Hudson Cream and Swedish Clean

 The last day of 2022 started out well. A couple of weeks ago while in TN we bought Hudson Cream Flour, self rising. On several Appalachian FB boards, I read the comparison between it and White Lilly Flour. Roy made me biscuits this morning with the Hudson Cream Flour and y'all, I cannot believe I am saying this but, the biscuits were lighter and fluffier than when using White Lilly. When you top those delightful biscuits with homemade strawberry jam, deliciousness to the tenth power. We had eggs and bacon with them, what a great way to celebrate the end of a year. 

On Christmas Day I read an article on Swedish Death Cleaning and how on Christmas it is the best to approach your elderly relatives with the thought, maybe they should consider this. Maybe on New Years, but not Christmas morning. 𝅘𝅥𝅯 Clean out your house, oh hear your relatives voices, O cleaning is fine, throw away all your junk🎵  Not being one to hold onto things with clenched fingers, I am one who over decorates but at some point start thinning things out. I am quick to throw out old make up and stuff, but the weakness lies in paper, pens and office supplies. There are years I could outfit many a office. We just made a trip to Goodwill and almost every place in the truck was filled. Not so much clothes or books but lots of other things. 

Thursday, after being home for a week due to below freezing temps, we decided I needed to get out for a little bit. Did me some good that's for sure. Although, staying home didn't bother me much or really at all. Got a couple of books finished and started a new fiction read. Also began a non-fiction book. Several small projects that have been bugging me finally were taken care of. The snow that remained on the sides of the hills or where the sun's warming takes longer than usual due to the shade was quite plentiful. We got back home in plenty of time for Roy to go workout as well as stop by Publix.   

2022 started out in tenuous days that developed into a few months. A few health scares for both of us. We began the year without inside cats and now we have three. Roy settled into retirement much easier than either one of us anticipated. Roy went on a mission trip to Vermont, became a deacon and settled into the quiet life of rural America. 

Roy brought home fresh strawberries and so I am thinking a little strawberries on biscuits sounds nice. 

Happy New Year Blessings for 2023! 

Stuff to Get Done, But Easing Into Chores...Delightful

 A quiet Christmas is fading into daily living once again. We didn't lose our power during the cold winter blast but we are always thankful to have the generator as back up. Our electric bill will be through the roof but thankful we will be able to pay it. I enjoyed the week of not preparing a Sunday School lesson but this morning I am anxious to begin the process for this coming Sunday. Last week held a few projects to take care of and the smallish projects are done. Those were the ones bugging me the most. 

We didn't make it to the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services at church. The cold temps were the biggest hindrance, although Sunday morning was probably more do-able. The quiet Christmas theme prevailed as we read the Christmas story and pondered these Christmas words. I watched the original Miracle on 34th Street for the hundredth time but came away with some spiritual insights that I had never noticed before. It seems the quieting down has been restorative this season. Although, we live a rather quiet life most of the time. An article about the holidays, our state in particular, mentioned the population is one of the fastest growing state populations. It is a beautiful state with different landscapes, diverse cultures and history. The quiet season for the mountains will be happening soon, where local businesses close for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time. If someone comes for a winter visit, it is always good to check and see what is open during this dormant season. If we let it, we are reminded that rest and quietness is needed, a lot for some and a little for others. 

The state of the economy, big jump for me and unusual, really showed around the fall. Businesses and produce stands ended up giving away pumpkins before the end of October. Several Christmas tree businesses around here ended up giving away trees a week before Christmas Day. Lots of discounts, significant discounts happened sooner than later so that merchandise continues moving. Several newsletters have advised holding off on any big purchases until we see how things play out financially in the new year. Several articles on Google are talking about food shortages for 2023 because of weather related loss as well as the high price of fertilizer cost. This is the first year we haven't had our grass fertilized. Mike the Mower Man couldn't find much and what he found was super expensive. 

**********

The temps got above freezing yesterday afternoon. A welcomed event for sure. The garage hotel will probably close down this afternoon and will reopen when the temps drop in a dangerous range again. We saw a few more of the cats taking advantage of the sunshine yesterday. 

Another small project got checked on the list yesterday. In the midst of it, found some pictures of Christmases long ago and a few pics from Pageant days at First Baptist. For some reason, well I know the reason, we procrastinated on taking care of these little chores. When The Boys came into the house in June, getting them healthy and acclimated to living inside took a lot of time. Then came Willie and we have him out of the play pen and introducing him to the rest of the house. 

