Early Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year's Eve Eve. This has been a challenging day. I got up this morning and realized I had a flat tire. My husband is very safety conscious and both of us and my daughter have an emergency bag in our car with fix-a-flat, fire extinguisher, flares, etc. I used to think it was goofy, but now in my older years I realize how wonderful and wise it can be.

I got the fix-a-flat and the yellow stuff went into the tire and pumped it up enough for me to get to the local full service gas station. It turned out to be not such a great idea. I left it there and one of my co-workers picked me up. They called me and said it could not be fixed and I also needed another tire in the front. I told them the tires were fairly new and one should be enough, but please check how much the two tires and alignment would cost. He called back and said $578.00. After I picked myself up off the floor, I told him just to put the spare on and I would pick it up.

I called a local tire store and they had more of a selection and the guy told me to come in. Off I went to the tire store and got all fixed up for $165.00. Thank the Lord! This was just a speed bump, not a train wreck. I always try to tell myself, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today I'll be doing great!"

I won't have too many opportunities to get out there and zoom around bloggyland in the next few days. I have to finish my year end reports and I am working on a great bible study, Esther by Beth Moore.

If I don't post again until 2009, I want to wish you all a blessed and wonderful 2009!!!!!!
You guys are so special to me.

Just Playing Checkers

Avery and Papa playing checkers

I snapped this picture of my husband and Avery this afternoon. I loved watching them play together. It was so peaceful and watching her try to get some slick moves was amusing. She said that she hates it when adults let her win, so we always try to make it challenging.

I feel like the week between Christmas and New Years is such a time for reflection. I feel like we are getting ready for a clean slate. I also pray that I have accomplished what I needed to accomplish in 2008.

I hope you guys are having a great holiday season.

Sweet Noggie Memories

Avery making homemade Chocolate Eggnog

Yesterday was a great Christmas. Everyone was happy(or certainly appeared to be) and we all got together at my daughter Jolie's house. Since I enjoy reading other's menus I will list hers. Ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, hash brown casserole, mac & cheese, pistachio pineapple marshmallow salad, pecan pie, Boston creme pie, cookies, and fudge. Last, but not least, Avery made some Chocolate Eggnog from a recipe in a new cookbook she got for Christmas. It was quite good and as you can see, she is enjoying her cooking.

Jolie had invited my SIL and her husband, her daughter and her boyfriend, and of course, there was my husband, Jolie's husband and Avery. It's hard to believe it's their second Christmas in the new house. Time goes so fast.

One of the favorite things my daughter got me for Christmas was the new Bible Study by Beth Moore on Esther. I started the workbook last night and I love it. I will listen to the tapes on my way back to Atlanta Sunday afternoon. I have so enjoyed her studies. She is easy to listen to and her study books have just the right level of intensity for me. I enjoy the challenge and have learned so much from her teachings.

Avery is playing on her DS and watching Meet The Robinson's on tv. I am getting ready to visit some of my blog friends and then settle down with one of my new books. Avery wanted to let you guys know that she got a Build a Bear horse this afternoon and named her, Peanut Butter.

My week of vacation certainly flew by. It will be good to get back to my regular routine and finish up year end reports at work. I pray you all have had a great relaxing holiday as well.

My Dear LORD,

At this special time of year I want to thank you for coming to earth. You didn't have to, but you did. You came in humble surroundings. You didn't have to, but you did. As the world has turned so upside-down and life seems like a constant challenge, you are there for me. As a baby you watched over me and placed me with a loving adopted family. You didn't have to, but you did. Thank you for my loving family and friends. Thank you for dying on the cross for me, you didn't have to, but you did. Someday you will come back for me, you don't have to, but you will. You have promised. I thank you for who you are and your precious love. You are the Greatest Gift of All. Love, Patricia

Off to See Santa

My sweet friend, Linda, at Life's A Calling, Who is This? is hosting a trip to the North Pole and Avery and I decided to join in. I have been away from bloggyland for nearly a week and I apologize for not letting you know I stepped away for a while. We have been getting ready for Christmas and last Saturday, Avery and I went to Stone Mountain Christmas for the whole day. We had a grand time. We saw Polar Express in 4-D. We could smell the hot chocolate, feel the wind blowing and even it snowed during several scenes. It was great fun. I sat on a bench while Avery went with her girlfriend, Hannah, and her parents went up the mountain on a skylift. When they got off they started walking down the mountain, but didn't realize they were completely on the opposite side. They had to walk all the way around and it took about two hours. I was fine, but had to purchase a hoodie because it got so cold. I started worrying about them, but I just had to pray and let it go. Finally, they showed up and they were all four exhausted.

We believe the most important part about Christmas is Christ and His birth. We have lots of fun with all the rest, but we don't want to loose sight of Christ.

