Dreary Days and Random Thoughts

It is dreary and gloomy as I write today. Husband is doing that which he does best on Sunday afternoon: snoring away in the recliner, the cat and dog are both napping peacefully, and I alone am awake and somewhat alert. The weekend has been a good one.

Friday night we went to our small group party from church. I love these people. They are some of those that I hold very dear to my heart. We went to the home of one of the couples in our group and I should tell you that this couple defines the word hospitality. Their home is a delight and quite the winter wonderland. I know they must start decorating for Christmas in September. I think we counted 6 fully decorated trees with countless other decorations, too many to count but such a treat to see. This couple decided that this dinner would be their gift to us and said that none of us were to bring anything. We walked in to a true feast of ham, noodles, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, (hungry yet?) fruit salad, local famous steak house rolls, plus - pumpkin pie, apple pie, coconut pie, and pecan pie. Other than the rolls, which everyone locally loves, everything was made by scratch and by love. What gracious wonderful people these two are. I wish you all could be so lucky as to share a meal in their home. This was one of those nights when the party starts at 6:00 and before you know it you look at your watch and it is 10:00. The room was filled with both laughter and tears as the evening progressed and I left with a full heart knowing that I am loved. It is good to share life with those that know you best and love you anyway.

On Saturday I admit I was pretty lazy, as it too was a dreary day. Oldest son was busy getting things together for a trip to visit youngest for a few days so I helped with his preparations and made brownies and gathered food and supplies to send to the apartment. Saturday evening husband and I did some Christmas shopping and spent the rest of the evening at home.

Today after church we grabbed a quick bite and made another trip to the mall. You know how purchasing one item sometimes snowballs? Well, last night I purchased a holiday type blouse to wear to husband’s company dinner tonight. I was sure I would wear this with my black dressy pants and was quite proud of the bargain I found. The problem is that when I returned home and tried on my ensemble I discovered that my black dressy pants would probably fall off if I wore them and that might not be appropriate at the company dinner. So, today it was a trip to the mall for black dressy pants in a size that fits. I had not intended on a complete outfit, but now that I have it I wonder if I should press for new jewelry, shoes, and a purse to match? No.

With all the parties and shopping going on I realize that the Christmas rush is upon us, but I vow to cherish every moment this year as the gift it is to me. The gift of friends, family, church programs, and even school programs (although they can’t say it) all point to the reason we celebrate: the birth of a baby over 2000 years ago who came to give us relationship with His Father.

If I get too busy and do not write again before Christmas (I am known for long intervals) please know if you are reading this then you are more than likely very dear to me. My desire is that you would also take time this year and remember this baby, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.

May I have a full order of sleep please?

December is upon us ready or not. Actually, I am ahead of the game. I have done well on shopping, (never did the find missing gift) and most of my decorating is complete. I would still like to hang a few wreaths outside, but I am a wimp in the cold so they might not get done this year. Saturday I spent the entire day at home doing the basics that had been neglected. Oldest helped all day until the house was clean and tidy and the laundry all caught up.
Saturday night I spent most of the night on the couch with very little sleep. Husband’s snoring combined with a blossoming migraine do not mix well. I even had to hide the living room clock because in the middle of a migraine the battery powered tick-tock sounds much like a repetitive gong.

On Sunday we ventured 3 ½ hours south to see our newest great niece. We had hoped to combine that trip with a visit to Farm Wife and her family, but they were fighting colds and not up for company. It was a long hard trip due to relentless rain and a problem with the wiper switch on our car. After such a long trip we were only able to stay about one hour. Fortunately the rain stopped on the way home. We got in relatively early and I went to bed by 9:30.
It was a sweet visit though. I wish I could post a picture but I am not sure how my niece would feel about that.

Sunday night brought the return of the migraine. I took today off from work and have felt pretty blah most of the day. A day off in early December could be so productive, but not when you are wiped out from two nights of a pounding head and no sleep. I feel better this evening so hopefully I will return to school tomorrow.

I plan on finishing the book The Shack for my second time tonight and then going to bed early. Hopefully the gongs will stay quiet for me tonight and I will sleep peacefully.