I am almost finished with the non-fiction book I've been reading the past month. An interesting look at NYC, Mademoiselle magazine, women making their way out of small cities, and The Barbizon Hotel and the role that it played to make the way possible. The author looks at the famous college edition of Mademoiselle magazine and the college women chosen from all over the country for a month of internship there at the magazine. Several famous people, Grace Kelly, Sylvia Plath, Joan Didion lives during that time are looked at and the effect this experience had on their lives.  

**********

I finished up the book last night. Very interesting read. One of the women of the 1953 group, who didn't fit the mold that the magazine was looking for became one of the more successful and famous of that group. A noted restaurant column in New York Magazine. Googled her up and she passed away in November of this year.  

We have punted our plans for today until tomorrow. Fine with us, of course. We are rejoicing over the forecast of temps being in the 40s today with bounteous sunshine. Time to uncover those tender plants. 

The mist is hanging around in the valleys and hollers this morning. Truly one of the most beautiful sights in the mountains. I think the neighbors across the way are getting thinned out since they are there most probably for tax reasons. It is a joy to watch them and check in on them everyday. Looks like the land work has been done and the house is being built on the smaller track of land. 

Well the day awaits and although easing into the morning has been happy, it's time to get some stuff done. 

Greeting Cards Have Not Been Sent...Merry Christmas, Darling!

 Three degrees with a windchill of -17. This my friends is some very cold weather. It is the coldest temps I've ever experienced here. Everything is holding up pretty well, although the upstairs heater is working overtime to maintain. Don't think we see above freezing until Monday. Many in the area have reported very strong winds, but we are so thankful the wind hasn't been bad around here. Roy has gone outside a couple of times and returns back to the warmth rather quickly. 

The above written around midnight. Going through the house making visual inspections making sure the taps are dripping, the dryer drying and making sure the dishwasher is scheduled for a middle of the night wash run. For a little while our upstairs unit lost the fight being two degrees lower inside than the setting but on the third inspection round a little later, it once again was breaking even. 

For quite some time I have been dealing with a shorter attention span than normal but maybe I have found something that is helping me regain attention. Last week I discovered

 https://www.facebook.com/Aymieandgracie/

Believe me, you will be quite entertained by the creativity and antics. Sometimes it seems the silly can bring us back to the serious. Watching these videos, they are doing a good work in and for me. Just a cat Penny, her fur siblings, hooman mom and daughter and sometimes dad can add a smile. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We were awakened by a noise this morning. Rhythmic thumping...don't think it was Santa Claus but probably a noise from the heater. Roy stayed up later than usual last night so he was a bit groggy to investigate. Roy wasn't waiting for Santa but to register some of The Feral Fam for holiday snipping at the area animal neuter and spay clinic.  The policy used to be sign up at midnight but that recently changed to 10:00 am Mondays. Ho Ho Ho!

While reading some Houston Christmas memories on a FB site, one post brought back a memory for me that I had long forgotten about. While working at Pennzoil downtown, in one of the coolest office buildings ever, each Christmas a bank downtown served gingerbread men and wassail during lunch hours. Texas Commerce Bank  had an employee Christmas choir that sang carols and Christmas songs the work week before Christmas, too. The person who shared about the banks at Christmas is Jewish and she said these experiences, taking the bus downtown with her grandmother, hearing the songs and the Christmas goodies is such a strong memory for her. Today,  Three Brothers Bakery is open for several hours at the original location in Houston. Home of the very tasty and best gingerbread men, well that is outside my of my mom's cookies. 