Avery and I jumped on the private plane that Linda had sent for us. Wasn't she sweet to make sure we got there safe and sound? It took so long that Avery started questioning me,"Are we there yet, Nana?" I heard that about a million times. When we arrived it was all snowy and beautiful.

The elves were singing, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town. We were mesmerized by all the excitement and activity. Wow! It was fascinating. We had to show our special passes because not just anyone can travel to the North Pole. Thanks Linda for getting those passes.

Big old Santa was quite busy checking the naughty and nice list. Don't forget to check it twice. We were offered some hot chocolate and the most wonderful sugar cookies I've ever experienced. Avery and I just stared at each other after the first bite. Wow! They were magic!

Avery waited in line because she said she just had to have a picture and autograph from Santa Claus. He's so happy and jolly and fa-la-lolly. He has the cutest giggle.

I tucked Avery in at the Santa Claus Bed and Breakfast and before he was ready to leave on his trip he had to try out how his technique worked again. So he practiced at the Bed and Breakfast and made a quick stop to check on Avery. He sure hasn't lost his touch. He zoomed up the chimney and away he went.

As we arrived back home to the ranch we realized we were going to have the most wonderful white Christmas ever. From our house to yours Merry Christmas!! Love from Avery and Nana Trish!!!!!!

A Week Until Christmas and I'm Hanging Out at Barnes and Nobles

Okay, boys and girls..I have just arrived back from Cynthia's blog Muse Swings. I have to tell you that she has made my day sound incredibly boring. You must check it out. She saw Caroline Kennedy and held a snake all in the same day. She was at Starbucks and someone took her coffee. She just had one adventure after the other.

I went to work. Yes, we had our annual Christmas luncheon and did our exchange deally. I got a Best Buy gift certificate. Then I went back to work and had a conference call. I left work picked up my medicine and dropped into the Barnes and Noble and got a couple of Stampington books , like Stevie Wren was talking about a couple of weeks ago. I ate soup and drank a Zero. I imagine you are all on the edge of your seat with all this fun.

I hope my daughter doesn't hear about this post. She thinks it's unreal that people care about our little daily lives. I guess I'm just ready for my vacation and getting ready for Christmas. The weather is bizarre. It's freezing and then this evening it was 69 degrees. I don't know about you, but that makes me kind of confused. Hot and cold.

I don't know if Cyn really saw Caroline Kennedy or not. My mom used to say the older you get, the more you think strangers look like people you know. I have to say, I agree with her. BTW, I saw a woman sitting in Barnes and Nobles at the little tables doing her Christmas cards. I see some of the same people sitting there in the window reading and doing all kinds of activities. I don't know, maybe people are lonely and they go get their Starbucks and bring things to do there around all those other people. Actually, it's not a bad idea. Get your coffee, tons of reading material, restrooms, maybe it's a pretty good idea.

I'm writing from my room in Lavinia's mansion. As you can see, Bebbers is on the bed and I'm writing thoughts from the antique desk Steviewren bought for Miss Ladyslipper. Without further ado:

The day has finally arrived and Avery and I hopped on the plane in Atlanta. We are on our way to the big celebration hosted by Cynthia over at Muse Swings and Lavinia at Bird Bath Chronicles.

These adventures have turned into something my granddaughter and I look forward to in a big way. We packed for very cold weather and from the time our plane starting soaring northward Avery and I would squeeze each other's hands and just giggle. We knew we were in for fun.

We landed at a remote airport that screamed WWII. I was a little worried at first, but just kept my smile for Avery and off we zoomed in the limo they had waiting for us.

I had heard Lavinia's Snow Mansion was fabulous, but really, I had no idea it would be so huge. No wonder all the bloggy friends from all over the world were invited. There were so many bedrooms and servants it just made one dizzy.

Every where we looked was food. From the minute we walked in the door it was, "Eat,eat,eat!"

I haven't seen this much food since our friend, Willow's party. There was enough food for an army. These girls hold back on nothing. They must have spent thousands on the catering. Surely, they couldn't have made everything themselves.

After our first round Avery wanted to head outside to play in the snow. There was so much to do and they had all the proper snow clothes for any of the guests that weren't dressed properly. I can't wait to get all the pictures back from the snowball fight.

After getting nearly soaked we decided to come back to the mansion for some rest. This is Avery's room. Isn't it perfect for her? I had missed Lavinia for the last couple of weeks. Now I see why she had to get ready for such an extravagant get together. Everything to the last detail was perfect.

I decided after tucking in Baby Girl that I would go exploring. I found this beautiful snowy garden and I was amazed at how serene and peaceful it was in this northern hideaway. No wonder Miss Ladyslipper spends so much time here.

