Saturday Surprise

I have never suffered from a 'bah humbug' spirit. As long as I claim the joy of the Lord as my strength I will never be a Grinch. No matter what life circumstances come my way. Last night I whipped up several little loaves of my world famous Applesauce Cake. I brought a few with me this morning to the cafe to give to some of the 'regulars' that I converse with and know. Upon entering and getting settled at my table, I was told my breakfast was already paid for! I thank God that I was taught to do things for other people without complaining and to do it with a joyful heart. When you do, it makes you feel good. I think a lot of the 'bah humbug' moods and down and out spirits could be healed if we would do something for someone else without expecting anything in return. Maybe you've lost your job and money is tight, get out and volunteer. This year, Christmas will be hugely different for me. For the first time in 47 years, I will wake up alone. I know there are those out there who are worse off than that, but I'm just saying, it will be different. Sometimes though, it's good to be shaken up now and then. I will honor Christmas in my heart and life simply because of what the day means. Sure it's nice to get a gift or two but it's really not about me. After all it's not MY birthday, it's Jesus'. What do you give a guy that has everything? How about more of my time.

Fun Fun Fun

Well let's see here. After my frozen door adventure of which my big strong nephew came to rescue me from and accidentally 'broke' a door handle, I did my errands with my sister. Got home, got settled, fixed myself my favorite comfort food casserole that I grew up with. Had a nice supper in the recliner with the cat on the arm of the chair. Watched a little Poirot, got sleepy and decided to turn in and read for awhile. Started to doze off and heard the hairball action......on my coat thank you very much. Thankfully I have more than one coat. I couldn't relax, couldn't concentrate on my book so I went back to praying for awhile. Then I got up and actually wrapped some presents. One thing you must know about me.....I do not like to wrap. I'm not good at it, I don't care for it and I don't have the patience for it. My one sister on the other hand likes to wrap and make things pretty and creative, I say, good for her. Can she cook and clean??? :-) 

Have you heard the Christmas song, "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas"? I love that song, it makes me smile.

So anyway, the garbage men have once again left my empty garbage can in the street instead of on the curb where I always put it for them. Drives me nuts.

It's another really cold day today, doubt if the car doors will open anytime soon. I have baking to do, I just can't get motivated to do it. And guess what else....the sun looks like it's starting to disappear, and I haven't done any decorating either this year. Doubt if I will.

Oh and now the toilet isn't flushing properly....again. Ahhhhh, thankfully I have a sense of humor. And a clean coat.

Monday Monday

Since yesterday was a miserable weather day complete with blizzard conditions, I stayed in. I didn't venture to church because I live out of town. I was taught that a single woman on the road alone in white out conditions is just plain stupid. Not to mention the fact that I felt miserable anyway. Since the first part of October I have only had a hand full of days where I've felt decent. Still, I push myself to go and do and go and go and go, and then I crash with some type of sickness. I've got to slow down. I've got to start saying "no, sorry, can't do that" and rest. So yesterday pretty much consisted of me sleeping the day away. I filled the sink with some dirty dishes and several hours later they were still there, in cold water. Today I am feeling better and need to run some errands. Wouldn't you know it, since I'm not blessed to have a garage, the car doors are froze shut and it doesn't look like I will be going anywhere soon. ( can you hear me sighing? ) I guess I could bake. Or nap :-)

Today's Tradition

It's only 8:15 in the morning and I've already had two phone calls. Please, I haven't even had my first cup of coffee yet! I was able to get a nap yesterday, first one in weeks! I slept about three hours and then of course couldn't go to sleep at a proper time that night. Thankfully I have a good book to read! I am so thankful that the pain has eased up. I am able to sleep, even able to turn over on my sore hip for a bit. Maybe by next Tuesday I will be healed and wont need that hip injection at all! Then again maybe the Lord wants to heal me totally by using the injection, we will see. Those that know me well, know that I am an emotional person. I have a merciful heart and I show it a lot by crying. I have spent the last few weeks crying out to God for various reasons. Now I am shedding tears over the fact that I am feeling better. Tomorrow I have to go for blood work and for a test on the circulation in my feet. I'm a little apprehensive but I'll be ok.

Today I follow the tradition started by my mom many years ago, the Manger Scene goes up. She always put it up on the 1st. Maybe later I'll do a little more decorating, but this year I'm keeping it simple.

All In Good Time

Two weeks ago the pain started. Pain in my left hip area, pain in my right foot. Three doctors later I was told I had bursitis in my hip and an out of control blister on my foot. They ask you on a scale of 1-10 what the pain level is and I always answer "12". There have been nights, and days when I have done nothing but cry and scream and call out to God. I'm sure that if He loves me like he says he does, he wont leave me this way for long. My house is a disaster. Being in so much pain allows me to just drop whatever it is and leave it on the floor. My hardwood floors are white with dust. I can only wash a couple of dishes at a time because standing hurts. I have lost a lot of weight. Hurts to eat. Hurts to drive, but I do it. Though I have had good church family available to take me to the doctor this past week. I have a test on my circulation coming up next week. I have a huge house insurance bill due very soon, Christmas is coming and this goose is not getting fat. So to speak. I had to back out of my Thanksgiving plans so that I could spend time with my sister at 'the home'. I managed to do some Christmas decorating in her room, but the pain was horrible. Today, after coming home from a needed trip to Walmart with my other sister, I noticed I didn't have any pain. I noticed I was able to do a little straightening up around the house, without the cane. I noticed I was sitting more comfortably.

One thing I have never lost sight of is the faithfulness of Jesus. I have thanked Him in advance for healing. I have told him more than once that I don't know why I'm suffering like I am. And that's ok. I mean look at what He did for me. Talk about suffering. And I, like Him, will have the victory! All in good time.

Pain Pain Go Away

Early Sunday morning I woke up with horrible pain in my left thigh area. I had slept on the couch that night, woke a couple of times and was ok but around five that morning something was wrong. I have been in pain since. Using a cane, heating pad, pain pills, nothing really helps. I broke down this morning and made an appointment with a chiropractor. I have never been to one in my life. I have no money, no insurance. Not sure how I'm going to pay for it. I hope the doctor finds what is wrong and can get it fixed. After all of last months illness and now this, I'm ready to scream. Maybe I should, it might make me feel better. :-)

Have you ever just screamed over something and felt better for it?

I had an errand to run in another close by town and I grabbed a couple of cassettes to take with me, yes I said cassettes. Someday I will be blessed with a vehicle that plays cd's but until then...... Anyhoo, I popped the cassette in not knowing what or who it was and the second I heard the voice I got a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I can't help it, I'm sentimental. It isn't the first time I've listened to this type of music this year, I do however consider it to be "official". Ahhhhh, tis the season! I know you are dieing to know who it was......it was, Perry Como Christmas Album. My heart has a soft spot for Perry, Dean Martin, Andy Williams. It just isn't Christmas without them. Who are your favorites?