Yippee! Praise God!

 My wonderful doctor  completely crushed that pesky ping ball sized stone .. all that is left are some bits and pieces which required a couple of stents be placed.  So as originally planned another much less involved endoscopy will be around end of January.  I am over the moon!  I did come home with antibiotics to ward off infection of  my poor duct that has been through the wringer.. please pray that little duct will heal and all will be well!  God is so good.  He was with me every minute of the day and answered every prayer, small and large.  I am one very grateful blogger and thank all so much who sent up a prayer or thought for me!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Hosted by Sandra over at Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather 

Monday sunny, 61

Tuesday sunny, 59

Wednesday cloudy, 54

Thursday cloudy,69

Friday  rain, 70

Saturday rain, 71

Sunday cloudy, 53

Lynn has worked hard on the leaves today after we  returned from   the eye doctor...   He  should finish in the morning.  This week promises to be  very nice weather!

On my mind

I am working hard on warding off whatever it is  that is ailing me  prior to my procedure this week..  Mostly sinus and drainage.. rinses and   some  meds  have helped a lot.  I want to be in good shape for that   anesthesia!

On the breakfast plate

All I had was coffee this morning.. I had an early  eye appointment! 

On my reading pile

I have been reading    my  beautiful  two December magazines I purchased  at the grocer  ..                                                                                

That Holiday Home issue is particularly  chocked fun of    beautiful decor ideas. I love  Southern Living recipes  at  Christmas!!

On my tv

Hallmark movies and Christmas vlogs... as usual.

Interesting youtube vlog I saw this week:

If you  love  English simple living, you will really enjoy this one!!!

On the menu this week Lynn   is  doing most of the main cooking  ..  

I know we are having a delish  baby spinach salad with sugared pecans, apple,  cranberries, and a  lovely dijon  honey lemon dressing. I added  strawberry and goat cheese!

Looking around the house

                                 Here is my salad:

On my to-do list

• Procedure this week..  please pray for a very successful  procedure  that requires no additional followup procedures!And pray that  I have  the 
• exact  amt of  anesthesia..  not too much or too little.. That has been an issue  for me!  Many thanks!
• Study group  study of the minor prophets
• Bible Study of Hosea

To relax this week 

Listen to Christmas music, Bible Study, vlogs,   the  lovely  vlog above  for sure!

Prayer and devotional 

 Praying for our new church and  the leadership there...  They re working especially hard to  create a wonderful Christmas season for us!!

Our government leaders to seek God, and for the fear of the Lord to

 spread among all people.

Praying for the families who were devastated by the horrible tornado that

 ripped through several states.. Pray for their  physical, emotional, and 

spiritual needs to be met.. I received an email form Franklin Graham today 

 asking especially to prayinfor their spiritual  health as they are so devast-

ated, fearful and hopeless in their spirit and  in their circumstances!

Prayer about the influx of illegals into our nation,  and the possible spread 

of disease and covid..  Father  we rebuke the spread of covid and  its  attach-

ing deviants..  We say no more  and  we  also pray that    these  diseases will

  calm down and that   they will not be so   disruptive to the body.  that our 

bodies will fight them off effectively and   without  devastating consequences..

 we say enough to covid!  In Jesus name!!

We pray for   the places

everywhere that persecution is taking place...For healing of the sick,
salvation of the lost,
deliverance for the hurting,
the supply, food, and building shortage problem: may it not  become

a huge crisis . 
Churches to arise and pastors to  preach according to our times and

these days.. very vital!  For the churches  to repent   and    get straight

before  a holy God.  We have  become too  lax in our  Christianity and

we need   to be more  persistent to seeking God and His Word!

Protect our children from the ungodly teachings and protect them

 from ungodly people who wish them harm for their own purposes. 

Pray for judges as they mull over the  case of Roe Vs Wade  And pray for

each of us bloggers  whom we have gotten to know and  love  .  Pray for 

 them to find  health,  joy, and peace during this season and to  have  

wonderful  time with their families.

Best New Christmas Carol of 2021

 

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Hosted by Joyce!