Last week in Sunday School, we did a little Christmas quiz and questions. One of the questions was, have you ever celebrated Christmas in July? Roy thought it wasn't a good question to include but if you grew up Southern Baptist and in GA's, you did celebrate Christmas in July. Back in the day, shipping toys and gifts for the missionaries to give out all over the world had to be shipped by the end of July. This year, I too celebrated Christmas in July, well, August really. When my brother was here he brought both birthday gifts and Christmas. The Christmas gift is so special in light of the happenings in December of last year. One of the special and sentimental things stolen when Roy was robbed, my great grandmother's medicine cabinet. I loved rooting through things on my Grandma B's back porch, So many interesting things to discover. One of those discoveries is an old wooden medicine chest and my grandmother told me I could have it if I wanted it. Oh yes, thank you. It sat in a closet for years as we lived in apartments and then when we moved into our townhouse. We had it hanging there but in the original, neglected state. It went back into a closet while living in the condo but when we moved into our CR home, I wanted it back out on display. Bill Bain stained and repaired it for us. Added a dowel rod and the rest is history. When we sold the house, Roy moved the medicine chest to the condo/apartment he rented before retiring. To keep it safe and in good condition, Roy loaded it in the Sequoia for his journey home. I'm ever so thankful that Roy made it home safely. This summer, with Doug's visit, he brought in a huge wrapped gift and said Merry Christmas! At first glance I thought he had found the original online, but it was a medicine chest that looked very much like the one we had. Even signed by the builder of it in 1929. I may have shed a few tears over the gift, the thoughtfulness and joy that went into finding it and then giving it. What a wonderful brother! He even had the hanger on the back! As of yet, we haven't put it up because we need to see if we find a furniture piece and then the chest will hang over it. Hey, no bathroom relegation for this piece. I thought I had taken a pic of it before moving it into the closet. It was getting way too much attention from The Boys. 

Yesterday as we kept warm in these cold temps, I felt a little bit of sadness. Barbers Orchard closed on Christmas Eve at 3:00 pm. So sad...six months of waiting till August 1st. The most wonderful time of the year, produce stand season, officially has come to an end for 2022. We have strawberries and peaches frozen from summer for the winter, plenty of apples and caramel sauce, and Publix has strawberries on sale beginning tomorrow. 

A different Christmas this year and as always a different Christmas is welcomed. You can never be disappointed. We didn't get over to the Biltmore, but we still have time to do that in warmer temps this week. We didn't look at Christmas lights except for what we could see from our front windows. Traditions with friends, yes, looking at you CourtneyS...MCD winner for 2022! We've laughed, had fun with The Boys, and eaten delicious snacks. We have read our Bibles and pondered the greatest gift ever. Rejoice that we have friends near and far. We are rejoicing that we can pay what will probably be one of the biggest electric bills ever. We have Joy, even in the midst of all we understand and don't understand. Joy, that I have an ever growing pile of TBR books. I have a loving and wonderful husband. We have a great and gracious God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This Christmas, Please the Lord...Results, Christmas Blessings

 A Christmas riddle. How does one get a bruised big toe when a rock is thrown in the direction of your hand and lands on your thumb? Here's a little Christmas story.... Yesterday, we covered the blackberry bushes in preparation for the coming cold blast of winter. Last year it was relatively easy because they were smaller. This year, the bushes have done really well. We bought flannel sheets for this purpose. Took a king and full set to do the job. The pillow cases came in handy for the lime tree, rosemary, lavender and small Japanese maple. While trying to anchor down the sheets, we picked up the rocks that are somewhat kind of , sorta used as flowerbed borders. Roy picked up a huge rock and threw it in the vicinity of where it needed to land, only my hand was in the way and that big rock hit my thumb with such a wallop and being fortunate to have a high pain tolerance...well, this rock was more painful than I could bear. I screamed with pain and I did something I hardly ever do, I threw a fit and kicked two plastic window boxes. Now I was in double pain because my big toe landed squarely with the boxes and my hiking boots did not protect me like I thought, only thing, I didn't think when kicking because of the throbbing thumb pain. Two combos that don't go well with one another, pain and anger. I was mad at Roy and the rock. Then I got mad at me cause I kicked the window boxes and doubled, maybe even tripled the pain. Once the throbbing stopped, I was able to help secure the sheets. Later in the evening, Roy brought me an orange drink, being so kind but accidently stepped on the big toe that I kicked the window boxes with. The painful toe woke me several times during the night and this morning the big bruise under the nail is brightly colored in hues of purple and blue. 

We opened the hotel up last night for The Feral Fam in anticipation of the cold temps. Those who previously enjoyed the garage were quick to come in and we also put out food to help those who might be wary. This time we made comfy quarters using a kiddie pool full of beds, blankets and old sweaters. We added a few additional places for them to feel like they were up high. As soon as this cold passes, they will be back to their heated cat houses. Beanie and Barney were thrilled to come back to their old stomping grounds. 