Another great trip and I thank all my bloggy friends for sharing this experience. I can't wait to visit all the participants and get their impressions. Just drop by Muse Swings for the list. Another time for fellowship and getting to know my friends just a little better.

From Nana Trish to Everyone,

Merry Christmas!!!!

ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR MYSTERY

Many of you know that my daddy got sick with colon cancer back in 1958. He was admitted to the hospital with a ruptured bowel and was never to work again. He lived for two more years and for the three of us...our world turned upside down. There was no disability insurance for him and my mother had to take maid jobs and we were forced to sell our car. Money was not something I had really worried about before that time. My daddy was an elevator operator so he didn't make that much money, but we had lots of love in our house. They had adopted me as a baby.

My daddy got sick in October and when Christmas came around my mother received a $100. cashiers check in the mail. It was totally anonymous. We were shocked and she was so confused that she went to the bank that it was drawn from. I remember us going in the bank and my mother showing the teller the cashiers check and then she ushered us to a bank executive. I remember the look on my mother's face when the bank executive told her that the person must not want to be identified. My mother wanted to make sure we thanked the donor properly. We left the bank and my mother told me that the Lord must have laid it on some one's heart. We prayed for the anonymous person.

For another five years my mother received cashiers checks for $100 at Christmas. To us, that was a huge amount of money. We never knew who sent us the money. We were so grateful, but we would have loved to thank that person. Monday will be the 30th anniversary of my mother's death and I have never forgotten what a difference that $100 made to us each Christmas. That's been fifty years and I imagine the anonymous person has probably passed on also. That money was a true blessing to us and I have never forgotten.

My mother trusted in the Lord to supply our needs and He always did. Although she's been gone from me for thirty years there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her and miss her sweet loving care for me. Those of you that still have your mother and father are blessed. Please don't take it for granted. As tears roll down my face, I wish I could spend just one hour with her again. I have to remind myself that we will have eternity together with the Lord!

We Are Going On Another Adventure!!!

Make your plans girls and boys. Our friend, Cynthia, at Muse Swings is getting ready for another big bash. She knows how to put on a party and I don't know about you, but I think this will be quite an event. Please hurry over and let Ms. Swings know you will be part of the fun.

She has hosted tea parties, picnics, and who can remember what else. I had so much fun I just couldn't quite smiling. I hear we will be heading up north. Way up North! Another of our dear friends apparently has an ice castle up there. You know it's so much fun to plan these parties. I know there's not much else to do at this time of the year, but don't miss the fun!

What's a Favorite Christmas Memory?

One of my most favorite Christmas memories was way back when I was four years old. I was watching a white and black television show (well, duh). It was a local show in Indianapolis that would come on every afternoon during the season at 4pm for years. It was children sitting on Santa's lap at one of the large department stores downtown. They would tell him what they wanted and I found it quite fascinating. One cold afternoon I was sitting on the floor watching the show and I was apparently mesmerized. All of a sudden I felt something behind me. My daddy had a miniature red leather rocker and I just sat right in it and start rocking away and watching my show. It was a magic moment for me. I remember him having a huge smile and I felt so special in my new chair. To this day when I hear the Christmas song that starts, "Oh, hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling........." I think of that moment and that little show.

Seven years later he would go to heaven and my Christmases would change forever. My daddy probably didn't realize that 55 years later I would be longing for that little chair and the love my adopted parents always gave me. I was blessed then and I am blessed today.

Please share a favorite Christmas memory. I look forward to reading them.

P.S. The new banner is Avery at the mall last Christmas when we went to see Santa.

Thanks Kat!

I want to thank my friend, PoetKat, over at PoetKat's Invisible Keepsakes. Kat is a wonderful person that unfortunately lost her dad just a few weeks ago. She writes great poetry and has an interesting site. She is a cat person and I must say that is a plus for me. I love her creativity and she's a daily must for me.This is the special "Proximidade" award. This award is a fine one because it focuses not on the glory and fanfare of blogging, but in the PROXIMITY to one another through this on-line world (kind of a Six Degrees of Separation sort of thing).

"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors.

This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I am proud to pass this award to:

1) Theresa at Devotions For the Seasons of Life
2) Maree at At Home
3) Cynthia at Muse Swings
4) God's Girl at Contentment Corner
5) Lora at My Blessed Life
6) Janeen at Chachaneen
7) Sparky at My Thoughts Exactly
8) Sharon at Techno Nana

These are some of my very special friends in Bloggy Land. I am not sure how I hooked up with them, but I am so happy that they are my friends. They have uplifting blogs and I so enjoy visiting with them. I love meeting new friends. My mother always said, "You can't have too many friends!"

I have had to put away my ballet shoes for a couple of months. I'm doing fine though. I told the doctor, "A broken foot is not nearly as painful as 41 hours of labor." There are so many people that have so many huge challenges, this is just a little speed bump. I am so blessed and I pray all of you have a wonderful week as we draw closer to Christmas.