1. 'Tis the season to be jolly....so are you?   Even though this has been a season of some struggle, 

I am always full of Christmas spirit during this time of year!

2. Do you trim a tree this time of year, and if so, is your's all done? What's something in your home-closet-life that needs to be trimmed in the new year? My tree is trimmed, even though it is our small tree on the table.. but it joyously declares the birth of our Lord!  In my life closet I need to commit more to daily Bible reading.  I do Bible study every week, but unfortunately, my daily reading has fallen by the wayside!  I need to pursue it whole- heartedly!

3. Are you 'dreaming of a white Christmas'? Is that a possibility where you'll be celebrating? According to this site the top ten places in the US you can count on for a white Christmas are- North Pole Alaska, Crater Lake Oregon, Yellowstone National Park, Winthrop Washington, Aspen Colorado, Ketchum Idaho, Mt. Washington New Hampshire, Whitefish Montana, Duluth Minnesota, and the Lake Tahoe town of Truckee California

Of the snowy spots listed which would you most like to visit? I am dreaming of a white Christmas. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility...  a bit of snow  is forecast this week, but not to deliver much snow!  My daughter and her family are skiing quite a bit this season in New Hampshire.  It would be wonderful to be there one weekend especially to watch my grand daughters ski!

4. December 8th is National Brownie Day...will you be celebrating? How do you like your brownies-chewy or cake-like, frosted or plain, nuts or no nuts, a piece from the middle or give me the corner? As a child were you a member of a brownie troop? I was a brownie.. my mother was a group leader. I love brownies, chewy ones, but a brittle corner piece is fun to chew on, as well.

5. Share a favorite line or two from a Christmas carol or holiday tune. From the Holly and the Ivy…

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,

The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

For to redeem us all. 

I  love the Holly and the Ivy..  It seems very English to me  and I  stop to listen  every time it plays!

6. Insert your own random thought here. Yesterday I got most of the   downstairs decorated.  I still need to  do the sunroom... No real plans  just  juzz it up!  I did get the Christmas cards  done and mailed today!  That always makes me happy to  get them in the mail..  This year I sent  30 cards to  family and  special friends.  I will send about   25   online cards  from Jacquie Lawson cards..  I love those.. so  spirited with  music and  merry  video!  I, also, pre registered for my next endoscopy  which will be next Wednesday, If you happen to    read this ,  I  would love  it if you might send along a prayer for  that procedure to be a  great success in finally  crushing  a very large  gall stone that has been plaguing me now for  a month and a  half.This will be  my second  procedure to  crush it  entirely.I do believe in prayer    and  blessing for those who prayer for others.     So God bless you, and Merry Christmas!!

Tuesday 4

Hosted by Annie.
Reading & Watching

Welcome to Tuesday 4 published each week in memory of our dear friend Toni Taddeo, it's author.
This week the topic will be Books and Movies.

1. Is there a hero or character on TV, in a book or a movie .. or even on all three, that you are especially like? What do you find attractive about them?  My first thought is Mr. Darcy.. I love his gentility, yet strong character.. probably the most misunderstood character, especially by Miss Elizabeth, but that of course is what makes for a great plot!

2. Was there a book that was better in movie form? How about a movie you thought didn't live up to the book?  Even though I absolutely loved reading Pride and Prejudice in high school, and actually got away with reading it for two different class assignments, watching it unfold in the screen thrilled me.  The grandeur, the characterization, and the gorgeous sets satisfied my heart so much.  I have watched the films numerous times.  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society was much better in the book than on the screen.  I loved the letter format and it captured my heart and held it gently until the end much better than the film. 

3. When you choose a book, program or movie which subject it is most likely to be: science fiction, mystery, romance, comedy, documentary, etc.? What draws you to a particular book or movie?Romance, always. I suppose it might be the cinematography, or  sound track, that promises some adventure, or drama … much like P and P I love for the couple to banter about a bit before coming to the realization of their love. …much like  the British, North and South. 

