Six Sentimental Days of Christmas

Doing a Twelve Days of Christmas wasn't to be this year so enjoy our six sentimental days of Christmas.  Every year since the girls went to the Holy Land, we proudly display the carved olive wood ornaments they got there.  Although they can be found in every shop and street corner, knowing they originated from His home makes them special.  

Each tiny shape tells a story of love and sacrifice as it hangs from the branches of our tree.   Camels, shepherds, wiseman, sheep and most of all the Holy Family bring a warmth and feeling of what it was like so long ago to witness the birth of the Christ Child.  

Every tree in our family has these distinct wood ornaments that remind each of us of the great experiences Breann, Alicia, and Jennifer enjoyed traveling to that far-off land and walking the paths that Jesus walked.

Hail, Hail, the Gang's Almost All Here

 We remembered to get some pictures of the grandchildren, at least most of them this week, while visiting.  The boys all smiled and so did the girls, rare.  Maybe they didn't have time to think about being pouty. 

 Emma took to Brayle instantly, like super glue and wouldn't let go.  It was interesting to watch them together.  We are in second heaven with them here for the week. 

It's Time to Fall Back and Endure Election Day

Two great events to make one onery.  The change from Daylight Savings to regular time and Election Day.   Being swamped with candidate ads on TV, in the mail, phone call messages and newspaper ads for months has taken its toll on everyone.  Toss the mail, turn off the TV and ignore the phone.  Who else would be calling us?  

Most important of all get out and V O T E, with a capital V.  The polls are open until 8pm.  There is no excuse with mail in and early voting, not to get it done this year.   What a blessing to be able to do it.

Fall Back! Who me?  It doesn't matter if we are supposed to wake up later, our internal clocks take time to change.  Sleeping in an extra hour or going to bed early, makes no difference to our cycles.  No one can convince our little ones, to sleep longer, albeit early bedtime helps.  Aches, oneriness and adjusting is all we can do until we get used to the change. 

Now we have to listen to the numbers, opinions and theories from every candidate, reporter and swing state on the news all day long, until we are red or blue in the face. Don't fight it. Go to bed. We will see you in the morning.  It is the dawn of a new day, with new news.  Aren't we lucky to live in the USA?

Our Organic Halloween Ogre

These tall red-headed stalks seem to stand guard on the edges of our yard like ogres ready to attack.  Many people ask what they are called and say they have never seen them.  Amaranth is their name and come back year after year reseeding from the million seeds that fall.  Much like scarecrows with arms out-stretched, birds and such don't seem to like them.   It almost resembles the 'Venus Fly Trap' but in giant mode.

A perfect Halloween decoration with hairy arms and scraggley head, who needs ghosts and goblins?  Definitely organic with no plastic or party store preparations, here. 

Did it just say, 'He is coming to take me away, ha, ha! Repeat several times, and any child would hide behind their Mom to avoid this lanky beast afraid of being wrapped into its arms and gobbled up.  BOO!

Turn of Two Events

After years of taking early morning walks/jogs, I have gone several thousand miles and never once fallen down.  Except for the time I stepped into a water meter hole and landed up to my hip.  Often it is very dark, but street lights and passing cars illuminate the way. 

This week on the same morning within fifteen minutes of each event, I stepped on some uneven pavement edge and turned my ankle then fell flat.  Ouch!! Getting up and testing the injury, finding that I could walk, I set out again only to do the same thing within a half mile.   Scrapping up my knee the first time and arm the second, I considered it might be an omen.  Going another quarter mile, I decided it was best to not overdo it and headed for home making it safely back.  Yes, unfortunately, I cursed both times.  Funny thing is, I also forgot my phone.  Good that the ankle didnt' break.

I was grateful my 'turn of two events' wasn't worse.  Even though swollen and scrapped up, I'm glad it happens only once in a great while.  Looks like swimming and the stationary bike will be my mode of exercise for a few weeks. 

Brayle Bagged a Big One

 In the hills west of Grantsville last week a young gal, Brayle, accompanied by her family, left her home early to try her hand at deer hunting with a muzzle loader gun.  She was tired, it was very early, but this was a new adventure and oozing with excitement was how this gal felt. 

 Only the family knows how early they set out for the hunt.  Sneaking around quietly in the dark so as not to alert the 'deer' on patrol duty that morning, was not easy to do. 

  Dad with his years of experience gave helpful advice as he encouraged her along the way.  A loud 'Boom!!! rang out when the time was right.  Glad we all are for their patience and accurate aim.  Yeah Brayle and to the team!!

Sarah's Post Visit Garden

When little Sarah V. was days from going home, she wanted to plant a garden.  One evening we gathered all my packets of seeds and scattered them around our big dip in the front yard.  Early in the spring, Dad filled it up with soil.  It still needs more dirt, so nothing was growing there except weeds. 

 

We planted quite a variety of flowers, peas, cukes, herbs and more.  These are the only ones that germinated.  July 31st is a little late to be planting.

Because of our little gardiner, a big sunflower sways in the breeze and several peas popped up.  With blossoms growing we expect fresh peas soon.  Thanks, little visitor for leaving your green thumb legacy.