Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside. Elizabeth von Arnim

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Monday, December 31, 2012

A New Project

Temperatures in the teens were predicted but it was 27 degrees and very still out this morning so it wasn't that cold - actually it was very nice weather for walking.  I walked around the lake watching the sunrise this morning which was absolutely awesome.
I took quite a few pictures and have posted three more of them on my photo blog. You can take a look at them HERE if you want to.  It is amazing how fast the sky changes.  I found myself stopping quite a few times just to watch the sky.  Once the sun had come up it went behind the clouds and the show was over.

The first half of the way around the lake, I had the place to myself then once it was light out there were LOTS of people there.  I even saw a fisherman.

The geese were in several large groups sitting in the water scattered about in different parts of the lake.  They seemed to all be sleeping because they were so quiet!  I saw a few deer around the lake as well.

No coins did I find today but I added them up for this month.
I found 1 quarter, 3 dimes, 1 nickel and 6 pennies for a total of 66 cents.  I certainly won't get rich but it is still fun finding the coins. : )

Since it's the end of the year I added up all the coins from the year.
The total is $8.41 cents.
This total added to all the other coins I've found through the years on my walk makes a grand total of $223.69.  As most of you know I keep all the coins in old glass banks.

On my walk today I took 12,620 steps
Sunrise 7:27
Sunset 4:55
********************
A little while ago I mentioned a book I read by Debbie Macomber called One Perfect Word.  She picks out one word to concentrate on for the entire year.
The word that popped out at me to pick was TRUST.
The dictionary says TRUST means:

 A firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
  •  acceptance of the truth of a statement without evidence or investigation.
  • the state of being responsible for someone or something.
  • poetic/literary a person or duty for which one has responsibility.
  • poetic/literary a hope or expectation.
TRUST seemed the perfect word to pick because we have thought and prayed about the decision for Ken to retire and we are TRUSTING in God that he led us to the right time to take this big step in our lives.

I thought it would be interesting to see how many times the word TRUST is used in the Bible.  As I read through it this year I'm going to circle the word each time I find it.
********************
I have a nice big project to start this new year and am excited to begin it.  Since Ken will be retiring I won't be ironing all of those shirts anymore so I won't be needing the ironing room.  Soooo, I've decided to turn that room into my office.   I've picked out a pretty lavender color called Vintage Violet Devotion and hope to start painting in the next few days. 
My computer is now in the kitchen and I have office type stuff in a few different places around the house.  It will be nice to have everything neat and tidy all in one place!!  I'll be able to have an office space and also have my loft for just my craft things.  That will be getting a change around too which is all part of the same project.

Ken has the other small bedroom for him to do with what he wants and also the lower level of the townhouse where his office is. 
I think it is good that we each can have a place of our own to go to when he is retired.

First part of the project is getting everything out of the room so I can paint.  I will also be cleaning out the closet which should take a least a day. : )  Off I go to get started!!

 Happy New Year to you, my friends.  : )
May it be a year of good health, happiness, and lots of sunshine!!
I also pray that if you don't have Jesus in your life
that this year is the year you take him up on 
His Free GIFT of Salvation!!
It will change your life : )
Happyone : )
I think we may safely trust a good deal more than we do.
~Henry David Thoreau

Thank you all for your kind words and congratulations for us on Ken's decision to retire. : )  Many of you mentioned that we can now spend a lot more time up at Happy Trails and that is what we intend to do. : )

Saturday, December 29, 2012

The red Christmas Ball for 2012

It was supposed to start snowing during the night so I was surprised to wake up and find it dry out.  It was 33 degrees, cloudy, no wind and VERY quiet.  I didn't see ANYONE out until I was two blocks from home.

I walked one of my connect the path routes and it was so nice and peaceful.
I heard some birds calling out to each other. It was dark and the first few deer, I heard first and then just saw their white tails bobbing about in the woods.  Later when it was light out I saw the red fox running up the path.

I had to stop and take a layer of clothing off because I got very warm.  Have to remember not to wear that extra sweatshirt when it is up in the 30's especially if it isn't windy.

Steps for my walk today were 12,077.
Sunrise 7:27
Sunset 4:53
********************
It started snowing about 9:30 this morning but so far nothing has stuck and everything is just wet.
We went out in the morning to do a few chores and was home by lunchtime.

Ken painted the 2012 red ball Christmas ball today.  I took what seemed like a million pictures and even though it is a bit blurry it is the best of the bunch.  It was hard to not get the flash in the picture.  I tried not using the flash but those pictures came out even worse.  Anyway this is the ball, The End is Near.
You are now probably wondering the end of what.  It is nearing the end of work for Ken.  After much thought, planning and praying Ken has decided this is the right time to retire.  Things where he works are not that great anymore.  There have been a couple rounds of cuts and people have been let go.  So before he gets pushed out he has decided to retire early and leave at this time.  He is probably saving someone else from losing their job!
So January 31 is his last day of work!! : )  He is pleased and has a huge long list of things he'd like to do!!  I am happy that he is retiring.  He has worked long and hard all his life and he deserves to have a happy retirement.  I am so very proud of him for his excellence at work - always willing to go the extra bit, helping others and not caring who gets the credit for a good job.  I know that he will be greatly missed and his position will be hard for someone else to fill.
Come the end of next month we have an anniversary too so we have a couple of things to celebrate!!

 Planning on staying home the rest of this wet day.  We've started the second jigsaw puzzle and will work on that some.  I have some reading I'd like to do and also making more weave-it squares.  And I really must get the rest of my recipes transferred over to the other website.  MealsMatter goes away January 15.