Willie went to the vet yesterday and he has doubled his weight. Excellent! Probably in March he will be neutered. The shots tired him out just a bit yesterday. He has too much energy for Mr Mo and GMoey, so they take a little of him along the way. They are with me right now enjoying the quiet of downstairs. 

This year I've  remembered Christmas in long ago years. Not the bad stuff that happened but the things that brought light and laughter. Being in Pageant, driving around looking at Christmas lights, the simple hot chocky nights with Roy, Christmas Eve services etc... 

The following excerpt is from Christmas 2011. My mom had just passed away in November. We had opted out on going to the Biltmore for Christmas and instead stayed home to try and help my dad with his first Christmas without his wife. I truly don't know if he was sad that Christmas or not but we shook up tradition. We took him to church with us, went out for Chinese food afterwards and then drove around the outskirts of Katy helping him remember his territory for selling to smaller stores when he worked for Staley's. We had dessert in our new home and then took him back home. We were exhausted because his presence could do that. That Christmas, no iced sugar cookies or gingerbread cookie and no peanut butter cookies. It had been a few years because of Alzheimer's since my mom made them but 2011, the door finally closed on that season. The finality of her passing and knowing the future held trouble with my father, we looked to be blessings to others. Pleasing and honoring God in this way held us together individually as well as together emotionally. 

I have traditions with friends and every year doesn't always look the same, but we at least try to do dinner and maybe a quick look at lights.  Some years it feels pretty special and we do it up right and some years we are happy to grab some time at Luby's to say Merry Christmas. 

If you don't have any friends, then start being to others the kind of friend you would like to have.  Don't roll out your tales of sadness that many have heard time and time again.  Rejoice and be glad.  Look for all kinds of ways to be a blessing. 

Don't worry about fitting into the box of real or imagined Christmas celebrations.  Make your own.  Be happy and joyous if year to year those traditions don't look at all alike.  Don't be envious of others that you imagine have the most wonderful times and traditions.  Don't be depressed if you and yours aren't included in any one's Christmas celebrations.  Be giving and do things for those you know and those you don't.  Have a generous heart and you won't have time or the inclination to be anxious over how Christmas may look this year.  Read Facebook and Twitter with a joyous attitude as others share their day.  Heck, add you own take on the day but don't you dare add that semi sounding misery element in there so that others will feel sorry for you.  Live above that.  Go to the movies while everyone else is eating their Christmas feast.  It won't be crowded and the popcorn will be fresh.  Some years we put up a tree, some years we don't.  This year we have some Christmas decorations out and maybe next year more will be placed in and around our home. 

Gearing Up and Laughing All The Way

 The oft cancelled back on tree trimmer guys showed up yesterday to trim back some of the fir trees we have in front, beside and back of the house. They were getting a little top heavy and needed to be thinned out a bit before snow or wind could take down the whole tree. They are due back this morning finishing up loading the trailer. The firs out front are probably the height they were when we bought the house. Once again we can see the long range mountain views and see a bit more of the road. You know how everyone loves a road view. Haha! 

Ann lent me a treasured book to read, I Am Nell. Part of her husband's family history that takes place in and around Burnsville. Love that little town! We saw Ann on Sunday afternoon and I started reading that night. 

Not wanting to be around the whole time the tree guys were here, I hit the road early running a few errands. Not to undone in the Spirit of Christmas, I've been trying to wear the MD Anderson Christmas designed shirts from children who have cancer. These shirts are older than the hills, buying them in Uptown Park in Houston. So officially, I am an old lady wearing Christmas shirts...just like the ones I used to know...or observe at the play grocery store. I got a great deal on Keen hiking boots and to dispel any fears, they will not be used for actual hiking. They are blue and waterproof and cute but be wary, this is coming from an old lady wearing Christmas themed t-shirts. Oh, I haven't gone so crazy to wear the craze of the 80's, painted t-shirts. You have been warned and informed. 

