Monday, January 10, 2011

Oh, all right *sigh*

Have to give in~ it is Winter.
I am a fan of Winter in theory~ home nesting, snowy landscapes, hot buttered rum all sound wonderful.
In reality? Not so much.
I can never seem to keep warm~ which is surprising, given my ample layer of natural insulation.
It's been well over 2 weeks since I've seen sunshine~ partly because I've been going in extra early to cover vacationing co-workers (yes, that is plural~ whoever approved that should be boiled in oil), but mostly because we've had thick tule (ground) fog & overcast skies.
While we don't often see snow here in the Central Valley, the temperatures get quite nippy~ particularly at 5:30 am, when I'm out walking when I'd much rather be snuggled in bed with the cats.
This morning, it was 27 degrees; thanks to some dimwit who still has their sprinklers on summer timer, I did a passable impression of Scott Hamilton gliding down the sidewalk when I hit a patch of black ice. No injuries, thank goodness~ just a few jarred joints from the energetic windmills I did to keep upright.
One positive aspect of the season~ I can indulge my inner "homebody" without anyone expecting me to be going and doing in the bad weather; when the guys get cabin fever, I can send them off and have the house to myself. Reading, knitting, blog browsing, napping~ all the things that comfort to an overworked spirit.
But I am still counting the days until Spring.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Home Keeping Mission Statement


My goal for today, prompted by a visit to Home Sanctuary (click here, or see the sidebar), was to focus on what I want to accomplish with my homecaring tasks; it's a work in progress, but I'm pleased with how it is coming along.

“To treat my home like the precious Gift that it is

To take care of the little things right away, instead of putting them off until later (which rarely comes)

To make each room an organized, tidy, and peaceful space to truly live in by completing one "small thing" each day.

To clear out items which are no longer useful, and establish a "place" for everything in my home.

To apply gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty, and joy to each aspect of my life

To set aside the ideas of perfection, and enjoy the Blessing that is my Home”


Saturday, January 01, 2011

Prayer for a New Year



Lord,

There are many uncertainties in our world but what matters most will never change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

We believe You are with us, for us, and surrounding us with Your love. So do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you. Isaiah 41:10

No matter what happens, You will guide us and fulfill Your purposes for us. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Even in hard times we can be confident that we will have victory through you. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

We trust you will take care of us and bless us in more ways than we can imagine.
God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

We give each moment and every day to You. Most of all, we give ourselves too.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 5:10
Amen.

--by Holley Gerth

Friday, December 31, 2010

At the end of the day...


Well, that's not quite how we are spending this New Year's Eve~ tonight we're garbed in flannel & sweaters, watching the Marx brothers, & enjoying the delicious dinner my darling hubby made while I was at work~ pork loin, roasted veggies, & mashed potatoes, paired with homemade wine & Greek Fortune bread from our kind neighbors.
~~~
I hope you enjoy a blessed and safe celebration~ I can hardly wait to see what the Good Lord has in store for us in the New Year



Image(s) courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Joy to the World


Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.


He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love

~
My mother-in-love is home
My children are home
I am in my own home
God is Good

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Prayer Request


My mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital today, with severe bronchitis and congestive heart failure~ please hold her up, along with her sons.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Are you ready for Christmas?

Well, the house is mildly decorated inside & out, the first of the holiday parties has been enjoyed, & I have an idea what I'm going to do to get ready for guests that arrive in less than two weeks~ beyond that, I am not even close to being ready.
Shopping is on board for the next few days~ I need to replace a lamp (Angus, the new cat, got a little too rough & tumble), put some blinds in the craft/guest room (my MIL likes the room dark at night), & look for some inspiration regarding the youngsters & in laws.
Wish me luck!



Wednesday, December 08, 2010

As if I don't have enough to do...

Amongst my blog wandering over the past few months, I discovered Lucy at Attic 24; her style & life are so very different from my own,~ she's a "hooker"*, a stay-home mother with young children, & lives in a small English village~ but I always feel cheerful after a visit.
She has inspired me so dig out my crochet hooks, sport-weight wool, & some assorted beads to try out her recent tutorials on Christmas decoration~ these are so bright & cheerful, I just couldn't resist giving it a whirl. I figure if they don't work out for me, they can always be gifted!

* someone who crochets

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Mama needs a new phone...








Seriously~ my current cellphone is about 5 years old, the battery has trouble holding a charge for more than a day, and the browser is so out-of-data, I can't retrieve my hotmail anymore.
I more than qualify for an upgrade & I would really like to get a smartphone~ web browsing, camera, Qwerty keyboard are the minimum requirements, but my budget is under $100.00.
So I need advice~






Blackberry





or...








iPhone?