I so appreciate all of my friends. Thanks for being there for me.

Ramblings on A Sunday Morning

Here it is Sunday morning and we've got some beautiful sunshine. I just got home from church and today was the children's program. It was adorable, of course. Avery didn't stay with us this weekend and it felt strange. She was at a girlfriend's house and had a great time. Hubby is sick and in the bed. I'm hobbling around with my broken foot and looking very stylish in the boot deal.

This is a very sad anniversary in our country's history. December 7th, a day that will live in infamy. We are so thankful for the men and women that have sacrificed for our freedom. It was also on a Sunday on the fateful day. I pray that everyone takes a couple of minutes to think about that day and those who gave the ultimate price.

I needed to let my friends know that I have not fallen off the earth. I'll try and write more tonight when I get to Atlanta. Have a super Sunday!

I've Been Tagged

My friend, Maree, at the blog, At Home tagged me for 7 Random Things About Me. She is such a sweet person and has been very inspiring to me in many ways. Hop over and visit her. I hope this list doesn't bore you too much. If I have repeated myself from another time I am sorry. I have too much information in my brain and the older I get it just keeps filling up more and more and it's harder to retrieve information. Perhaps some of you can relate. Anyway, here goes.

1)I took 2 years of typing in high school. My mother drilled it into me..."If you know how to type you will always be able to get a job." She was right. Why didn't I listen to her when she said, "You can love a rich man just as easy as a poor man".

2)I have obsessed about my weight since the sixties. As an adult I have been a size 8 and since I share so much with my bloggy friends, I am currently a size 24. I have been up and down so many times. Yes, I'm tall 5'9, but at this weight, HELLO, I would need to be about 8' tall. As of last week I have been making better choices. Please hold me up in prayer about this temptation.

3)I love books. I worked in the public library in high school and I love to hang out in book stores. I love magazines and books. Hence, my multiple translations of the Bible, my favorite book.

4)I have absolutely loved purses/handbags since I was a tiny little girl. For some women they are just a necessity--to me they have always made me feel happy. I know....coo coo

5)I love the game Trivial Pursuit.

6) When I was a little girl I thought the words to a church song said, "Give me oil in my lamb keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamb I pray." I just could not figure out why you had to put oil in a lamb. It took me a while to figure out it was "lamp". Maybe because I didn't grow up with oil in lamps. Anywho...I felt goofy when I realized the true lyrics. See I share so much with you.

7)I got to watch my granddaughter, Avery, being born. Needless to say, that was one of the most exciting times of my life. She is a sweet girl and not just because I'm her Nana. I was so tired when I gave birth to my daughter I was truly goofy. 41 hours of labor. Tons of fun.

Now I tag the following:

1) Stevie Wren at A Little Bird told me so
2)Judy at My Front Porch
3)Indian Papa and Mama at Choices R Mine
4)Pat at Mille Fiori Favoriti
5)Betsy at My Five Men
6)Barb at The French Elements
7)Debby at Life's Funny Like That

These are just a few of my bloggy friends, but I would like to learn some more stuff about them. If you've read this far I hope you know that you are special to me and I enjoy reading all your posts too. later

Meeting Dear Friends from Blogland

Indian Lake Mama and Papa

Today was a very special day for me. I got to meet some wonderful folks for lunch. I got to spend time with the authors of Choices R Mine. They were passing through with her mother and I was so happy they got to stop for some lunch. Hop over and visit them at their site. They have a deep love for the Lord and it is very evident that they share His love where ever they go. I knew I would like them right away from the motto on the site, "Choices in life are always simple, but not always easy." They have been through the fire yet have the sweetest smiles that make you just want to hug them. Papa cuts up a lot and he always talks about Mama being his very best friend. To me it is so refreshing to see a couple that truly loves and respects each other. God is real in their lives and I am so thankful I got to finally meet them in person. The three of them were so sweet and I wish we could have spent more time together.

Pray for them in their travels. I appreciate my blog friends and it was sure was fun to meet some in person. I pray you all have a wonderful week. It's cold in Georgia. In fact, we got some snow flurries today. It's fun for us because we don't get to see much snow.

Oh yow, I am so graceful. I slipped on some water Saturday night and now I have a blue foot. Yes, not blue tooth, but blue foot. I will have x-rays Thursday with my regular appointment so I will have to wait until then. My husband said he is going to invent an adult walker for me like babies have with the equipment all around you and wheels to scoot around. I guess I have had a few spills, but there really was water on the floor. Last time my pajamas were too long. Things just happen. Anyway, since I always like to share with my friends I had to let you know I have a blue swollen foot. Don't be jealous! later, Trish