Rain, Memories, a Tip and the Latest on Elias

This Friday morning, we have rain! 

Rain is falling, creating a serene ambiance that fills the air with a fresh, earthy scent with the promise of more rainfall in the days to come. 

I love sitting by the window, 

watching the rain.

I just realized that our shade screens from the summer are still in place. I guess I’ve become so accustomed to their presence that I barely notice them anymore. Typically, by this time of year,  they would have been taken them down. 

Here I go again - 

marching down Memory Lane...

In Northern California, the late autumn rains drench the air with a sense of festivity, stirring memories of Christmas that linger like the scent of pine. My thoughts go back to my childhood, where the thrill of riding the streetcar down Market Street in the heart of the City yields fond memories. The downtown streets pulsating with life—alive with the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. 

Joyous bell ringers peppered every corner - each cheerful jingle echoed through the streets, weaving a delightful tapestry of sound that blended with the city's spirited ambiance. As a child, the atmosphere felt electric, filled with laughter and merriment, as if the very essence of joy itself had come to life. Perhaps my Mom, along with every other adult with children in tow, held a vastly different perspective.  On every street corner, there were puddles.  If you didn’t tread carefully, a passing truck or car would speed by, sending a torrent of water splashing up to greet you, soaking your shoes and sending a cold shock up your legs. In those days, it felt like every woman wore dresses or skirts, regardless of the chilly weather. Brrr, it really was cold! Everywhere I looked revealed another scene of the holiday spirit. 

And then came shopping malls...

That was Christmas in the City! 

Memories hold such a special significance in our lives, don’t they? They have a unique way of wrapping around us like a warm blanket, providing comfort during both joyful and challenging times. I remember someone sharing with me years ago that one of the telltale signs of aging is when you find yourself often drifting back to those cherished moments of the past, reliving them with a sense of nostalgia. It's fascinating how our experiences shape who we are, and reflecting on them can bring a mix of warmth and wistfulness.

Well, guess what? 

I'm getting old. 

So, what's going on in my stomping grounds besides rain?

The husband just returned from his appointment at the VA for podiatry. He needs special inserts for his shoes, and the VA also covers the cost of two new pair of shoes each year. His foot arthritis is quite severe, so they provide him with pain patches and a topical cream. Additionally, they supplied him with a paraffin wax machine, which he uses when he's in significant pain; he heats the wax and dips his foot into it. They also provide all the paraffin wax he needs.

If you suffer from Arthritis you might consider: 

A paraffin wax bath covers the hands or feet completely with molten paraffin wax. The warm, melted wax helps to reduce joint stiffness, heats the dilated blood vessels, improves circulation, and helps ease the pain. Since there is no cure for arthritis, this is one way you can help alleviate some of the discomfort. 

For some of you who have bad arthritis in your feet or hands, this might be a good option for less than $100. 

Plus, you get soft feet! (hands) 

And for those who have asked 

about little Elias  - 

From the Go-Fund Me page: 

The Latest 

We're not hearing much about his friend Roman - 

other than this mention.  I know the community was/is raising funds - the family desires their privacy. 

May this season be a time of joyful anticipation and reflection on the love and grace of our Savior, who came to dwell among us and will return in glory.

Talk to you later...

Debby