh!!! - car payment my traveling will be sort of limited next year.  That and the fact I will not be doing the outdoor festivals, that will reduce my travel fund money.  Sometimes you have to give a little to get a little.

But then again - you never know.  Have a wonderful safe Christmas, treasure every moment, and God Bless.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE....

IS FRIGHTFUL...DECEMBER 21 2013...

And not even snow to brighten it up.  Talk about depressing..

I have Christmas pretty well under control.  Presents all wrapped and under the tree.  Only have the dog's presents to contend with. 

Yesterday was a strange day.  I decided I was tired of not being able to get back up my hill in the winter.  Thought I would start  looking. 

First thing I did was google local car dealerships and see what they had available in front wheel/4 wheel drives.   That were affordable.  Altho the thought of making car payments was not a good thought.

I found several.  I had to run errands yesterday morning so decided to stop at one dealership and check out what they had.   

I had a Chrysler Town and Country, as I needed a van for hauling my picture stuff to festivals.  But -- since my tent became damaged this past fall, I have decided not to buy a new tent and just do either in-door festivals, or festivals where they put up the big tents.  I won't need quite as much cargo space that way.

You'll notice I said "had".  I came home with a Dodge Journey all wheel drive.  With fold-down seats I should have enough cargo space, and, supposedly, I will be able to get back up the hill in all wheel drive.  Also the mileage per mile is decent. 

Looks like my travel fund will be supporting a car for a while.

I have never never never bought a vehicle with no hassle, everything went right, my credit was approved, and I have a  mid-size SUV.  Also I finally got a car the color I actually liked - silvler.  

Guess I am in hock for the next several years.  All I have to say is - that I sure better sell well at the reduced number of festivals I will be doing in 2014.  Anyone need a new picture to hang on their wall? 

Well, have a couple of errands to run - hopefully this errand-running will NOT turn into a major purchase.  I can't afford any more major purchases. 

Stay dry, stay safe, stay warm, finish getting ready for Christmas and God bless.

ODDS and ENDS - OR MAYBE

THE END OF THE ODDS ... DECEMBER 16 2013...

If you can figure this out more power to you.  If not, join the club.

Crazy weather.  Crazy football season.  Crazy hunting season.
Nothing has  this entire year.  I am beginning to wonder if there is such a thing as normal.  Abnormal seems to be the normal, and normal is not abnormal.

Cookies are finished, tins are packed, am leaving here in just a while to meet my sister for lunch, then on to her place for our annual gift exchange.  WE don't always have a chance to get together on Christmas, so have our special day early.

Used to be when we were young and full of vim and vigor, whatever that was, we would meet in the morning and spend the entire day doing last minute shopping, just looking, eating, more shopping.

Then as we got older it became half a day.  By mid-afternoon we were exhausted and headed to our respective homes.

Now - not that we are any older or less energetic, ha ha ha!!!!!!,
we  meet for lunch.  And visit a while.  You can laugh all you want to, your time is coming, if it isn't already here.

All my presents are wrapped and under the tree.  That is as much decorating I do anymore.  Once upon a time many eons ago it was different.  Now, it is the way it is.

One bad thing about being on our hill-top, we have soooo much wind, that anything outside that s not nailed, screwed, or whatever, down will blow away.  Our outdoor furniture is invariably on it 's side somewhere.  So we finally gave away all our outside lights from our life before the hill-top. 

All in all, though, I wouldn't go back.

Welll, better start thinking about heading for Ohio.  Make sure I have all the gifts that are supposed to be going to Ohio also. Now, I only hope I can get back up my hill when I return.

Have a wonderful day, stay warm, enjoy the season and God Bless.

COOKIES COOKIES EVERYWHERE ---

AND NOT A BITE TO EAT!!!!

That's right!   Been baking and baking and baking.  Don't even try to sample, I WILL break your fingers!!!!

Doesn't sound very Christmass-ie does It.  Well, here is the scoop, but first this.

When someone comes to your house for Thanksgiving dinner and brings a grocery bag with empty Christmas tins in it, making the comment -- "For Christmas cookies, just in case".

All in all I have 9 tins to fill.  So have spent the entire week baking...cookies of all things.  I should finish up the last three batches today.  Unless I go running and screaming through the house "THE COOKIE MONSTER IS AFTER ME" I should finish up said cookies.

Did make a quick trip to the grocery store yesterday to stock up on what we might need if the big snow hits.  As of now we have just had a dusting, and it is doing nothing at this minute.  Pretty much like me - doing nothing - when I have lots to do.

Also this is the last day of regular deer hunting season.  All the hunters will be departing for their various homes.  Some from as far away as North Carolina.  Others West Virginia.  Don't think any are from Ohio, several from Pennsylvania, but I lose track.

I not only lose track, I seem to have demolished said track.

So here I am playing on my stupid computer when I should be baking cookies.  I can play sitting down.  Baking requires standing up.  Don't folks realize I am old, dilapidated, falling apart at the seams, forgetful, lazy, you name it I am it.

Truth be told though, I love being busy, baking, running errands, anything else that comes along.  I have been so blessed that I am able to do all these things, the family and friends coming, the baking and cooking, the cleaning (when I get around to  it), the running, and the fun. 

Oh!  Almost forgot!  I got my stamps at the Post Office yesterday and now can get my Christmas cards addressed and in the mail.  Just think, you might actually get your card before instead of after Christmas.

Well, the oven is calling to me to get busy.  So had better sign off here and get to work.  Have a great day, a very Merry Christmas, and, as always, God Bless.

DECEMBER HAS BEEN

ONE CRAZY MONTH ... DECEMBER 12 2013...

The last day of November my Maine kids arrived for a week's visit.  Son Andy, Daughter-in-law Lauri and Grandson Kurtis.  What a ball, and crazy week we had.

The guys were hunting most days, Lauri and I did girl-things.  One of the girl things was a one day bus trip to Nemacolin Woodlands resort in Fayette County Pa. What a beautiful place, and what a great meal we had.  This was Wednesday December 4.

On Thursday December 5 Andy, Lauri, Kurtis, Grandson Garrett and I went to Oglebay Park for the Festival of the Lights, and dinner at Wilson Lodge.nd, of course, shopping.  Again.
Another great day.  

On Friday the kids left for home, and lucky for me they were driving so they could take the box of Christmas presents with them.  Did not have to ship.

Saturday got the box shipped to Arizona.  All shipping done!!!!

Monday December 9 Nancy and I started our 2 day bus trip to White Sulphur Springs West Virginia and the Greenbrier Resort.  What a beautiful place.  And, or course, more shopping.  Always willing to try something new.  In addition to the historical history, we also learned that the Mint Julip was invented at Greenbrier in the early 1800's.  So Nancy and I had to try one.  It was different, pretty strong, would probably never get another one - but now I know what a Mint Julip is......

There is no way to describe either Nemacolin or Greenbrier so am not even going to try, except to say they were both FANTASTIC.

We returned on Tuesday evening December 10th.  Wednesday - I guess that was yesterday - I started wrapping presents for real, and started my Christmas cookie baking. 

Two weeks from today Christmas will be over, and the end-of-the-year let-down will set in.  Time to review the year past, start planning the year coming,  what festivals to do, perhaps some trips, - I know I am definitely planning my annual trip to Arizona in April.  That is as far as I have gotten so far.


And how has your month been?  I have my Christmas dinner menu made out, most everything I need bought, getting Christmas cards addressed to mail, other than that am just sitting here twiddling my thumbs, whatever that is.


I wish all my friends and family a wonderful MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.  Count your blessings and God Bless.