4. How important is the title or picture on the cover of a book? How much importance do you place on a movie because of the actors who are in it? A book’s cover always catches my interest. Specific actors do draw me in, as well, just as some actors would repel me. 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Hosted by Sandra over at Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather 

Monday sunny, 71

Tuesday cloudy, 48  windy

Wednesday cloudy, 46

Thursday cloudy,47

Friday  cloudy, 58

Saturday rain, 71

Sunday rain, 53

Hope Lynn can get our leaves up..  we have been  so busy, out of town the last 3 weekends!

On my mind

I have been decorating the house today...   photos  below ...   it's  a strange time.. decorating this week,   on the 15th I will be back in hospital for  a major  procedure , hopefully to eradicate the rest of that  pesky  stone...  please pray that  the stone is  completely pulverized , and that  my body adjusts  well to the  minor changes,  for example  my duct may not be  there anymore so pray my gall bladder will heal and  attach itself  to  where ever that duct was  going  so things function properly.  That is the  plan from my surgeon and  gastro  doctor,  if not I will need corrective surgery which is very risky to my future and possibly life.

I do have fabulous doctors  whom I trust with my life  with God at the helm.  But I really do not want that surgery!

Anyway,  after I recoup from the procedure I should be able to   enjoy a quiet Christmas   that last week  before and I am sure  our Christmas will extend well into the New Year!..   Already  partied with our  kids and grands,  but I hope to a bit with our special friends.

On the breakfast plate

Yogurt , coffee,  hard boiled egg, and a cup of  Homestead Custard..  OH, my... was that ever delicious.  I felt like I was  9 again helping myself to grandma's punch bowl!!

On my reading pile

Amanda gave me a new Debbie Macomber book,  that is really great,  but I  haven't unpacked it yet,  and will add the title later!

On my tv

Hallmark movies and Christmas vlogs!.

Interesting youtube vlog I saw this week:

Winter  Coffee Shop Christmas Ambience

I just love   quiet time with this  music!!

On the menu this week Lynn   is  doing most of the main cooking  ..  

I know we are having spaghetti tonight!

Looking around the house

                                 

The living room  is just about finished...  A bit simpler version   from other years..  but I still love it!!

I love this wrought iron   flower  arranger..  the lights are somewhat  covered by flowers  but Im not too picky!!

We didn't put up the  large tree..  I love this too, too!   And much more handy!

While I was in Boston, Amanda received a flyer from Christian books  and they had this gorgeous  nativity set on sale for $36.00. It is so fine...  the details are  marvelous. My old one  had been used while I taught Sunday school and was pretty ratty,  so  I am delighted!!!!

So into the dining room!

The hutch is  an easier version, as well..   

Note:  my Scottish foxes..  btw  there is a lovely fox in the living room. Did you see it?

Early this fall I was in then basement and found mom's  antique dough bowl    and since they re so popular I used it for my harvest table and ams till using it today!

Do you like my Stewart Tartan plaid?

I love it!  It makes me want to create a charcuterie board  on another board I have.. Maybe  just before the holiday I will  create a small  intimate one for  my besties!!

You might have noticed  I am going  Scottish a lot in my decor.. Well,.... 

while we were in Boston the kids told us they were taking us to the 150th Open at St. Andrews    and tour the country for two weeks in July... my ultimate dream come true.. We are still in the planning stage..  more about it later,  but  I am definitely feeling my  Scottish heritage this Christmas!

On my to-do list

• appointment with the  eye doctor  as a follow up to my  laser treatment to  correct  my glaucoma.  Ive been     doing  more drops per day and hoping there has been some improvement 
• Straighten up the guest room   form all the laying out of clothes and unpacking.  what a mess.. but it's good no one is coming to stay!
• Study group  study of the minor prophets
• Bible Study of Hosea

To relax this week 

Listen to Christmas music, Bible Study, vlogs,   the  lovely  vlog above  for sure!

Prayer and devotional  Praying for our new church and  the leadership there...  They re working especially hard to  create a wonderful Christmas season for us!!

Our government leaders to seek God, and for the fear of the Lord to

 spread among all people.

