Dec. 9, 2018 The First Snow in December

December 9, 2018

Good morning world.

Welcome to the first BIG snow fall for 2018.

A great day to BE.

When snow falls, nature listens.

Our outdoor seasonal decorations were up and waiting for the freshly fallen snow.

The 'Photographer' in me was thrilled to snap up the perfect Christmas card.

"Indiana Jones" aka, King Ron, was super excited to use his snow blower..... not just once,but several times during the 15 inches of snow.

Oh how blessed and thankful I am to be healthy enough to be able to enjoy the outdoors.

15 inches of snow..... it packed a punch!

Baby, it's cold outside! 

Dec 3, 2018 The Stockings and other Sundry Decor

The Christmas Stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

This year, I inventoried 48 years of Christmas clutter  ornaments. Many of our Christmas decorations were purged. Special ornaments 'made the cut' to the Sharpley Christmas Wreath. The memories have flooded my mind. Here's to remembering the little things:

Oh Christmas Tree... Oh Christmas Tree.........
How lovely are your branches, and ornaments, and twinkly lights, and berries.
Our 2 trees this year are each 4 ft, artificial trees. One is placed on a table in the sunroom, and the other is on the floor, next to the fireplace in the living room. Gone are the days (for us) for the ceiling height, fresh cut, evergreen scented tree. Although small by many standards, they were completely adorned.

Tis the season to be jolly!

Nov 19, 2018 First Things First

Before the tree and mistletoe,
Before decking the halls,
Before the stockings, ornaments, and candles,
Before the fa-la-la-la-las, and jingle bells,
Before candy canes and cookies....
First things first!
THIS ⇩⇩⇩

"Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world." C.S. Lewis

"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." C.S. Lewis

"The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable." Ralph W. Sockman
                                             💓💓💓

"Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, all honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness." Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In the Manger

Nov 16, 2018 Give THANKS and Be GRATEFUL

Is there anyone out there in cyber world who remembers singing this song?
"Come, ye thankful people, come.
Raise the song of harvest home.
All is safely gathered in
Ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be be supplied.
Come to God's own temple, come
Raise the song of harvest home."

Or how about this song?
"For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise."

Perhaps it is time for all of us to STOP..... and be thankful.
Are you thankful, no matter what? (asking as I look at myself in the mirror👀)
If not, why not?
"Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. And nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness." ~ Billy Graham

Nov 12, 2018 Rock On... Painting Rocks!

November 12, 2018
Time to Rock and Roll
or maybe Rock on...
Here are my first attempts at ROCK PAINTING.
These are river rocks that were collected from the Greenway near Wasena Park.

This is not as easy as I thought it would be.....
But none the less... no guts to glory.
Here are a few thoughts about ROCKS:
*Don't waste too many stones on one bird.
*People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
*The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them.

Rock on, my friend, rock on.
The sky's the limit.

Nov 6, 2018 Fun with the Grandkids

November 6, 2018
Today is GRATITUDE DAY.
Blessed are those who spoil and snuggle,
hug and hope
pray and pamper.......
For they shall be called GRANDPARENTS.
These giggles got hot chocolate.
Yes, the little munchkins have taught us to chill out,
and cherish the little things.

Who knew leaves could be so much fun!

October 31, 2018 #5 West Virginia ~ Babcock State Park

October 31, 2018
Living near the beautiful state of West Virginia, allows us opportunities for day trips, in the most beautiful season........ FALL.
BABCOCK STATE PARK is breathtaking!
The last day of October was filled with sunshine, cool temperatures, and fall colors.
It even included SUNGLASSES.
Be sure to put this on your bucket list of 'visits-near-by'.

 On our way home, we stopped in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
I'd give 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 five stars to the STARDUST CAFE

We missed Halloween, well..... not really 😅

October 27, 2018 Blue Ridg Folklife Festival.

The BLUE RIDGE FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL is always the 4th Saturday in October.
It is held at Ferrum College.
I didn't realize that this was the 45th celebration..... as this was my first trip!
What a celebration of rich heritage and traditions!
A good ole' mud stomping good time today.
A perfect fall day for...
people-watching,
crafts,
food,
tractors,
antique cars, wooden coffin makers
FRIED APPLE PIES
coon dog race
wheat threshing,
hog butchering
corn grinding...... and more.