There is nothing like a Sunday School teacher who reads to you from their journal. I was careful to just copy out the portion I needed for class. Anyway, since the lesson part of the class was more devotional style, I told them or rather read to them a snippet from the story of the picnic table in Baytown, TX. Years ago Dena told me about her parent's trips to the recycling center and her mom told her about the picnic table in the middle of everything. I wanted to see this wonderous sight, so we headed out to Baytown one afternoon. We met up with her parents and proceeded to see this covered picnic table. We got out of our cars, went over and sat at the table and the men who ran the center joined us. We sat there in the middle of things no one wanted anymore, merely trash that can be recycled. Piles of cans, bulldozers on standby and a ramp to take the scenic route to rid your car of recyclables. Truly a picture of finding peace in the midst of chaos. Not the peace that the world gives but peace in the Lord. It reminded me of something that Roy said to me after getting the heart diagnosis. He said as you recover, the cardiologist sent me home with some pills and a wish of good luck but basically sent me home to die, we will not what if ourselves on this journey. He said, we will say won't it be wonderful when feel better and you can go to Nordstrom, church, see friends, and go back to work. That positive attitude played a huge role in my recovery. That peace that passes all understanding, nothing like it at all except maybe for a picnic table at a recycling center. 

Last night I got a text from my friend Beth, I've known her since the 6th grade. She was looking at our high school yearbook and remembering some of the best and funny times in our lives. The two of us could laugh and get silly over the simplest things. We still can do that. Our texting last night considered all the stuff we found funny from the volleyball coach to Mrs. Tate, curly red hair, a little gruff but fun as all get out. Ms Crabaugh, the coach, went to beautician school as well as teaching and coaching. Beth and I called her beauty beautician. We remembered stunts and tumbling our senior year in gym. Not my favorite because in life I could always do stunts and tumbling, only accidental not planned out for a grade.  

Everyone is gearing up for the cold weather headed our way. Seems like most of the country is experiencing the same thing. Better check the cookie and treats stockpile. No other way to get through cold but probably no snow weather. 

Christmas Week

 Roy is the best gift giver! We haven't exchanged Christmas gifts in years because we were able to get what we wanted all through the year, so the one gift we did give to each other was time together at Christmas. For many years it was to stand together and be strong as we battled those years when Christmas included my father. A true saboteur as he punished the family with his unrealistic expectations on us and for the holiday. Whew, glad those days are in the past. I have digressed, back to wonderful gift giver Roy. This morning he has gifted me with quiet. He has ALL the boys upstairs in the bonus room. Quiet mornings since the summer are few as we have acquired a few kittens that have become family. For the Christmas season, he also gave me two sweet gifts...he bought White Christmas and The Trouble With Angels for me on Amazon Prime. The best $10.00 gift I have ever received. White Christmas, I now watch the dance numbers only. My goodness they are spectacular in their presentation. Angels, well I mostly watch the whole movie, but there are a few parts I fast forward through.  

We had a wonderful Thursday as our friends Al and Mary Madeline were in town. We had lunch together before they went to The Cove. Mary Madeline and I have been friends for fifty years. I met her right before leaving for college. Her impact on my early life can still be seen in my daily walk. Such an encourager and friend. God has a sense of humor for sure as we truly are so opposite. I love that she uses the words dreamy and frufy. Since we haven't seen each other for several years, we both told each other there are a few changes in our appearance. So, there in Black Mountain the four of us had lunch and had great conversations. We were having such a great time, we forgot to take pictures. Soon it was time for them to head to The Cove. Roy and I headed toward Montreat before making our way home. We haven't been to Montreat since B.C...before C*v*d. One of the most beautiful places on God's earth. Although, I don't watch Hallmark Christmas movies, it seems the setting would be perfect for a Christmas movie. We went to the little shop/bookstore there. Because of being the type of person that loves t-shirts and rates t-shirts, that little shop never disappoints and the decision to narrow down choices for purchase is always deliberate and thoughtful. Once that choice was made, it was onto the book section. The selection is small but well thought through. Some of the best books for Bible subjects have been found there in the past. This time, two devotional type books were chosen. Ah, the best day old  I mean long time friends and the little shop in Montreat.  

Willie Tonka's days in the playpen will soon come to an end and he will be free to move about the house with his cuzbros. They turned a corner this week, with Mr Mo and Willie treating each other as friends, the transition is easier. The playfulness of three cats under the age of one is a delightful but sometimes frightful experience. 