Do your cheeks ever hurt from smiling too much!?  Hope you're have one of those days.
Happyone : )
There is a whole new kind of life ahead,
full of experiences just waiting to happen.
Some call it retirement.
I call it bliss.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Down and put away

After all the wind from yesterday it was nice to have a walk in calm weather.  It was a cold 30 degrees but with no wind it felt really nice out.  Not quite the weather for shorts though!! A man on a bicycle passed by me wearing shorts.  Then the next person I saw was a man walking in a tee shirt and shorts.  When we reached each other I said, "Aren't you cold?"  His answer surprised me which was, "Yes, but I like it, and it makes me walk faster."
As we passed each other I turned around and took a quick picture of him to show you.
I started out walking over to the liquor store and was going to then walk a connect a path route but somehow my feet just led me to the lake so I walked around there again.  Walked the opposite way than usual and took a detour up by the ball fields and once again looked for the old detour trail from when they were working on the path.  I thought now that all the greenery was dead it would be easy to find.
I couldn't seem to find the right path and then the six deer that were in the middle of the ball field saw me and ran around the fence and disappeared down a trail that was barely there.  I followed them down there and it took me to the trail I was looking for.  Walked along there for a bit and then this huge tree blocked the path.
It was too big to climb over so I set off walking in the woods around the tree and finally made it back to the trail.
I had a bit of a hike there in the middle of my walk.  I felt like I was back up at Happy Trails for a while. : )
Once back to the main path around the lake I just continued and headed home.
Steps for this walk were 13,290
Sunrise 7:26
Sunset 4:52
********************
We finished the puzzle yesterday.  
It was a fun puzzle to do.  We will probably start the one that Santa left for Ken this evening or tomorrow.
********************
I was going to take just a few Christmas decorations down but once I got started I just never stopped and took everything down and put it all away. 
I have a big stack of shaker boxes and put all my Christmas decorations in them which then becomes part of the decorating of the house.  It's very convenient not having to lug everything someplace else for storage.  The tree is stored upstairs in a closet as well as a couple of other bigger things.

As I vacuumed and got things back to order I changed a few things around too.  Nothing big just a few small pieces. 

I like having things back to normal.  : ) 
********************
We aren't going up to Happy Trails again this weekend because of the weather.  Another foot of snow fell there and we just wouldn't be able to get any work done.  I know it is nice to have the trailer but it is very small and I look forward to one day when we can build our cabin and be up there in the winter too.  All in good time though and I can wait and enjoy it when we can be there.

I still have some things to get done around the house before I can sit down and do a little reading.

Ken is making dinner tonight - a stir fry.  He is quite a good cook and food always tastes a little bit better when I don't have to cook it. : )

Hope all is well in your part of the world.
Till next time........
Happyone : )
Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you are.
~ Theodore Roosevelt

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Walking, shopping and out for pizza

It warmed up yesterday afternoon and after so much rain, all the wintry mix is a thing of the past today.  In its place has come the wind!! Pretty windy out there this morning and the temperature was 33 degrees.  The stream behind the church on the way to the lake was quite high with muddy water.  I took this standing on the footbridge from the other day that had ice on it.
It was a nice walk around the lake with few people.  There was a group of five people who I think were a family of runners.

I counted four deer and the usual lake geese, ducks, birds, and squirrels.

Someone has run over the cross walk ahead sign.  They came out of the Giant parking lot which is a one way IN to the parking lot and turned right and went on the sidewalk where you can see tire marks and took out the sign on the way.  Glad I wasn't walking there at the time!!
 I got a couple peeks at the blue sky but it was quickly covered in clouds before long.

Today my steps on my walk were 13,132.
Sunrise 7:26
Sunset 4:52
********************
Made that trip to the commissary today.  Seemed to be a lot of cars on the roads but not that many people food shopping with me today.  No lines to wait on and I got everything on my list.  Walking down the aisles I thought how thankful I am that I can come here and whatever I want I can put in my cart and not have to worry about paying for it.  That is a blessing!

I saw a short older lady trying to reach something and she just couldn't get it so I asked if I could help her.  She smiled not only with her mouth but with her eyes too and said, "Yes, and thank you so much."  We talked for a bit and then continued shopping.

Another woman asked me if I knew where the vinegar was.  I told her and we talked for a bit too.  She was from England and it was nice listening to her accent.  She is planning a visit back to England next year.
Most times when I shop I end up talking to people.  I find most people are pretty friendly.
How about you?  Do you talk to people when you go shopping?
********************
Each year I read the Bible through and have done so for many years.  I read a few chapters each day.  I like to read different translations each year and this past year I read the King James translation.  I finished a few days early this year and finished up in Revelation this morning.
2013 I am going to read the New American Standard translation.  I've mentioned that in my new planner there is a reading schedule which I will follow.

My jigsaw puzzle is coming along nicely and is almost finished.  Ken helped me with it yesterday.  I'm sure we will have it finished today.

Even though I have lots of food in the house, I really am in the mood for going out for pizza.  I feel like I've been eating home for so many days in a row and I'm really looking forward to pizza.  Ken doesn't know it yet,  but I don't think I'll have to twist his arm very hard. : )

Hope you're finding this day a happy one.
Happyone : )
Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right.
Oprah Winfrey
Comment Replies:
Vee - I looked up Home Interiors Parties on line.  Seems they went bankrupt in 2008 and was bought out to merge with another company.  Read more HERE.
Debbie - So glad you like your striiv.  You'll have fun building and planting things on the islands in MyLand.

Edit:  I may have confused some people.  I DO have to PAY for the food at the commissary.  I was thankful that I HAVE the money so I don't have to worry about it.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Home just in time

I didn't walk yesterday.  I thought about it, but it looked a bit icy outside and I thought, it's Christmas, I'll take the day off.
So it was especially nice getting outside this morning and walking again.  It was 30 degrees and a wintry mix was expected to start by sunrise.  I walked around the lake.  Some of the footbridges on the way there had some icy spots like in the picture below but all the pathways were perfectly fine.
I saw only one deer, but many birds, geese, and squirrels.
Very few people out, and all that I saw were people I knew or have seen before. 