Prayer about the influx of illegals into our nation,  and the possible spread of disease and covid..  Father  we rebuke the spread of covid and  its  attaching deviants..  We say no more  and  we  also pray that    these  diseases will  calm down and that   they will not be so   disruptive to the body.  that our bodies will fight them off effectively and   without  devastating consequences.. we say enough to covid!  In Jesus name!!

We pray for   the places 

everywhere that persecution is taking place...For healing of the sick,
salvation of the lost,
deliverance for the hurting,
the supply, food, and building shortage problem: may it not  become

a huge crisis  
Churches to arise and pastors to  preach according to our times and

these days.. very vital!  For the churches  to repent   and    get straight

before  a holy God.  We have  become too  lax in our  Christianity and

we need   to be more  persistent to seeking God and His Word!

Protect our children from the ungodly teachings and protect them

 from ungodly people who wish them harm for their own purposes. 

Especially for  people to turn or  return to God.   Only He can

 save..  There is no other way to God except through the shed blood 

of His son! I cannot imagine negotiating these days  without knowing

 that  God has my back.  Otherwise, I would be a basket case. He is in 

control ;even  the  terrible things He is allowing for his own purposes

 and it may be for the judgement of America. A nation cannot kill 63

 million babies and think God doesn't notice and care. Please pray 

for the overturn of Roe Vs. Wade.  We know so much more about 

abortion now than they did in  1960..    it is not a mass of cells but

 a viable baby   who has sense and  and  is entitled to its own life! 

God's judgement may be  right around the corner,  but His people

will go through it in the palm of His hand. Please  turn to God 

through Jesus Christ.  

PS.  YOU might know that after  all that has been happening to me  

health wise  I'm not in the best shape.. Believing that  2022 will be a 

great year for me, I spoke to my doctor about my weak knees and back,

 as well as, my pelvic plate ...   that I needed strengthening, especially

 for  the summer!!!   So  I am enrolled in a strategic bout of vigorous

therapy starting the first week of January!!😮😮😋  When ,YOU think

 of me,  pray again!!!

Back Home and Doing Well

We had a wonderful  2 weeks in  Holliston where my daughter lives.. outside of Boston!  The drive was  daunting, especially coming back through miles of  blowing snow, wet pavement and below freezing temps!   But  by God's grace we  made it safely and in good time!  We were able to celebrate the youngest's birthday.  She turned 6.   Then thanksgiving, and Christmas.. it was  a bit of jumble  and  out of order,  but it was fun and wonderful memories were made!  ON the first day  everyone, the kids and men went out to choose the tree, while Amanda and I went to pick up the turkey!

The kids loved  spending time with us.. because of our  tablet..  whether it was card games,  puzzles or Sudoku,      they  were  playing on my tablet..  it got so I had to hide it!!  

Otherwise, we played lots of board games,

And Birdie beat the socks off everyone on this!!

Amanda set a lovely table   while Chef Josh    prepared a delicious  Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday of  the week!!

His turkey was a 24 hour extravaganza!!

We could not wait  to  dive in!!!

I love to watch  Amanda in this element. SO proud  of her!!

After dinner we opened  our Christmas presents!

Well, the girls  got a bit antsy waiiting

So Leila  just started reading her book!  I love how much she adores reading!  IN second grade!!

We got both the girls jewelry boxes...  They loved them!!!

The girls  get so excited when anyone opens a gift!  I love being with them. The air itself is electric!!

Our final  fun event was  making the gingerbread house..  Josh, our engineer,  was  project manager!!!

We left  on Sunday morning  amid tears and    breaking hearts.  It is always so hard because it will be months before we see  each other again!  

Also, the girls are  concerned about me... I am doing well..   I  actually  have  my 3rd endoscopy next Wednesday to  hopefully  finally crush the REST of the stone.  It will be a lengthy surgery  and  the last one took me quite a while to wake up.  but thankfully, praise God, I will be first instead of last on the docket!! Also, this gives me a chance to    get  this over and still enjoy a few of weeks of Christmas here at home!  Plus, I still get to go to the Bethlehem Walk with friends  on Saturday~~

 These performers are especially dear to us!!