Random Observations:

1) When I was at the grocery today I lined up behind a young woman with two kids in tow. Her order consisted of; three quart bottles of Colt 45, a large bag of Doritos, two boxes of store-brand 'Lucky Charms',two of those cardboard thin frozen pizzas, and a gallon of milk. She stopped at the front desk to buy cigarettes on the way out. I'm sure that the stock of whole grain foods, fresh fruits and veggies, and high quality proteins were just fine in the house, and she just stopped by to pick up a few treats.

2) There have been six or seven people in my Sunday school class (out of about 20) with foot issues over the last few months. It has been noted after my Thanksgiving attempt to slice my toe off that it was a heck of a coincidence. My friend Kitty fell and shattered her ankle 10 days ago - upping the total by yet another out of action pedal extremity. Is it time to schedule a Blessing of the Feet in this group?

3) I have started easing my driving restrictions imposed during the era of $4 gasoline. I am going to have to remind myself not to fall completely back into those old habits. Today it was a lovely day to be out driving. The sun is shining brightly enough to pretend it is sunny and warm. I saw two foxes walking along the side of tower road, enjoying the weather.

4) There is an article in our paper today about recycling televisions ahead of the HDTV only start-up in February. The TV being dismantled by the technician in the photo accompanying the article was much newer and larger than the one we currently use, and several of the TV stacked behind him seemed to be the same. The article quoted him as saying "we generally get sets that are 8-12 years old and have been sitting out in the garage for a few years, and people just want to be rid of them." So, is the average life of a TV only 8-12 years, or is our 14 year old (still in use, one-and-only) set just the exception to the rule? I know there are times when a TV is just ready to be shot. My mom's set was laughable when she died. 30 years old and had been reduced to green-and-white, but I can't see replacing a TV every 8 years...

Anyhow. Have a Happy and Safe New Year Celebration, Everyone. May 2009 be the year that God blesses you beyond your wildest dreams. ~Marci

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

For God loved us all so very much, that he gave his Son to die for us. That we might believe, and have everlasting life.

In Christ is life, and in Christmas is a new beginning.

Blessings of this Holiday to every one.

~Marci

Don't tell Ralphie!

But he's getting a genuine Red Rider 200-shot carbine action air rifle - with a compass in the stock. Hope he doesn't shoot his eye out.

I know, It's been a while.

I haven't found the motivation to actually write anything recently. This time of year I have this ennui that comes with the short, gray days and specifically this year the lack of Christmas activities. There are no concerts to travel for, no big or little Church programs to do, and as far as I know no party invites. I really don't even want to try and put anything together myself, and I don't want to want to. Before you get all buggy-eyed and upset ( and you know who I'm talking to) no, you can't fix it. Some time in the end of February, or maybe earlier, when it is sunny and bright with snow, and the day light is lasting longer than 9 hours I'll find something that catches my interest and I'll find the inspiration and creativity that have deserted me in this gloomy winter. Until then I'll get along ok. I'll still smile and laugh - just a little less. I'll be happy with a day where I get the essentuals done, but it isn't likely I'll start any projects. If I do, they are just as likely to be abandoned. Don't take it personally. I should have been a hibernating animal. ~M.E.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a day enjoyed and partly just endured as a quartet of people that are related by blood and love that aren't all at the top of our games right now. You ever have one of those? I know, I know - We have so very much to be thankful for - but the 'thankful' day on the calender just didn't fall on the right date this year. Very soon I hope there will be a day that gives us some truly good news and I will make a turkey and all the traditional accompaniments for a real thanksgiving feast.

We had a Thanksgiving Day shoot in the swamp today. It was fun, the weather was nice, and many plastic bottles were repurposed as targets. (Insert pix here later)

I also managed to cut my foot with a utility knife. Good news is that PromptCare wasn't that busy, and it wasn't serious enough to warrant transfer to the ER. I think the Dr. said he put in 8 stitches, but I haven't looked very close at it. It hurts like crazy so I'm awake at 2AM with an ice bag waiting for the painkiller to kick in. (not that 2AM and I aren't well acquainted, anyhow.)
~M.E.

Random.

1) Gas at $1.53 - It just proves that the people who make a living predicting the economy don't know what's going on any more than us ordinary folk. It almost seems like we're in the grips of some sick, evil creature. Oh, That would be Satan. Good thing we have the shield of God's Grace.

2) I found a sappy, sad love song from the 80's playing over the sound system at the grocery particularly distracting today. Made me long for trite stupid Christmas music.

3) A couple of years ago Meredith and I saw a White-tail Buck walking on a railroad overpass on the south side of Springfield. Today I saw another using the same overpass to get between wooded places on either side of the freeway. It was about a ten point. (in Illinois parlance - that would be a 5 point for you Michiganians)

4) I wish I had an 'off' button. I really, really don't want to have to resort to chemically induced sleep. 4 to 6 hours a night makes each day a struggle. From experience, it takes 9 to keep me in the best shape.

5) Here comes another quiet, unexciting Thanksgiving Day. The curse of the small family. But I hear from those that have large demanding families that the grass is NOT greener on the other side. Does anyone really have one of those Normal Rockwell holidays? After our girls are off on their own, maybe we'll go on vacation out of the country over Thanksgiving.

~M.E.

Happy Birthday.

You've come a long way, baby. Here's to the year ahead. May it be a Happy, Prosperous, and exciting one. May you follow the path made for you by God, and be showered with His blessings. May you continue to grow in wisdom, grace, and beauty.

Much Love, ~MoM