I followed a couple of short trails down to the water a few times and took a couple of pictures but didn't like how any of them turned out.  It was too dark out yet.  Sunrise came and went and it didn't make much of a difference in the sky.  About a mile from home a bit of frozen snow started falling mixed with frozen rain and by the time I was getting home the streets were getting a bit slick and my feet were making crunching sounds as I walked along.  I was back home in the nick of time.

My walk steps today were 13,540.
Sunrise 7:26
Sunset 4:51
********************
The weather turned to snow for a while and then back to freezing rain and sleet and now it is just a mess out there. 
I usually go to the commissary on Wednesday's but decided to stay home on this wintry weather mix day so I'll probably go tomorrow instead.  I still have to make a list and plan some meals.

I have done a few chores but what has had my attention for a good part of the day is a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Santa left a couple of puzzles under the tree and one of them is laid out on the table and every time I pass it I end up staying there longer than I planned finding more pieces.  : ) 

I know I should do something constructive but I know I'll be back to that puzzle again in just a few minutes.

Hope your enjoying your day.
Happyone : )
 Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning
but a going on,
will all the wisdom 
that experience can instill in us.
~Hal Borland
Comments replies:
Thank you all for the kind words.  They mean so much to me. : )
Vee - I got my Nativity in the mid 80's at an Interior Home Party.  I had always wanted a set and I really liked this one.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The Christmas Story

From The Gospel of Luke
Luke 2:1-20

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  

14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and see, as it was told them.


A Merry and Blessed Christmas from me to all of you.
Happpyone : )
 Christ has come,
and He will come again!!!

Monday, December 24, 2012

The only recipe

A bit chilly out there this morning.  23 degrees but there was no wind at all.  Though I wasn't cold when I started out I wasn't warm either, that comes after about a mile into my walk, then I'm toasty warm.
I saw the sun rise but by the time I got home it had turned into a cloudy day.

I walked on over to the lake and it was like a Sunday morning.  Just a few people and hardly any cars on the roads either.  Down at the narrow end of the lake there was a very light coating of ice.

I walked down by the water a few times and took some pictures and just watched the ducks.  So nice and peaceful around the lake early in the morning when there are no people about.  I am so thankful that I live near this lake and that I get to walk around it whenever I want. : )

Didn't go right back home, but walked around the neighborhood a bit before going in the house.  Passed by the liquor store and found a dime.
My steps for my walk were 14,209.
Sunrise 7:25
Sunset 4:50
*********************
I was happy to add two Thank You notes to my thank you basket this weekend.  Though I never expect thank you notes, when I get them I can't help but smile and feel good.  Both were to thank me for the scarves I made.  It was especially nice getting one from Meghan who is young and that there are young people out there who are still considerate to take the time to sit down and write a note!
 ********************
I was happy that I didn't have to go anywhere on this Christmas Eve day.  I just know it must be a mad house out there.  I've been enjoying my day at home.  Only did the minimum of work around the house.

I made a Yum Yum Cake today.  It is my grandmother's (mothers mother) recipe and the only one that I have of hers.  I don't remember her baking except for this cake.  She was a simple meat and potato kind of cook - good simple food so don't think she kept many recipes.  I am glad that I have this one.  The cake is made with mince meat and is more of a fruit cake type of cake.  It is as the name implies, Yummy. I've put the recipe on line HERE.  I usually just make it at Christmas time and it always makes me think of Grandma. : )

I've gotten a few candles from people and have had them lit throughout the day.  The candles and the cake baking made for a good smelling house and a cozy warm feeling.

I sewed together some weave-it squares and have done a little reading too.  It's been a lovely peaceful Christmas Eve Day.

It has just started snowing - how perfect is that for Christmas Eve!!  Here's a look out of my window.
Merry Christmas Eve!!
Happyone : )
Away in a Manger,
No crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky
Look down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing,
The poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus;
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle
Till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus;
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven
To live with Thee there.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

God's Love

A blessed Sunday to one and all.
Happyone : )

Saturday, December 22, 2012

A windy walk and cozy back home

It was 35 degrees this morning and the wind of yesterday was nothing like the wind today!!  I'd be walking into the wind and a gust of wind would come along and it pushed me back a step or two.  But then walking with the wind it pushed me right along.  Though you can't see it from the picture these clouds were flying across the sky.
 I walked one of my connect the path routes.  While walking along the paths I liked hearing and seeing the wind blow through the trees up above me while I was somewhat protected from the wind down below. 

There were a few people scattered along my route and there sure were a lot of deer.  I stopped counting after 15 of them.  They all seemed quite young.  I stopped on one of the footbridges I walked over and took this picture of two of them.  They didn't even run away just went back to eating after I thanked them for the picture and continued on my way.
I found a nickel.
My walk steps today were 11,980.
Sunrise 7:24
Sunset 4:48
********************
I finished the baby hat but it was much too small, so I frogged it (ripped it out) and knitted it again but bigger.  If you care to take a look at how it turned out you can see it HERE.

Ken was home when I got back from my walk so I made us pancakes for breakfast. Later on we left the house and added to the chaos on the roads out there.  Stopped by the old house to pick up mail and check it out.  Still not sold but a few people have expressed some interest.  I know it is only a matter of time but sure wish the time was now!
We also stopped at Weis to pick up a few items.  The place was more than a little crowded!!  It is nice to be back home now. : )
I plan on and making weave-it squares and knitting as I listen to the howling wind outside and some Christmas music inside for the rest of the afternoon.

Hope you're enjoying your day.
Happyone : )
And the angel answered to her,
The Holy Spirit will come to you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you;
therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born
will be called the Son of God.
~Luke 1:35

Friday, December 21, 2012

Lots of rain

Rained a lot last night but by walking time it had stopped.  The temperature was 41 degrees, but very windy.  I wasn't cold but the wind made it seem colder than it was.  I didn't walk one of my routes but had a random walk.  I walked along one of the paths and the little stream was quite high, muddy and in parts over running its banks.  Walked down near it and snapped this picture.
I thought I had walked up all the off shoot paths along this one path but found one I hadn't walked before so I took that to see where it came out.  I knew where I was but was surprised it came out on the road that it did!