This Christmas season, JOY, has jumped out on page and experience. JOY, might be the One Word for 2023. Haven't participated in the One Word thing for several years. We let our Sirrus XM subscription go in the Mustang. Roy listens to podcasts in the car and most of the time the radio is turned down when I am driving. We didn't cancel the subscription in the truck because we use it for longer distances. We were running errands in the truck yesterday and I was singing Christmas carols with Bing, Dean and Andy. Of course that is the optimal times to receive a ticket, so being mindful of speed limits was front and foremost. This morning while pondering JOY, I thought of those who won't be experiencing JOY because of circumstances or due to family dynamics or even not being joyful themselves. Then there are those experiencing JOY in spite of circumstance and find JOY in knowing and learning and experiencing that peace that passes understanding in JOY from the outcome or reason. I am not really explaining my thoughts but this will have to do for now. 

**********

Today, the tree trimmer guys are supposed to come. Just in time for the big freeze/maybe a little snow and ice Christmas weekend that soon will be upon us. Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about before they arrive. Have several errands to run. This week holds lots of reading, hopefully, and knocking out a few projects, inside where it is warm. 

I received the most wonderful surprise. The Joy class generously donated to a cause I love, reading, with a Barnes and Noble gift card. I teared up and usually only sentimental football games and these feral cats cause tears. Also some wonderful potpourri and who couldn't use that especially with three cats and a cute Christmas tea towel. I am certainly blessed. Think they were surprised that I rather we, baked cookies for them but included peppermint white choc cookies from the fine folks at Publix. Christy's Crafts ornaments rounded everything out. 

After lunch we visited our friend Ann. Such a good visit with her and now I can totally picture her story of the bear at the back door. We left all three boys in the bonus room to try that little experiment while we were gone. Think the threesome is ready for more togetherness. Willie has a vet appointment this week, so our plans are to begin The Three Boys together at night after that appointment.  Will be thankful to have the playpen gone out of the entry way. 

Contentment

 The thundering paws are back this morning. Really, almost every morning but today the thundering seems to be contained to the downstairs. No racing up and down the stairs yet but that's probably on the agenda for The Boys today. Willie wants out of the playpen and that will happen momentarily, so his tiny little meows fill in any dead spots from the sound of the thundering paws. 

Our misty morning holds the promise of sunshine which has been more like shun-shine cause of the lack of light from that brilliant orb in the sky. It looks like winter when looking out the front windows. I've decided that I'll call our friends the cows from across the road, short term renters or AB&Bers. No complaints, it is comforting to see them, eating and taking care of the numerous little ones. Good mix of teenager cows too. Lot of head butting in play going on. Down the road and below the road level several homes are being built. Don't think I'd like to live below the road line when it rains and rain is forecasted beginning tomorrow evening. 

*********

Laundry and linen closet clean out kept me from returning back to the ol' blog. Well, that and I found a reels on FB that is on Tik Tok, that has me mesmerized. These days that is quite the accomplishment because the attention span thing that's plaguing me is still around. The daughter does the voice over of their cat Penny and it is quite hilarious. 

I was looking for a refresh on a memory from long ago and stumbled upon an interesting fact. On December 17 2010, we traded in Mustang Sally for Sequisha Sequoia. First day Roy drove her home. December 17, 2021 was the last day Roy drove Sequisha from Houston to stupid Mobile. Robbed and stolen on the 18th. Many a happy journey to the mountains through the years and she didn't deserve to end up the way she did. 

Cleaning out a few more closets and bookshelves. Came across the Blue Bird book from Campfire Girls. The theme songs come easily to mind, but not all the words. Loved being in the Campfire Girls, from Blue Bird up to whatever rank I got to, which wasn't very high at all. Usually due to loosing interest in projects, whatever. Never interested in Girl Scouts, too much camping for my taste. Blue Birds were supposed to finish what they began, to learn how to make beautiful things and make friends. The consistency of making friends and keeping friends is the one thing out of those three ideals that still travels with me. 

We've had a breakthrough with The Boys. Roy brought in the cat condo tower, tightened it up again and put it in the bonus room. Willie took to that tower immediately. GMoey and Mr Mo reacquainted themselves with their long lost friend. Just a few hissing incidents between Mr and Willie. We thought the Mr had lots of energy, Willie has a whole lot more. Watching the three of them is quite entertaining and Willie is throwing his two pounds of fury and fun around. 

