A Crazy but Peaceful Week

 You may have noticed that I have not been online much this past week.  Lots of busyness.  Medical appointments.  Snowy weather.  Extra events.  But even in the midst of crazy Christmas season, I have found times and reasons for PEACE this second week of Advent.  I am sharing in my Friday Fave Fives which Susanne so faithfully hosts every week.  (the link will take you to her blog)

1.  My weekend away with Older Daughter was refreshing.  The bed and breakfast inn where we stayed was lovely.  The room was pleasant.  The beds were comfortable.  The breakfasts were delicious.  And the best part?  As I was chatting with the owner, she mentioned that her husband (co-owner and cook) is from Bali, Indonesia!  She had lived there for many years, too. And the young couple who serves and helps are also Balinese!  Imagine their surprise when we responded to their conversations in Bahasa Indonesia.  It was delightful to watch their faces light up when they realized we could speak their language.  (If you haven't been reading my blog for very long, you may not know that we lived for several years in Indonesia.)

2. During the weekend, I watched the Nutcracker for a second time this season.  It is always a joy to see my adult daughter dancing in the ballet.

3.  There was time for relaxing knitting.  I am completely obsessed with these adorable miniature mittens!  And now to weave in all.those.yarn.ends...

4.  This week, Chaplain Dan (older son) is traveling for work.   He flew to California and into the airport in the same city where Younger Son is living.  And they were able to enjoy a quick lunch together before Chaps drove on down the coast to his destination!  My mother's heart was filled with happiness!

5.  Last night our local high school held its annual combined bands and chorales Christmas concert.  Our grandson is in the band and it was a delight to watch him play his trombone in the band.

Bonus:  I have been reading The Advent of the Lamb of God with my online friends "The Art Girls" during this Advent time.  I highly recommend this book; it has twenty-five short chapters, and it's easy to read one a day.  Russ Ramsey has a gifted way of telling the story of preparation through the centuries for the birth of Jesus.

This second week of Advent is focused on Peace. I hope you have had a peaceful time.

It's December!

 Hello from a very very frigid Ohio.  How has your December days been so far?

It is Friday evening.  I am posting my Friday Fave Fives from a town north of my home where I am enjoying a quiet(ish) weekend with my older daughter.  Here are the blessings I am sharing from this past week.

1.  This may sound boring, but I have been thankful all week for a warm home. An efficient furnace that works hard to heat the house.

2.  Another boring thing.  I am thankful for warm coats, hats, gloves and boots.   We had almost five inches of snow accumulation this week.  What would I do without adequately warm clothes?

3.  The Professor and I were invited to join several other people in an Advent activity every Monday evening.  It includes a simple meal of soup and bread. Then we sing Advent and Christmas songs and our host reads an Advent devotional.  We have done this other years and thoroughly enjoy it.

4.  Yesterday my Bible Study group (BSF) visited a local nursing home and rehab center. We brought lots of Christmas yummies-- all kinds of cookies and candies.  We sang several Christmas carols and then spend some time chatting with the residents.  I think it was as big a blessing to me as it might have been for the people who live or work there.

5.  Lastly, I am thankful for my daughter inviting me to spend the weekend with her at a lovely bed and breakfast inn. She is dancing again in Nutcracker ballet.  I brought books and yarn.  I think this weekend away is going to be wonderful. 

Day 30

 A Month of Thankfulness.  Day 30.  November 30.

An End and a Beginning.

First Sunday of Advent.  HOPE

Day 29

 A Month of Thankfulness.  Day 29. November 29.

I am sure I have mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating.

There are three great goods in life.   A warm bed.  A hot shower.  A good cup of coffee.  (Or, a warm bed, a hot bath, a good cup of tea)   I am thankful that all three goods are readily available to me every day.

Eleanor agrees with me.  Although she says she would add a fourth-- orange marmalade.

The End of November Fave Fives

 Day 28 of A Month of Thankfulness.  And the fourth and last Friday Fave Fives of November.  This month flew fast!  As usual, I am posting on Friday five things that have reminded me to be thankful during this past week.  You can link up at Susanne's blog.

1.  Earlier in the week, I mentioned that I am thankful for good doctors and nurses.  I had a minor surgery on my hand and all has gone very well with the recovery.  

2.  I can knit again!!  Yes, I just tried it!

3.  Chap's wife's sister (PAL's nickname for her is Gooster) is here visiting for Thanksgiving week.  I have known her almost as long as I have known my daughter-in-law, and it has been fun to visit with her.  Walks.  Tea times. Conversations.

4.  I am thankful that all but one child and one grandchild were here at the cottage for Thanksgiving.  We had a great time.  The nerds played some kind of board game after our luscious dinner while the rest of us put together a jigsaw puzzle.  Included in the afternoon was a quick walk around the neighborhood to exercise off some of the pies that we all ate.  It was a delight for us to have two extra people celebrating with us, both co-workers of Older Daughter.

5.  Now we are off to watch Older Daughter dance in the local Nutcracker performance!  She dances in the ballet every year.  These photos are from last year's performance. She is the singer on the right in the blue dress.  You have to search for her in the second photo...

And this Sunday is the first week of Advent!

Day 27. Happy Thanksgiving!

 A Month of Thankfulness.  Day 27.  Thanksgiving Day.

Today I am thankful for all my family! And whole lot of other things, too many to list.

Day 26

 A Month of Thankfulness.  Day 26.  November 26.

As Ginny mentioned in her comment yesterday, we should be thankful for nurses, too.  I agree.  Nurses are essential in caring for patients.  And I am particularly thankful for this nurse...our youngest daughter.