I only saw two other people and they were both walking dogs.

I heard a couple of woodpeckers and other birds but only saw a couple sparrows.

It was mostly cloudy but the sun came out from time to time.  In this picture you can barely see the sun shining on the upper branches which I thought was pretty.
The wind was blowing the trees around and some rubbed against each other making a creaking kind of spooky noise.

As usual when I take a random walk I go a little farther than usual because I'm not paying attention to where I'm walking.
Todays steps were 14,092.
I found a dime. : )
Sunrise 7:24
Sunset 4:48
 *********************
No Happy Trails this weekend.  Too cold and too much snow to do any work.  6 - 10 inches expected today with an additional 4-6 inches tomorrow.  We probably won't go back until the new year.  
So I'm home today and Ken is at work.
I finished cleaning the downstairs and did a load of laundry.  Too windy and no sun so I couldn't hang it outside.  My clothes are drying nicely over the heating vent.

I baked a loaf of bread in the bread machine and it happened to be done right at lunch time, so I had warm bread with butter and strawberry jelly for lunch.

The little white baby slippers are both done and now I'm knitting on the white hat.  I'm a little more than half way finished with it and will finish it later today.

It's nice being inside a nice warm house listening to the cold wind blow outside.  I just have a few more things to do before I can sit down and finish knitting the hat.

A happy Friday to you.  Slow down and take time to enjoy your day. 
Happyone : )
 She will bear a son,
and you shall call his name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins.
~Matthew 1:23

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Whats that toilet doing down there?

A cool crisp 32 degrees this morning as I walked around the lake.   It never did rain last night so it was dry, no fog and I got to watch the sun rise over the lake. 

There were quite a few others out by the lake, walking, running and even a bike rider.

I stopped to watch a squirrel run up a tree with leaves in her mouth and add them to the nest she was making in the crook of a tree.

I stayed to the lower path all around the lake and didn't go up to the Bunny Trail just for something different.  Then leaving the lake I didn't take the path behind the church along the stream but stayed on the road that runs along on the other side of the stream.
At the end of the road I turned right onto another road and then headed home.  I looked down over the bridge at the water as I crossed over the stream farther down the road and laughed when I saw what was sitting down there by the water. : )
I never know what I'll come upon on one of my walks!!!

I found a lucky penny.
12,866 steps on my walk today.
Sunrise 7:23
Sunset 4:47
********************
Not a very exciting day staying home cleaning but feel good that I got the upstairs done.  Tomorrow its the downstairs turn.

I finished reading The Racketeer by John Grisham.  It was good but not great.  I found it slow moving but kept on reading because I wanted to find out how it ended.
Later today I'm going to start the newest Kate Morton book, The Secret Keeper.  I really liked her other books and look forward to reading this latest one. 

It didn't take long to finish the little baby slipper - its so tiny and works up really quick.  I'll make the other one today and start on the hat. 

Hope your Christmas plans and coming along smoothly and you can enjoy the holiday.
A happy day to you.
Happyone
One of my favorite Christmas songs is the Little Drummer Boy.
Such a simple gift but given from the heart. 

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum 
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum 
To lay before the King.
Pa rum pum pum pum  
Rum pum pum pum 
 Rum pum pum pum 
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum 
When we come.

Little Baby
Pa rum pum pum pum  
I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum 
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum  
That's fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum  
Rum pum pum pum 
 Rum pum pum pum 
Shall I play for you?
Pa rum pum pum pum
On my drum.
 
Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him.
 
Comment Replies from yesterday:
Beth - Yes, I brought the chocolate chippers with my yesterday.  I don't think they'd let me in the door without them now. : )
Sorry folks - no hair pictures.  Didn't take any yesterday and today it just doesn't look like it did yesterday!  I can never get it to go like it supposed to so I just let it air dry on its own and I never know how my hair is going to come out! : )

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Hair day

No fog today!  It was 32 degrees and very still.  The sun came up behind the clouds this morning but the clouds moved out of the way not long afterward and made room for blue sky and sun.

I walked around the lake and it was a very quiet walk.  Just a few people out early this morning.

I saw a hawk and once again heard all the geese waking up.  I watched a lone duck swimming in the lake as it left a wake on the calm still water.  So calming and peaceful to watch.

I took 12,612 steps on my walk.
Sunrise 7:23
Sunset 4:47
********************
I had a hair appointment at 10:30 so a little before 10 I got ready and left.  I always get there early so I took out my knitting and got started on a pair of white baby slippers. I also knitted on them waiting for the color to turn my roots dark brown again. : )  I'm just about done with the first slipper and will finish it later today.  Meghan wasn't working today so I didn't get one of those fantastic hair washes. : (  I was also disappointed that she wasn't there because I knitted a scarf for her and couldn't give it to her.  But I left it there with Cheryl and she said that she would be sure that Meghan gets it.
Cheryl cut my hair a little shorter than usual, not much though.  She then razor cut the ends and scrunched my hair up when she blew it dried.  A little bit of a different look  and I like it.

It's windy this afternoon and with it have come the clouds and covered the sun up.   Supposed to get some rain later tonight and turn cold.

I'm making Chicken Parmesan tonight for supper.  I have transferred the recipe from Meals Matter to ZipList but don't have a picture.  I'll take one tonight and put it up.  I still have quite a few recipes to move over there by January 15 at which time the site goes away.  Maybe I'll do that later instead of reading.

Hope you have found bits of happiness scattered throughout your day.
Happyone : )
Run, shepherds, run and hurry to Bethlehem!
Run, see the Baby lying in a manger.
Run, shepherds, run and hurry to Bethlehem!
Born today is Christ the Lord!
Glory to God! Hear the shepherds singing,
Glory to God! The angels song still ringing!
Glory to God and peace to all earth.
Glory to God! Proclaim the Savior's birth!
Words based on Luke 2:14-15

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tuesday

Another mild foggy morning for walking with a temperature of 47 degrees.  The fog was more patchy today and was mainly down by the water.