This week the lesson in SS will be more devo than lesson. Next week we don't have class and then on January 1st, the completion of the devo. That gives a break from in depth studying. I need the break, not only to get things done around here but also catch up on fun reading. It's funny after years of tumultuous Christmases, then several years of Biltmore Christmases, we are now at quiet Christmas. Not a whole lot of hustle and bustle, few big Christmas plans, we are content. Life is simpler now and after living chaotic and busy lives both at work, for fun and at home...we love the quiet. My quiet has background Christmas music. I think Roy's background has market reports and the like. No matter, the key now is content.   

Oh The Blessings....In The Mountains

 With TV viewing being awfully poor these days, yes with a million channels to choose from, we have returned to the TCM app to watch favorite movies. One of my very favorite movies comes from childhood, The Trouble With Angels. Roy keeps remarking, you are Mary Clancy. Don't know about that but I feel like we would be friends. To rethink this just a bit, I totally would be Mary Clancy-ish back in the day of recklessly going to my "fearless" zone...which got me in a lot of trouble throughout growing up as well as in adulthood. I can hear my therapist admonishing me, that going to the fearless zone took energy and back in those days, I was woefully lacking this commodity. Many times the trip to the zone was amusing, therefore the risk seemed worth it. Oh well.... Anyway, we have watched several times over the past few days. It has been several years since we last viewed the movie, that is until this week. We both realized that we are seeing this movie differently. Still entertained by the antics of the two friends, but for me I am seeing for the first time why...spoiler alert... Mary joins the sisterhood of the Order that runs St Francis after she graduates from St Francis. I almost always understood Rachel's hurt and disbelief that this wildly fun friend who had brilliantly scathing ideas, wanted to serve God. This time though, I saw and it is obviously done by the director, but this time I really noticed how Mary watched Mother Superior in alone moments, putting food out for birds and squirrels, walking, reading her Bible and when her best friend and assistant Sister Lagoria passes away, the supreme sorrow Mother Superior shows after the family has left. It was the consistency that MS led her life. When she shares with Mary her life before becoming a nun, it all is taken in by Mary and the audience. One would never think that before she was a nun, she had a life that sounds as if she would have found great success. Mary Clancy was like Mary of the New Testament, she saw these things and pondered them in her heart. 

We dropped Netflix last year. We hardly watched it but at Christmas time, I watched White Christmas, several times, okay a whole lot, mainly to watch the dances. Roy surprised me by buying it digitally on Amazon Prime, so I can watch it over and over all through the holidays. A very good use of $5.00. The Trouble With Angels is about to roll off the TCM app, so maybe we can check whether it is available for purchase. 

On Saturday we made our TN run. The BBQ people were back and we got some brisket and smoked mac and cheese. They ran out of smoked bologna or I would have gotten a sandwich for the road like Roy. Instead, we did the Taco Bell drive through to get a cheese quesadilla for my trip home. With a stop in Mars Hill at TJ's and Ingles, we completed the shopping portion of our day. The best part of going over to TN, besides Roy, is that we get a glimpse of the ever changing, ever beautiful scenery. With the overcast skies and a little chill nip in the wind, it truly felt like Christmas, winter scenery wise and the only thing missing would be snow...snow...snow snow.... (song from White Christmas.) Only if there was snow, we wouldn't have made the trip. 

Mr Mo has noticed the little spindle tree I put on top of the bookcases. He casts a gaze to it in the evenings and maybe he is planning on climbing up to the top for Christmas inspection. We had all three boys together for a very short period of time. It is a step into the right direction. 

After church yesterday, we had the senior adult Christmas luncheon. Our first since all the Covid restrictions. Lots of fun gathering with friends to eat a delicious lunch. Oh the green beans were outstanding, as per usual. 

Not many, but some Christmases, we went back to Illinois to celebrate the holidays. One year we took the train because my father needed to pick up his company car but mostly we drove. This morning someone in the hometown group posted a picture of a well known bridge or viaduct and gave the history of its construction. It was one of those places we as kiddos thought was the highest bridge we'd ever been on. Now seeing the pics, it wasn't that high but oh the memories and the pungent odor from the plant processing soybeans and the like. It's kind of like Canton here, it is the smell of money, papermill there... There was also a street we'd take sometimes going from my grandmothers to the grandparents house. A water tower, not so much a tower and maybe it didn't hold water, but it was darkly painted and the sight lurking in the distance, it always scared me. People post pics of the parks in the city and downtown. Now, the city isn't as vibrant and crime has taken over in many areas. Things I would remember are probably not there anymore and if we wanted to do a drive by of the house my grandparents lived in, from what we've been told it would be like taking our lives into our own hands. Haven't been back since I was 24 years old but love seeing the pictures from then. 

