Winter Wonderland

Michigan is known as "Winter Wonderland" and this year it is living up to its name. My wonder is when will it stop snowing and blowing?

Oh, no doubt it is beautiful, pure white and amazing. To think that each flake came down individually and laid on top of each other to build layers of snow many feet deep is awesome to comprehend. It gives us lots of light day and night and provides a stunning back drop for the birds. I marvel and begrudge it at the same time.

As of this writing, I have not left the house in four days. The news casts warn of slippery and dangerous driving conditions and show us accidents and slide offs on all the highways in southwest Michigan. Facebook friends warn other friends of the slippery and treacherous conditions of the roads in the area. Schools have been closed for days to protect children from waiting in the below freezing temperatures for their school bus to arrive.

This winter picture offers many rewards. Hot beef stew, time to finish or start those neglected projects, sleeping in and reading a book without guilt. Time to admire those little birds so clear against the snow. Six male cardinals and their mates feeding at dinner hour. The blue jay and two species of woodpeckers enjoy the food Tom so faithfully provides. Remembering how all this snow will nurture the soil when it melts and provide drinking water from the well. Thankfulness for a cozy warm home, and blankets made by Kathy. Grateful for our retirement years and not having to brave the elements early in the morning to drive to work. Time to praise God and pray for many! Well that is just a few blessings of this cold season but I must admit I am enjoying looking at the magazines and catalogs with flower gardens and spring clothes. These longer days remind us that the seasons will continue as God promises. Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Celebrations

One advantage to being pretty much snowed in is taking time to write on the blog. Today is "bitter cold" a term that captures the UN-believeable low temperature. My last look on the thermometer said -8.3 F. My subject for today's blog is on warm memories of our most recent Christmas celebration.

I enjoy making the outdoor decorations from the trees on our property and trimming the tree with ornaments of the last 45 years. Leading up to Christmas we enjoyed going to the theater with friends and listening to a wonderful musical presentation of the Gospel. Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day services enhanced our celebration of Christ's birth.

It doesn't matter when, only that we have a day to open gifts and enjoy a wonderful meal with our sons and their families. Dan and Angie couldn't be here but they sent a video and we were able to visit while we watched their video. Each child and the parents told us how to play the game, Roll the Orange. A fun game for all ages! It really is the children that make Christmas fun. Conley, Natalie and Jack remind us to see Christmas through the eyes of a child.

It's not often we have packing snow, so we got started on Jack's "snow village." He had big plans for the village but he ran out of day light. Jack's daddy helped with the snow fort then they made a snow car, snow bunny, and about four snow men. Kids and snow, a great combination!

We were thrilled to spend some time with a cousin we haven't seen in years. Thanks for coming April, so good to see you again!

Now, to look forward to 2014 and we sure are getting a beautiful crystal white beginning! Happy New Year to all!