I walked one of my connect the path routes.  I was pretty much alone on the paths but there were a few people around to say good morning to.
Couldn't decide which picture to post this morning so I put both of them up.

The deer must have found good hiding places last week when the hunters were around because today I saw ten deer.  They must have been the ones I told to hide because they were in no hurry to run a way from me. : )  I took some pictures but it was still pretty dark out and they didn't come out good at all.

I took 12,230 steps on this walk.
Sunrise 7:22
Sunset 4:47
********************
Tuesdays come around mighty fast and it was off to my knitting group first thing after breakfast.  By the time I left the sun was shining and drying things up.  I brought weave-its to work on and made seven of them.  They are easy to do while talking - no counting involved.
There were eight of us there today and we will miss the next two Tuesdays in a row because of Christmas and New Years Day.

It's becoming a habit with me that after knitting I stop in at the library.  I returned a book and a couple DVD's of The Good Wife and picked up two more of The Good Wife.  Season 2 discs 3 and 4.
When I got out of the library the sky had turned dark and very windy and on the way home it rained.  Still warm though at 52 degrees.  Sun back out now again but still very windy.

Ken came home yesterday with the Christmas stamps so today all the cards are in the mail.

I'm all set for Christmas and don't feel like doing any housework so I'm going to go and continue making some more weave-it squares. 

Hope your day is filled with sunshine.
Happyone
Let every heart prepare Him room;
Every knee shall bow,
every voice proclaim:
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,
Christ has come.
~ Phillip Keveren

Monday, December 17, 2012

Christmas cards

A foggy damp morning for walking today.  It was a warm 48 degrees and I ended up taking a layer off because I got pretty warm. 

It was a very quiet walk around the lake this morning and I only saw three other people out by the lake.

One deer was along the path and I saw a lot of cardinals.  Their red color just pops out at you.  The geese were all sitting quietly on the water.  Then half of the way around the lake.  Then they all woke up and were as noisy as ever.  I wonder what they are saying as they wake up.  Good Morning to each other, or maybe discussing where the best place is to have breakfast, or maybe telling each other about there dreams they had. : )

It was still foggy when I got back home.
On my walk this morning I took 12,923 steps.
Sunrise 7:22
Sunset 4:46
********************

 The other day when I was walking I came across this car parked on the side of the road.  Excluding muddy off roading vehicles, I think it is the dirtiest car I have ever seen.  It looks like it has never had a wash.  I just couldn't imagine driving around in a car that dirty.  Could you imagine my shiny red car like that!? : )


********************
I put on all the Christmas lights around the house, turned on Christmas music and spent a pleasant time writing out the rest of my Christmas cards.  It is nice to be done with them.  Just have to get some Christmas stamps and get them in the mail.

The fog hasn't burned off today and it has been a very dreary day outside.  It's nice inside and I'm glad I didn't have to go anywhere.
I think I'll go and read for a while before doing a few more things around the house.

Hope this day is bringing good things your way.
Happyone : )
We believe this is the Christ,
The hope of heaven sent to earth.
We believe He ruled on high,
But came in lowly human birth.
And we believe this King will reign,
And all the world will know his name.
And those who bow, He will receive:
We believe, yes, we believe.
~ Marty Funderburk

Sunday, December 16, 2012

O Little Town of Bethlehem

 O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light.
The hope and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holey birth;
And praises sing to God, the King, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently the wondrous GIFT is given.
So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Oh holy Child of Bethlehem, descent on us, we pray.
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell.
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel.

~ Phillips Brooks

A blessed Sunday to you, my friends.
Happyone : )

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Bump out sided and a little pond

I waited until a little after 7:00 to go on my walk this morning until it was starting to get light out.  Don't want to run into any bears! : )
I walked into town which is 2.4 miles from Happy Trails.  I'm just getting into town up ahead there by the church.  I turn left just before the church and walk around two cemeteries.
I just walked all over town exploring and after an hour and a half Ken picked me up at the pond just behind the church.
I walked 6 miles.
We then went out for a pancake breakfast. 

It was another nice day though not as sunny as yesterday and a little cooler in the 40's but a good work day.  We finished siding the bump out on the tractor barn.  Here's a shot from down the hill of the right side of the building.  I don't think I've taken a picture from this point of view before.
We still have the back to do but that will have to wait for next time because Ken wanted to have some fun with the tractor.

Ken is making an earthen dam here at one part of the stream near that little water fall I took a picture of yesterday to make a little pond.
He is on the other side in this picture and has just finished and is climbing back to the drive the tractor out of there. 
Here's a picture of the pond.  We will put rocks all around it and have some of the water flowing over the rocks by the dam to let the water continue flowing down the stream.
I finished clearing and lining the walking trail with rocks and small tree trunks which now leads from the trailer to the little pond.  We didn't start up the chipper today so I still have to put wood chips along a good part of the trail.

Before we knew it, it was time to put things away and leave for home.  We left about 3:30.
We are home now safe and sound with more happy memories from Happy Trails.
I'm looking forward now to taking my shower, watching some television and eating ice cream.

Hope your Saturday was a happy one.
Happyone : )

Friday, December 14, 2012

A day at Happy Trails

We got to Happy Trails about 9:30.  There was a light dusting of snow on the ground and 38 degrees.  It was a bright sunny day and it soon warmed up to 50 degrees.  I took a little walk around on our land.
This is the corner marker for our property.  I'd like to put a little bench there one day.
There was a little water this time running in the little stream that I'm making the walking trail along and it was so nice to hear the water flowing over the rocks down the little mini falls.
Ken put the corner pieces and the J channel on the bump out on the tractor shed but we didn't put the siding up. Ken spent most of the day clearing out more land where we hope to build the cabin.  I worked on the walking trail.