We are approaching the year anniversary of Roy retiring and then being robbed of everything but 50 cents, his wedding ring and watch...oh but most importantly, he was not robbed of his life. It has been an interesting year as we have processed emotionally from it all, got everything in order and then taken care of for all the changes legally and such that occurs when one moves to a new state. Roy has adjusted to retirement really well. For these things, the healing emotionally and the changes to a new life, we are thankful. God is so good!

A December Start

 Already the 5th of December. With three cats under the age of one we adulted and chose to not put up a tree or very many Christmas decorations that would tempt our otherwise, fairly well behaved cats. We haven't put out many outside decorations either just because, well no reason other than the normal time we got started, Thanksgiving weekend, we didn't begin. Oh well, just think of all the time we'll have not having to put up stuff after the first of the year. 

This morning I've listened to Christmas music from Apple Music playlists. I'm telling you Merry Christmas Darling gets no love, couldn't find it on any playlist. Of course I haven't looked through all of them. Listened to Shepherds Pipe Carol, just to see if I remember the brief, repetitive and boring alto part. Yes, comes back to me every Christmas. 

I've listened to a good bit of classical Christmas music and always around this time of year. There is a big part of me that wishes we were Episcopal or some other type of liturgical worship style. Guess it is from all the years I couldn't stay up anymore for the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service at HFBC so we went to St Martins. Nothing like a Christmas Eve service scented by balsam, candles, and whiskey/bourbon. I didn't keep up too well with when to kneel but no problem for Roy being raised Catholic. I remember one sermon from those services, when good things take up the space that should be held for Jesus. I always remember the music, high church with a mix of beloved carols intermixed with John Rutter, and for good measure pieces from the classical vein. They offered communion at these services and every time I participated in the Lord's Supper, it could have led to a fire able offense since I worked at First Baptist. Wine verses grape juice kind of thing. I also know the novelty of liturgical would soon become rote and it would loose the specialness. Just like being Baptist, those traditions of Lottie Moon can sometimes become repetitive and boring, only because we don't look at these things through a fresh set of spiritual eyes. Once I read that Lottie had a great sense of humor and that she attended church and revivals to make fun of the speaker I thought, Lottie and I could be friends. The night she came to know the Lord, she had sat herself right close to the front of the church but she heard the gospel instead of her giggles and laughter. 

****************

Roy and I ran errands for most of Tuesday. The rain and fog cleared once we had everything done for our ride back home. We made a quick stop into Barnes and Noble and it was a quick stop because the only parking close by was the 15 minute limit variety. Found the Daphne 2023 planner I had been looking for and a Foxfire book, a best of thirty essays. Not bad for a limited part of time. For 2023 one of my, I hate to say goals and it sure isn't a bucket list, but I am going to try to read Jane Austen. Never ever have and please don't @ me over this. Found a book with all her novels and a few shorter pieces of work at a very good price. So, the Jane Austen thing for 2023. 

Our tree guys are now coming on another date due to the rain. So Roy has headed out to work out and to stop at Publix. The boys are all quiet. G Moey in my lap, Willie in his playpen and Mr Mo upstairs. G Moey is becoming quite the lap cat. Fluff Butt one better known as Willie looks to be a lap cat soon enough. He just has all that pent up kitten energy. 

***********

It was a dark and foggy night and a pale foggy morning. We had a rare day for WNC or at least rare for the times we have been here. Most days don't stay rainy all day but pretty much yesterday was one of those rare occurrences. We've needed the rain and with precipitation spread out no flooding or mud slides, at least around here.  

Once again the days don't give a lot of time for blogging right now, so I'll just finish this up. With the rainy days, we have tried to do some closet cleanouts as well as things we've let go too long. It is good that I don't hold too tightly to material things. Once again I am faced with the obsession I have with journals, especially with thin lines. Oh my...They will find good homes...eventually. Haha!