Snowy Days Are Here Again

Another winter blast has hit in Arkansas--good enough for us to manage another school day spent at home. The sleet started around 9 or so and continued throughout the night. By 8 this morning the snow began to fall. We are told it will snow all day and some tomorrow leaving us with a 5 to 8 inch accumulation. Albeit that wouldn't impress many of our northern state neighbors, that's a lot of snow at one time for we southerners.

I've spent a lot of time gazing out the window at this white blanket; it's beautiful falling, but I have also done a few productive things this morning. I get such few of these types of opportunities that I want to enjoy it when I get the chance.

Of all the folklore that predicts the harshness of the winter and stirs many a conversation about the weather, I heard a first this year. Now I'm familiar with the "black wollyworm", "if the corn has thick shucks", the fogs in August, but new to me, "the shape of the persimmon seed." It seems if the seed is shaped like a spoon, we can expect to shovel a lot of snow. This year, you guessed it, the seeds are spoon shaped. I'm inclined to believe there is something to these earlier forecasting methods by studying nature's signs. One thing is for sure--we've got snow today.

I also wanted to share a few photos today. It just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have a picture to share. I do quite a bit of photography work at church. We are always having events and activities and I try to capture the history. Still recent and not to long ago, WSBC presented the Living Christmas Tree as a gift of song and remembrance of Christ's birth to our community. I made photos and I'd like to share them with you. I had good intentions in December, but didn't get to it. Since it is a cold wintry day, I thought it just might work anyway to share these seasonal photos. I hope you enjoy. If you've never had opportunity to visit us during this wonderful time of the year, start planning now. I think this is already on the church calendar for the weekend of December 10, 11, 12. If your life is anything like mine, it will be Christmas again before you know it.

Marcia

Back To Business--Photography Business That Is

The weather has warmed considerably this week. Some days have been rainy and some have been sunny. Either way, it was nice to be in the double digits and out of the single. Monday was MLK Day and I managed to get a day off from school. With warmer temps I was motivated so I got some house cleaning chores done, washed two loads of clothes, and even did a little work outside. It was most productive and I felt I had accomplished something going back to work on Tuesday. I could get used to four day work weeks.

Over the Christmas break I had opportunity to do some professional photography work which I thoroughly enjoy. In the last couple of weeks I've worked to edit these photos, send and receive them from my lab, and get them ready for presentation in an album. Yesterday, I gave them to the family and the wife/mother was very pleased. They were tremendous to work with and I enjoyed the challenge. And was it ever a challenge. It was extremely cold and about the time we were ready to begin, the wind picked up. We managed though and before we finished, the wind laid. When family members are scattered and Christmas is the only time to catch everybody, you just do what you have to do. These were made at varying points around their home in the yard. Please take a look and enjoy.

Marcia

Baby, It's Cold Outside

. . .but it is nice and toasty in our house. We have a wood burning insert in the family room and it sure has felt good these last few days.

It didn't take long for the weather to take front and center stage this new year. We got in three days of school just to wake up yesterday morning to a white blanket of snow and chilling temperatures. School was dismissed and I took the opportunity to sleep in just a bit and then, I spent just about all day gathering, organizing, and sorting tax receipts and papers. And the kicker is, I'm an organized person; I have folders and files designating special places that I put things all year. When you operate two businesses out of your home it is a must; otherwise, I don't know how long it would take me. At any rate, I felt quite a sense of accomplishment along with taking care of a load of laundry and preparing our evening meal. Of course, being the shutter bug that I am, I couldn't resist bundling up to make one or two snapshots of the snow. Although it doesn't look very deep, the roads were icy.

I thought we would be back to school today, but I think the single-digit temperatures and wind chills kept a lot of us home again. With this second day of vacation, I tackled a few other odd jobs and some house cleaning chores. Just about all the remnants of Christmas have disappeared at our house with just a few things remaining visible to keep a reminder of the holiday season.

Many of you know how fond I am of snowmen. I have quite a collection that I display for Christmas, but I also reserve a few things for the month of January. Since that is actually the time we get snow, I like to save my snowman cookie jar and some place mats to enjoy in the bar area where we eat. He was a Christmas gift last year from a dear friend and how I do enjoy him and a couple of other little secondary pieces.

I can hardly stand to throw out anything that has life so I also am enjoying the last days of my poinsettias. They won't make it much longer, but they surely add a bright spot in the dining area.

And finally, even in winter, I get much enjoyment from our pergola and patio area.

We've hung two bird feeders and we are visited frequently by wren, chickadees, blue jays, and my favorites, the red birds. We stand in the french doors endlessly looking out at them. And yes, my unwanted squirrels are still here, feeding, as well.

Well, I think I'm headed back to the fireplace and having a hot cup of cappuccino.

Stay warm,

Marcia

Happy New Year

What a wonderful holiday we've had this year with family and friends. This week has passed quickly and it's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is here. Our family Christmas was wonderful. Collin and I shared a pleasant Christmas morning together over coffee without rush or hurry. It was rather quiet and still in the early morning and Bryan was still asleep. It's always nice to have a little time to just take in the moment. We began our day with Mom and Dad. We had a wonderful lunch and then opened presents together.

About mid-afternoon, we traveled to Brookland to share Christmas with Collin's mom and dad. Collin's nephew, Nathaniel was able to drive in from Oxford and join us. I'm not sure the last time that he and Micah have seen each other. I think it was good for the cousins to reminisce and catch up. I know the grandparents enjoyed having them.

The last stop of the day was back at our house to see what Santa had left under the tree for everyone. Presents aside, I felt so blessed to have all my family home and together one more time. My dad always says, "If I have my family, something to eat, and my health, I've had Christmas." I agree with him.

And now, here we are beginning a new year. Collin and I have shared and talked about this past year and how blessed we are. We have a wonderful family, health, good jobs, a warm house, friends, financial and material blessings galore, and a wonderful church family. God is so good and he blesses us daily even though we are undeserving. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. May we live this year with thankful hearts and strive to glorify our Heavenly Father every day.

Marcia