The weather was beautiful and we love being up here!!  So quiet and peaceful.

After working we got cleaned up and headed out for supper to Brenda's for pizza.  A great way to end a working day.
I knitted Jessica (my favorite server at Brenda's) a scarf and gave it to her today.  I told her I knitted it for her just because she is so nice and always has a smile.  She was surprised and seemed really happy that I made it for her.  She thanked me gave me a hug. : )

Here we sit at good old MacDonald's using their free Internet.  We will head back to the trailer in just a bit, watch a little television and eat some Oreo cookies.

It's been a fun day.
Hope you enjoyed your day too.
Happyone : )

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Frozen Dairy Dessert

This morning it was only 27 degrees but very still so it didn't feel cold.  It was cloudy when the sun rose but not long after the sun came out to make for a nice sunny morning.
I didn't walk a regular route, nor a random one,  but a combination of two regular routes.  It took me along paths, sidewalks and this trail behind the school along the little stream.
A very quiet walk and it was mostly just me and the birds.  I saw one deer and only two other people walking.
I love these quiet early morning walks.
This walk was 12,113 steps.
Sunrise 7:19
Sunset 4:45
********************
Yesterday after supper we went out to do a couple of errands and stopped to get some ice cream.  We got Breyers because it was on sale.  Actually it isn't even ice cream but they call it a Frozen Dairy Dessert.  Anyway it tasted just like ice cream and was very good.  I'd never had this delicious flavor before!!
Got some bread going the bread machine and then I baked some chocolate chippers again today.  These are for Ken to take to work on Monday.  They are having a Christmas Brunch at work and I was asked to bake the cookies.  They only need 36 cookies so we can keep the rest. : )

I got Ken's Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree.  He can look but not touch.  That is a rule we have!!

I packed up some things to take up to Happy Trails.  We are leaving early tomorrow morning.  Weather is supposed to be sunny and in the 40's.  Should be good working weather.  If possible I'll be posting tomorrow evening from the MacDonald's parking lot.

Still have to clean up the kitchen and then think about supper.  

Till next time......
Hope you are happy today.
Happyone : )
This is Christmas:
not the tinsel,
not the giving and receiving,
not even the carols,
but the humble heart that
receives anew the wondrous gift,
the Christ.
~Helen Keller

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Ice cubes

A more like a winter morning today with a temperature of 31 degrees.  I didn't see any sun but there was no wind.  I walked around the lake and went in the opposite direction than I usually do.  Traffic around the lake was light today and only saw a few other people.  The park rangers made their daily morning ride around the lake in the truck and I had to step off the path to let them by.

I saw a few deer (at least these escaped the hunting from yesterday), the heron and once again I saw the fox.  He is becoming a regular around the lake.  The geese were all unusually quiet.  Maybe it was too early for them to be up and around yet. : )

I came across this light spot on the path and the shape caught my attention.  To me it looks like a little boy sitting cross legged with his head down.  What do you think?
 That path has been patched up a good many times by the look of it!!

I took 12,645 steps on today's walk.
Sunrise 7:18
Sunset 4:45
********************
When it's above freezing I still hang my clothes out on the line but I only do one load because it takes all day to dry and I have to get it out early.

Added a few items to my grocery shopping list and left for the commissary.  Lots of cars out on the road getting there but once inside there were few people.  I had no lines to wait on and was in and out in no time.  Then once again lots of cars on the road.  Most people must be out Christmas shopping and aren't in the food stores yet.
I bought some granny smith apples and they are really big, the biggest ones I've ever seen.  I put a tape measure around it and it measured just about 13 inches.

After lunch I went out front in my little garden and tidied it up.  Pulled up the dead flowers, trimmed the shrubs and raked.  I don't have to do anything because the townhouse association takes care of it all, but I like to do it.  They will be by some time and put fresh mulch down for the winter.

I may have mentioned that I really dislike my refrigerator.  One reason was the ice maker.  It made loud noses and the ice cubes it made were half moon thin useless things.  I took the whole contraption out and have a small cooler on the top shelf in the freezer and I now make my own ice cubes the old fashioned way - with ice cube trays.  We never run out because I empty them every day and they are normal looking ice cubes and I am happy. : )

So that is it for today.
Hope your having a sunshiny kind of day.
Happyone
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world,
and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.
~ Norman Vincent Peale

Comment replies:
AuntieA - the two books from the library I picked up are, The Racketeer by John Grisham and the new book, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Shopping is done

The fog from the last few days is finally out of here.  Temperature was 42 degrees this morning with a bit of a breeze blowing the clouds away to make way for the sun.  It was nice seeing some blue sky for a change!! 
I walked my original connect the path route that I mapped out when we first moved here.  Added a little bit at the end and went around the block just to get those last steps in.
There were a few people scattered about the route but I was pretty much on my own.

This afternoon is one of the days when they will be coming to kill some of the deer.  I warned the deer that I saw today to get in hiding.  They must have understood because they all ran off to find hiding places. : )

This morning walk I took 12,105 steps.
Sunrise 7:17
Sunset 4:45
********************
Knitting day again.  So got a quick few things done around the house, then packed up my knitting project and left the house. I'm working on another scarf.  A small group again - only 7 of us.

From there I headed on over to the library.  Had some books and DVD's to drop off.  I got an email saying one of the books I had on hold was in so I went to get that too.  Once up at the check out the other book I had on hold was there too so I came home with two more books to read. We have started watching The Good Wife and have just finished the first season.  Picked up the first two discs of the second season today.  For some reason we didn't like it when it first came out, but we sure do like it now!

I made a few other stops before coming home too and now have all of my Christmas shopping done.  What a good feeling.

I bought a little something for myself too - a pretty pink 2013 day planner.  Not only a planner, it has some words of encouragement for the day, a daily Bible verse and a Bible reading plan for the year.  I was so happy to find it. : )

It was around 3:00 when I got home and hadn't eaten lunch and realized I was pretty hungry so I heated up a piece of pizza for a late lunch. 

