NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS?

HAPPY NEW YEAR FULL OF NEW POSSIBILITIES....

Read an interesting blog I follow with some great thoughts on RESOLUTIONS. A new thought or simpler idea in making resolutions is asking yourself two questions: See http://www.nieniedialogues.com/2020/12/home-church-week-39-what-am-i-doing.html

1. What am I doing that I need to stop doing. (Stop worrying!)

2. What do I need to do that I'm not doing. (Reach out more.)

My RESOLUTION for several years was ACT DON'T REACT...I'm still working on that. How about you?

CHRISTMAS is coming...

Hubby reminded me today that Christmas is coming up this Friday. I know! Then he said, shouldn't we do something to get ready. Like what, I asked? Oh you know decorate with fresh pine branches or Christmas smells. Well, that's a little difficult as we have an artificial tree that is small and used year after year. And I have assorted other decorations, like cards displayed, nativity sets out, candles and red scarves, etc. etc. So just to prove to him that we are ready, here's my proof. 

Congratulation to Marie and Brian

 So happy for my best friend ever in Sweden Birgitta whose daughter Marie was married a few days ago in Sweden. Although her mom passed away a year ago, I know she was looking on happily to see Marie find her eternal companion. Much happiness to you both.  

Happy Birthday to my son JEFF KARLSSON

May blessings come to you and your FAMILY as your rear your children in righteousness and are an example of FAITH and COMMITMENT to principles of TRUTH and LIGHT. Love you lots, Mom

Christmas is coming...

Seems like I'm still celebrating Thanksgiving as I just barely got my decorations put away for that holiday and haven't dug out my Christmas decorations yet. The hours, days and weeks are flying by and I'm not accomplishing as much as I do when I'm busier, but guess that's okay. Been going through old journals and photos and finding fun stuff that brings back lots of memories.  As I was the first child (and only one) in my family and my dad 's hobby was photography, he of course made a fun Christmas photo card of me at about age two.

I love this photo of my dad's dad-My grandpa Vernon. I was his first grandchild and later when my father his first child was killed in an airplane accident, my Vernon grandparents  took care of me while my mom worked. I have lots of fond memories of times spent in their home playing and being amused by them. Families are what it's all about.

  

#GiveThanks

So much beauty outside as AUTUMN is here with FALL COLORS everywhere. Just LOVE this season!

Our backyard been waiting for fall colors

So bright colors

On my walk around the block

Our church only a block away

TIME for HEALING and MOVING FORWARD

 The CORONA VIRUS is getting worse all over the states, the tumult from the election results still continues and LIFE is CHALLENGING. But still there are moments of JOY and GRATITUDE for small things like: grocery stores still being open, cool fall weather and autumn leaves in our back yard. Blessings to focus on even with all the turmoil that continues on the POLITICAL SCENE. Remembering where true happiness and JOY comes from-loving and helping others helps CENTER ME. How are  you doing during this time of THANKSGIVING?

On to the FUTURE

After so much conflict, anger and attacks throughout our country during the past four years and during this election year, I was relieved to have the elections called in favor of Joe Biden. I have FAITH in his desire to bring our country back together as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. To restore dignity, honor and respect as we go forward. I usually avoid CONTROVERSY and talking about politics, but now I feel relieved that a new direction has been chosen and pray that those who are disappointed in the election results will gather around our new PRESIDENT ELECT and support him. I loved this cartoon in today's paper.

November may last a LONG TIME...

Haven't been able to get into the mountains to see any autumn leaves but they are now starting to turn in town-mostly yellows and oranges but it's definitely FALL NOW. The temps are cooling off. Visited my friend Caryn's home and Thanksgiving decor is on display now. My favorite holiday... Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for the POSITIVES of life: God, family, nature and new opportunities each day. 

Almost NOVEMBER...

 My friend Caryn is finally back from her summer visits with family and has decorated her home for FALL. Just love all the colors, sunflowers, pumpkins, etc. Even the pillows on her couch reflect the season. We spend our Wednesdays going to lunch, shopping a little and talking lots. Love this time.

LOOKING for AUTUMN

 It seems we in our area of SW Utah are the last to see autumn leaves. Just now our leaves are starting to change colors not to orange and red but to purple and brown. I miss the mountains and all the fall foliage.

No autum leaves here in our red cliffs

Fruit stands are about empty of summer fruit

Melons, apples and pumpkins abound

Now this looks like AUTUMN

Remember the LOST LIZARD in our computer room?

My hubby found the lizard-he's very good at finding anything I lose like my purse, keys, etc. Well, when we went to sit down at our dining room table, Allen went over to close the blinds and of course looked down in a wooden bowl in the corner and what did he see? THE LOST LIZARD...found ALIVE and he was released outside safely by my compassionate hubby. He even releases bees found inside and some spiders but not flies or mosquitoes or mice. So nice to have a man around the house...lol! What excitement are you having around your house during these days of corona virus?

See the three legged iron rod stand with wooden bowl.

Inside the bowl was a small lizard not moving

But when released outside, he took off...

WILD LIFE in St. George

 Besides the Corona Virus which is lurking, we have some scary wild life in our back yard including a road runner and hawk who took over our bird bath and no birds have returned. Also the other day, hubby found a tiny lizard that somehow got into our house and is hiding in the computer room some where. How do you catch a tiny lizard who is hiding under desks, etc. You can't set a mouse trap because lizards probably don't like peanut butter or cheese and hubby wants to catch the lizard and release it outside BUT that will be a challenge. I imagine one day in super cleaning we'll come about a dried fossilized lizard in a corner...

One of the few birds we saw before the hawk took over

That's a hawk sitting in the bird bath lurking

He's big and dangerous, caught a dove and had a tasty meal of it.

King of the BIRD BATH

Road runner on the lawn looking for snacks

I'd never seen roadrunners till we moved to St. George-they like little snacks like bugs and lizards. More dangerous than the corona virus to insects and small critters are larger predators. Guess we all have our challenges.