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
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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.
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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. : )

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

The sunrise is fantastic!
You sure do stay busy.
MJ

Galestorm said...

Happy New Year to you and Ken!

Wanda

♥ Helen said...

I wanted to wish you a happy new year ツ

Vee said...

Oh wow! Already making plans that sound so good. That color sounds soothing and feminine. Can't wait to see it.

Your pictures this morning are glorious!

Enjoy a quiet evening; we've decided to keep it quiet as well.

♥ Helen said...

Good idea with your own office room - good luck with your project.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Sounds like a great project --and you will enjoy your own office. Your townhouse is fairly large, isn't it? I owned a townhouse with 3 bedrooms/2 baths when I lived in Texas and also one in Hendersonville, TN.

Then GE and I scaled down for retirement and bought a 2 bedroom 2 bath home... SO--we share one of the bedrooms as our office now. Works for us...

Love your photos... Hope that doesn't mean that bad weather is on the way since red skies in the morning usually mean bad weather is coming...

Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Betsy

Kerri Farley said...

Happy New Year!!!

Nellie said...

Lovely picture of the sunrise!

It sounds like you have a good project ahead of you!

Happy New Year!

Rick Watson said...

In 2010 I was faced with a situation of (get this) voluntary/involuntary termination.
I could take their offer to retire (I was 59 1/2) and get a package, or they would terminate someone with less seniority.
I was at a point in my career that I was ready to go. I still stressed for a few weeks, but I took the offer and I've never looked back. And I've been very happy.
I hope that Ken walks away smiling and does remarkable things.
Happy New Year.
Rick

Debbie Jones said...

Hope you and Ken both have a great new year filled with lots of good things!

Beth said...

Happy New Year to you and Ken!

o2bhiking said...

Happy New Year. It should be an exciting year for you. That is a great idea to have your own office and retreat. Enjoy the day! Art

Optimistic Existentialist said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

Sunflower Days said...

I have always trusted that you are a life long friend. Trust is a wonderful thing. I love you Karen! Happy New Year. Pam