The day ended up being mostly cloudy so those peeks of blue sky this morning is about all I saw today. 

I have a little bit of time left this afternoon to do some reading before making supper so off I go.

Hope your day has been a happy one.
Happyone : )
December is not the only month for Christmas,
but it is every day 
when Christ is the center in our heart.

Monday, December 10, 2012

I'm using my new phone now. : )

Yesterday morning I woke up to pouring down rain and fog.  I thought I'd just stay in bed an extra 10 minutes before getting up to walk, but I fell back to sleep and didn't wake up till an hour later.  By that time there was not enough time to walk and get back in time for church so I didn't walk yesterday.

This morning it was very foggy but it wasn't raining and it was 48 degrees.  It sure felt good to walk after missing yesterday.  I walked around the lake.  There were quite a few people there but most of them were runners.  There was a pack of about a dozen or so of them all in a group.  I saw a few of the regulars too.

Two deer were on the path to the lake and I saw a hawk and a couple of tiny little gray birds with a little bit of white on their wings but don't know what kind they were. 

Still foggy when I was back home again.
Took 13,478 steps on the walk.
Sunrise 7:17
Sunset 4:44
The sun has been setting this same time for days now.
********************
I finished reading a book yesterday, One Perfect Word, by Debbie Macomber.  Each year she picks a word and focuses on this word for the entire year.  In the book she talks about the different words she has picked throughout the years and how it has effected her life.
I've decided to pick a word and give it a try.  I'm been thinking and praying about what word I should pick while reading the book and a word has jumped out at me.  I'll write about it at the start of the new year.

I am happy to say that I'm coming along fine with my new cell phone.  I've set up my voice mail, added some contacts and can make and receive calls now.  I think now its just a matter of using it and before long it will feel comfortable.  I've even made my first text with it. : )

It's been a dreary, cloudy day.  I was going to go out and buy Ken his Christmas gifts but decided to stay home and go out when it's nicer out.  I have to go out tomorrow anyway so I'll just make a day of it.

I've gotten a start on the house chores for the week and the rest of the day is for reading, knitting and maybe writing out a few more Christmas cards.
I've notice walking in the morning that quite a lot of people leave their Christmas lights on all night and turn them off in the morning.  Just the opposite of me.  I turn them on in the morning and turn them off when I go to bed.  It sure brightens the house up on a dreary day like this to have the Christmas lights on.

Hope your Monday is a happy one.
Happyone : )
And the angel said to her,
do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb
and bear a son,
and you shall call his name Jesus.
Luke 1:30-31

Saturday, December 08, 2012

The Visit

This morning was a misty foggy one with a temperature of 45 so a pretty warm one again.  Didn't walk any of my routes but just had a random walk here and there.  I stayed along the sidewalks and walked around a few parking lots looking for coins.  The picture was taken behind some buildings in a professional park down the road from my house.

I only saw one other person walking and didn't even see any deer or other animals.
Heard birds and saw a bunch of crows but it was a very quiet morning.  Seemed much earlier than it was. 

I found a quarter.
My steps for this walk were 12,680.
Sunrise 7:15
Sunset 4:44
********************
My son David, and his two children who of course are my two grandchildren got here at 10:00 and got to spend the whole day here with us.  It was a very good visit.  We had lots to eat and those pumpkin cookies by the way were a big hit and every one was eaten up.  We decided they were more like little pieces of cake than a cookie.  Kind of like muffin tops!!
We played, colored and it was an enjoyable day just being with them. : )
After they were gone I realized that I hadn't taken any pictures.

So now they are gone and the house seems very quiet.
We will read a little, watch some television, I'll knit a little and of course have some ice cream too. 

Hope your day was a happy one.
Happyone  : )
Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves,
without rebuke or effort to change us,
as no one in our entire lives has ever done,
not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends -
and hardly ever our own grown children.
~ Ruth Goode

Friday, December 07, 2012

Pumpkin Cookies

37 degrees this morning and I thought just a cloudy morning.  I walked on over to the lake and that is when a very light rain started.  It stopped and started a few times, but not enough to get me wet, just a little damp.  I think the rain caught everyone off guard because there was more people out than usual on a rainy morning.

I saw a couple of deer and another fox!  As I mentioned I don't usually see them very often and it's even more rare to see them by the lake.

The cones were gone today so people were parked in the main parking lot again and I couldn't tell what work got done.  They sure didn't pave anything.

By the time I was close to home, about 1/4 mile it started raining a bit harder.  I walked through the little shopping center under cover which is right across the street from my townhouse.  Got a bit wet but was soon home in my nice warm dry house.

A rare day that I don't take any pictures and this was one of them.

I took 12,524 steps on my walk.
Sunrise 7:14
Sunset 4:44
********************
I was going to make a pumpkin pie but decided to make pumpkin cookies instead.  This is a new recipe for me.  I had to eat one to make sure they came out good - and oh yes, they came very good. : )
Mixing it up
Out of the oven
Cooled, iced and ready to eat.
I wrapped the presents I bought and wrote out some Christmas cards. Just going to do a little each day so it doesn't become a chore again.

I haven't tackled the phone again yet and I think I'm going to give it another day and then just do it.  How hard can this be?  Little children can figure it out!!

I have some cleaning to do and then I will read or knit for the rest of the afternoon. 

Friday seemed to come around awfully fast this week.  Hope yours is a happy day and sunshine surrounds you.
Happyone  : )
And you will have joy and gladness,
and many will rejoice at His birth.
~ Luke 1:14

Thursday, December 06, 2012

The phone

What a difference from yesterday morning - 30 degrees difference.  Today it was 24 degrees when I walked.  I start out in the dark again but 45 minutes later the sun was out and the air was still, clear and crisp. I was toasty warm in my layers.  I love these cold morning walks!!
I happened to look up and saw a half morning moon in a blue and pink sky.  
I walked one of my connect the path routes.  They have been replacing the old rotting wood on one of the footbridges a little at a time and today I walked over the finished project .  It smells good of new wood. : )
I came across a few other people walking along the paths.  I was chatting with a man I see often walking his dogs and a fox ran by.  I'm surprised it got so near to us with two dogs there.  He didn't stay long and before I could get my camera pointed at him the fox was gone.  Don't see a fox very often and its a treat to see one.

