Christmas 2013

 

This is my Grandson Xander talking to Santa for the very first time. He wasn't scared but was impressed that Santa gave away candy canes (reminded me of Paul Schuller at that age). Later he decided that Santa's hat needed to come off.

The kids came up on the Sunday before Christmas to celebrate with us. It was great seeing everyone even for a short time. I really enjoyed seeing everyone visit. Seeing Shane and Xander play. Watching Beth and Lauren and Ashley talk and share experiences. Watching Xander with Melly and Loki (don't know who loved who more). Paul, Heath, and Ralph were perfect gentlemen. I am so proud of all of the kids. I know that everything I do is not perfect, but when I look at the adults they have become. I know I did something perfectly right. My darling husband bought me a shiny new ring too-when I am old (like I am now). I will wear purple.

Christmas isn't easy-don't make it harder

Christmas isn't easy for everyone. I know it's not. This year my kids will be missing a grandma that was very dear to them. Many, many years ago my grandmother went into the hospital on Christmas eve never to return to her home or loved ones. Once upon a time Dwight lost his grandpa that meant the world to him at Christmas time. When his family has the annual family Christmas party, and people talk about "Grandma and Grandpa" Dwight's eyes aren't smiling. I would do anything I could just to erase that glimpse of hurt that I see in his eyes, but I can't. That's one of the hardest things I've ever learned about myself-I can't fix everything. I've asked God and Santa for help on this one, but neither one is being very cooperative. There are so many people that need some help. I've tried so many times to have the "perfect" Christmas- and it doesn't exist. Christmas is just like happiness-it's what you make it. You can gripe about all the people you don't get to see, but why not celebrate the ones that you do? I can't see Lee this year, but I know Robyn will. I could be sad about missing out on this "sister" time, but I keep hearing them giggle as children. Goodness, they could really get into some messes. Now it's scarier but they've got wisdom and experience to help them out. I can only imagine what the two of them will do. I won't get to see Beth on Christmas Day, but I know she'll wake up in her husband's arms. I hope they remember to kiss under the mistletoe.  I'll get to celebrate with most of my kids early and my parents late, but I'll get to see them.  Everything won't be perfect-it never will be but snowballs don't have to be round to fly. Angels don't have to be seen to be felt.

Toy Run #1

 Today we (Dwight and myself) complete a toy run from the square in Harrison to the VFW in Jasper. This was the first toy run we have done. There were between thirty and forty bikes. I stopped counting at 31 and I'm sure I missed some because like little kids, bikers can't stay still for five minutes. We pulled off the square at exactly one o'clock because the bells on the square where ringing. Everyone lined up in staggered procession- and there were guards that blocked the stop signs and red lights so the group could stay together. All the toys couldn't fit under the tree- and I have no idea how much cash was collected, but it was a fun afternoon for a worthy cause.

Can I get an Amen?

I'm not knocking any religion. Really I'm not. But, at what point do the missionaries-soldiers of God-sharers of faith-get the point? No, I am not interested in joining your church. I have one that has currently disowned me because of a divorce. But, this new pope has the church rethinking its views on homosexuals and I figure divorcees aren't too far behind. Not holding my breath you understand. Does it not say something to  you that every three weeks when you stop to share your faith that I am in my pajamas? Yes, you can leave your literature. Let's discuss it after I've had a cup of coffee and am thinking straight-let's say sometime between midnight and one am. Put your number on the programs and I'll be sure to call then or maybe at my break sometime around 4 am. I really do admire the courage it takes to share your faith with strangers, but at this point in time- you know my name, where I live, and the colors of my slippers. How is it that the fact that I work all night continually slips your mind? That's right Sister, while you're all snug and comfy in your warm bed I'm out earning a pay check.

Bambi down

I got my first deer this season. A doe shot on the first day in modern gun. Fluffy was really impressed.

Fall 2013

If some of these seem a little off center, chalk it up to the fact that they were taken from the back of a Harley. This is part of the reason I love living in the Boston Mountains, but I did a terrible job of capturing all of the colors.

Kate on Kate

Doctors tell Dwight it is not a good idea for him to go horse back riding for an extended period of time due to the blood clots he has had in his leg. For me that means, I have to be willing to ride by myself on a horse that I can control in all situations. Sassy has been a wonderful horse and will always be my first-but it takes a strong hand to control her-and sometimes I don't think it's wise for me to ride her alone. So the decision was made for me to retire Sassy. I unexpectedly got a call to come look at a horse. She's shorter than Sassy. She's very gentle. I went to ride her and she responds well. I can climb on her, make her speed up and slow down, calm her when she acts up, and I can make her figure 8 and back up. The trainer that had her needed a younger horse. One with a little more pep in her step. Sassy was exactly what she was looking for. Did I mention the horse she wanted to get rid of was named "Kate"?  The trainer was very excited to get Sassy and I'm equally excited about having Kate join us.