Snow Days

In Virginia we occasionally had snow days. There was just too much snow for the school buses to maneuver on the hills of Lynchburg. The kids stayed home, we played games by the fire, popped corn, drank hot chocolate and in general had a lovely retreat day.

Although we have no kids at home to worry about school schedules, Dean tells me that when he did, if there was too much snow in the morning for the buses to run, the kids just waited until the roads were clear about 10 o'clock and headed for the slopes.

Our economy depends on folks making it to the ski slopes and especially fresh powder. So we have one of the best snow removal operations around. I was awake in the middle of the night and watched the snow plow on the street in front of the house. They work around the clock so all those folks who have been panting for the snow to come can get here.

Nonetheless, today, Dean and I are taking a "snow day" today. I am going to decorate the tree, listen to carols, and keep the fire going all day. There are 18 inches or more out there and it is still coming. A good day to stay in and enjoy and be grateful that I don't Have to get out. ~ blessings

Proud grandmother

Tonight is another opening night in this family! The theatrical tradition continues as grandson J opens in High School Musical II at his community theatre. He played the role in HSM about a year (or more) ago and now is reprising the role in the next version.

I decided to go over and spend the weekend. See him tonight and tomorrow night. Spend tomorrow with my daughter who is selling her handmade jewelry at a craft fair. There are also trips to the book store, Trader Joe's and World Market planned. It will be a nice weekend. Dean will get a bit of a retreat as he will be on his own. I will get home before the snow flies on Sunday night. Looking forward to it. ~ with blessings

Through the Valley

My cousin's husband died just before Thanksgiving. He was 94, she is 89. What an amazing life they have had together! When I talked to her this morning, I was reminded again of what the Psalmist helps us affirm: "When I walk through the valley of death, you are with me." I have learned that the optimum word here is "through". We walk "through" the valley -- we do not stop and set up housekeeping.

Depending on the situation, some of us need to take a longer walk or stay a bit longer than others. That's ok. It is not a contest to see who can stay longer or get out first. It is the natural process of grief that we keep moving ~ and most of us do whatever our situation.

At 89 my dear cousin tells me that when this week is over and memorial service done, she must get back to her exercise class because her legs are getting too stiff from sitting so much recently. She is moving through even on sore, stiff legs. Blessings to all who keep moving at whatever is your journey's pace ~

First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of the church year. Advent: ad - to, venio - come. What is coming? A time of waiting, wondering, anticipating. This afternoon (glorious, beautiful, clear and cold) we walked into the woods, cut a tree that was hidden in the woods where it could not grow much taller, and brought it home. It stands in its corner, branches still bare of decoration except its own natural green. It is lovely. And it too waits. Waiting for my time, when I am ready to decorate and bring it to life in another way. Waiting for glitter and light, tinsel and ornaments, each with their own story. I wait too - for a time that comes from deep inside when my soul says, "Now." When I am ready.

New life is coming and we must each prepare and be ready in order to welcome it when it comes.

~ with blessings

Thanks the Morning After

What an amazing day!

~ late Wednesday night, still in the kitchen, I started to wonder why we do all this and before that thought could even clear my brain, I realized: a tradition of giving thanks, going all the way back to 1621. All over this country women and some men had spent Wednesday in the kitchen. The line of amazing women in whose tradition I stand cooked and gathered family around them, and my daughters and I continue to do the same.

~ Thanksgiving Day itself saw Michelle and me in the kitchen at 5:15 AM, putting a Huge turkey in the oven. Back to sleep for a little while and then Son offered to run to the deli for donuts even as the aroma of turkey began to fill the house.

~ Friends from next door arrived bringing their contribution to the feast.

~ We ate at 1 - took a nice gentle hike - home for pie (three different kinds!) - and then games: 42, Texas Hold 'Em, and then a rousing game of Mafia in which all ages participated, laughed, clapped and were delighted in being together.

~ it was an international Thanksgiving with our newest family member from China for whom Marc prepared a lovely spicy fish. We enjoyed sharing the traditions and reasons why we were gathered and eating so much. :)

~ We are a blessed family. Grandchildren play together in joy. Neighbors enjoy being with us. Everyone pitches in to help ~ and answers Mama Susan's "I need help" quickly and without grumbling too much. :)

~ On Facebook a friend mentioned she had to work. She's a nurse. For all of you who were there for others, bless you. To all of us: blessings, gratitude and a deep understanding of why we do this every year ~

Family, Fun and Miracles

I do love the way the Universe often gives us what we need instead of what we expect.

Saturday night Son called to say there had been a change of plans and they were arriving on Sunday night instead of Monday or Tuesday. OK. Doing the final prep for company, even family, is not my favorite way to spend my Sunday and I was glad they were coming.

I called the woman who cleans for me occasionally to tell her there would be a houseful on Monday and she said, "you want me to come today?" :D

Dean and I drove to the grocery ~ and saw the most Beautiful rainbow. :D

I had time to sit with candles lit and enjoy our lovely home and meditate in the few minutes before family arrived. :D

There were 11 at dinner so I assigned myself to the second table with 4 grandkids. The 12 year old opened the conversation by asking who are our heroes. Then he told me he thought a book we had given him several years ago was "really cool" and that everyone should have their own copy. :D The 7-year-old took his 4-year-old sister away to discuss heroes so she would understand how to answer the question. :D

What a delightful evening! The family who lives close still has school this week and will be back Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile we are getting to know our newest family member, Son's Chinese fiance'. The sun is shining. There are board games to be played, books to be read, and miracles galore swirling through the house. ~ blessings

Sunshine, Blue Skies and Bear Tracks

~ and Tessie barked at the maker of those tracks much too early on a Saturday morning. Still it was nice to wake to the other two. Lovely cold day. Not much snow out there - and enough that Dean will go to the cross country center and enjoy their first grooming of the season. I will probably just walk around the back yard. I think I can just wear boots and not have to dig out the snow shoes which are still in storage. The sun may take most of it away before I finish my tea and sitting by my morning fire.

I found this quote this morning and want to share it though it has nothing to do with the above: "The great secret of a successful marriage is to treat all disasters as incidents and none of the incidents as disasters." ~ Harold Nicolson

~ blessings