The paths will be closed a couple of days in the late afternoon and into the evening for some hours in the next week.  It's that time of year when they have controlled hunting of the deer. They call it deer management.  I know there are lots of deer and something needs to be done but still I hate to think of the deer I see every day being killed.

I found a lucky penny.
12,086 steps on todays walk.
Sunrise 7:13
Sunset 4:44
********************
This morning I hung the sheets up out on the line to dry.  They smell especially good on a cold sunny day!!

I sat down and played around with my new cell phone.  That same phone I loved yesterday, I HATE today!!!  I've wasted hours trying to figure it out.  I've made a little progress but just had to put it down and do something else before I threw it in the trash can.  It is so sensitive and I keep touching things and making it do things that I don't want it to do.  Trying to set up voice mail, the computer lady told me, "I can see you are having problems, try again later.  Good bye."  and hung up.  I know I'll get the hang of it eventually and learn to like it but....... 

Then I thought I'd have some fun and make some Christmas cookies.  First thing I did was to spill a good bit of the 5 pound bag of flour all over the place.  Okay my day wasn't going so great and I had to get a better frame of mind.  I went and sat down and read my daily devotions.  Came back to the kitchen with a much better outlook.
I continued to make the cookies and things have gone smoothly since. : )
Made just some simple rolled out sugar cookies and sprinkled them with red and green sugar.
I enjoyed making them but I remember making them with the kids when they were young and how much fun we had then.  It was a happy sad memory.

I have to clean up the kitchen and do a few other things around the house.  Then I hope to sit and do a little knitting.

Hope your day is sunny and bright.
Happyone : )
Somehow not only for Christmas,
but all the long year through,
the joy that you give to others
is the joy that comes back to you.
~ E.B. White

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Warm slippers and a new phone

This morning it was a hard to believe 54 degrees!!!!  It was windy and when I got back home it had gone down a few degrees to 51.  A cloudy morning and I walked around the lake.

I saw the heron again - this times he was standing in the water. A couple of deer were about, a cardinal couple, lots of squirrels and the usual geese.

Quite a few people were scattered around the lake.

At one of the lesser used parking lots in the morning, I was surprised to see a lot of cars there and thought a group of people must have met and all parked together.  Then when I got to the main parking lot I saw that it was blocked off with orange cones.  Couldn't see any reason why but I'm guessing they are going to repave it.

I took 12,401 steps on my walk.
Sunrise 7:12
Sunset 4:44
********************
We never did go out last evening to do those errands.  Ken got home late so we just had some pasta for supper and stayed home.

He took the day off today and we went out and did those errands during the day, one of which was to do some Christmas shopping and we did well.  We just have to buy for each other now and we just get a few small things so we have something to open on Christmas morning. 

We also did a little shopping for ourselves today.
Ken got a new pair of boots to use up at Happy Trails and I got a pair of new slippers which I have on my feet right now.  They are so nice and toasty warm.
I also got a new cell phone.  We use TracFones which has the pay as you use cards.  My old one I've had for years and years and the numbers were wearing off so it really was time for a new one.  This one is so nice.  It has a touch screen, is a camera and is very thin.  TracFones have come a long way!!  We got some new TracFones a while back and couldn't seem to get them activated with our same phone numbers and returned them.  This time I just got a new phone number.  It's been a very long time since I had a new number.  I like my new number!!  Now I have to learn how to use the thing. : )
Yesterday we were also going to eat out and since we didn't we are going to do that tonight also.  In just a little while we are going to go to Applelbee's.

It's been a fun kind of day. : )
Hope you've been enjoying your day too.
Happyone
Bless us Lord,
this Christmas,
with quietness of mind;
Teach us to be patient
and always to be kind.
~Helen Rice

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

A warm Tuesday

It was already 45 degrees outside this morning at 6:30 when I started walking.  Went over to the lake today.  Didn't see the sun rise because it was cloudy.  Because of the warm weather there were a lot more people out around the lake than usual.
Not much wildlife though, but I did see all the usual geese and the heron was standing on the rocks at the waters edge.  I watched him flew off over the water.  Such an amazing thing to watch.

Walking back home I cut over here to the apartment complex and walked around looking for coins - no luck today. 
All in all a pretty quiet walk but a good one all the same.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 7:11
Sunset 4:44
********************
The cookie exchange last night was lots of fun and I'm sure glad I went.  There were about 23 people there.  One other person made chocolate chip cookies besides me.  There were lots of delicious looking cookies and I ate way too many of them!!!

Got a load of laundry hung up on the line again.  Then grabbed my knitting and headed out the door for my Tuesday morning knitting group.  A small turnout today - only 8 people.  I just had a couple rows to do on a scarf that I've been working on and finished it there.  Then I was left with nothing to do. So I just sat and talked. 

When I got home I got chili started in the crock pot.  I'm making it for Saturday when my son comes for a visit.  I know it's a little early but I'm going to freeze it.  I want to bake a pie and make Christmas shaped sugar cookies too, so with the chili out of the way I can do the fun stuff. : )

I have a bunch of chores to get done before Ken gets home from work.  Then we are going out for a bite to eat and get a few errands done.
I was hoping to get a chance to finish my book and start another scarf but don't think I'll have time.

Hope your day is sunny and bright.
Happyone
It is the time of year when we celebrate 
the birth of Jesus Christ.
He was born of a virgin,
lived a sinless life,
and died on a wooden cross
for the sins of mankind.
To those who believe and follow Him,
He gives eternal life.
Is there any greater or more precious gift than this?