I want to tell you that I have had some bright thoughts lately. I had two this morning at 6 am that I planned to retain long enough to write them here on my blog.It didn't happen. This is the slump between Christmas and New Year's. Christmas decorations seem as out of place as if it were the middle of August. Same with Christmas music. And I must say that almost goes for Christmas candy too. Maybe I'm anxious to get on with just the plain old winter season. The landscape is beautiful but making it through the cold season is kind of like running a marathon. The finish line is in sight...just keep on trucking.

Traditions

"Tradition is the illusion of permanance". I just read this on another blog. It made me feel better about not having many Christmas traditions. We seem to do something different every year. Definitely our tree holds no warm feelings.I'd better not get started. However we do try to stay aware (or beware) of people.

On a more normal note the community Living Nativity Scene drew a crowd of maybe 50 or 60 folks last Monday night. Garry's mother would have been overwhelmed to see their old barn being used for the backdrop.

Thanks to Dorie for preserving and sharing these pictures. You'll see me and Edie amidst our extended family members.We were not a needy family were we?

My original memory of the day came when I was scooping my cereal out of the milk for breakfast. I used to pretend my spoon was the boat coming to rescue the rice krispies as they floated dangerously around in the liquid. Some stuck to the sides of the bowl and those were the poor victims trying to climb to safety. ..hmmm

More

(this pic is from 2003-2004)

Just to elaborate...I've always sensed that there was something going on in relationships when you invite someone into your home. If we were animals it would be like letting another come and tramp around in your nest....in your own little space where you've been cuddling all by yourself.

Then to think about feeding them...that's another ball game. I had a chance to ponder the calendar from Sobey's which included recipes using their products. Wow...you could have a feast if you were into shopping. So much is predone for cooks.

However...I believe we should all work at visiting each other.It's a lost art as they say.

Etiquette

Found this enlightening suggestion on the Oprah site. Regarding entertaining...hmmm. Taking someone out to dinner at a restaurant is like a peck on the cheek. Inviting them to your home is equivalent to a French kiss.

I know that there has been a lot of discussion about buying kitchen aids for making apple sauce. This one has been handed down by my mother. Granted my production is not on a large scale. And I do get a warm feeling when I visualize how many times she used this in our kitchen at home. Works for me.

This is the first snowman of the year. I remember the first years of our marriage.With no children at play the snow around our house was ...could I say pristine.Then came the 15 years of steady child rearing when the grounds were covered with tracks. It's just another one of those feelings that give me a warm glow.