Possible Snow, Blessings, and a Sacred Season Ahead

Flowering Quince 

 Well, hi there! I guess it’s been a few days. Time got away from me, so I thought I’d poke my head in to say hello. I have a few projects underway that have kept me focused and away from blogging.

Let’s see… what can I tell you?

We’re all doing well. I think I mentioned that Behold Israel sent us over $1,000 worth of books and materials to give to college students, at no cost. Along with hats, stickers, bracelets, and pamphlets, my husband has built a wonderful rapport with Beyond Israel. Now we’re looking to purchase a canopy and are even considering starting a small Bible and prayer group in our home for the college students.  Things are really opening up, and we are grateful to be a small part of what God is doing.

We celebrated Valentine’s Day with a simple brunch. Many places were packed, so we ended up somewhere without much atmosphere, but the omelets were delicious, and honestly, that’s what mattered most, as well as the company! 💕

Yesterday was our 24th wedding anniversary. The weather was rainy and cold, so no hike this time. We also forgot it was Presidents’ Day, which meant many of the antique stores were closed. Oh well, what are you going to do? We still enjoyed each other’s company and had a sweet day of reminiscing. We wandered through Tractor Supply and the Grange Co-op for spring inspiration, and yes… the baby chicks are in! 🐤🐥

☃☃☃

Apparently, we may even get some snow. February and March are our best chances for that last little hurrah of winter. Temperatures are dropping, and old man winter is breathing his chilly breath on us all. The difference between us and those of you who just endured a big freeze? We’re actually hoping for it! Since we usually enjoy mild weather, any dramatic change feels exciting.

I’ll believe it when I see it, though. I’m skeptical of weather reports. We follow two independent local meteorologists, and while they sometimes miss it, they’re usually far more accurate than the networks.

Here are a few photos from the last time it snowed—almost to the date, February 2023. 

That storm shut the city down, but it was so much fun. My husband finally got to use the snow shovel my sister gave us when they moved from Colorado. He was like a little boy out there, absolutely delighted. 

We had about six to eight inches, which is practically unheard of here.

It looks like she is smiling - I'm thinking it is her collar. Hard to see, since she is so black. 

She LOVES the white stuff, and when she sees it on the side of the road when we take a drive, she starts whimpering...

She loves the snow but hates the rain. 

The birds sure like the white stuff, too. 

Snow sure does dress things up, doesn't it? Makes everything so picture perfect. 

Thankfully, I keep a good stock of food, so we’re set. But of course, we were nearly out of toilet paper, so I had to make a quick run to the store. I went early this morning and did not notice any panic-buying. Californians are so laid back.  

But if we ever run out, we know where to go: Char keeps a six-month stash and still worries it isn’t enough. I remember my parents doing the same in their later years. Funny how that happens with people, and why toilet paper? 

Do you have a fear of running out of toilet paper? 

I just took these pictures, and it was sunny. 

Come on, now - how can they say we're getting snow? 

Earlier, we had a thunderstorm and hail. 

The back yard is soaked - weeds are popping up, and almond blossoms are getting bigger and are more pinkish. 

Right now, it’s 44 degrees, which is very cold for us, and we’re expected to drop another 10-15 degrees overnight. We might just wake up to snow. BSF is on standby, and many of our members live in the mountains, so we’ll see how that goes.

Yes, we’re a bunch of weather weenies.

Loquat season is here. The freeze won't hurt them - the lowest we get will only be in the 30's. 

The Pomegranate tree is starting to bud...

Liberty and Guardian are excited about the possibility of snow, too. They’re hardy birds and know how to hunker down. No eggs yet, but we’re patient.

Before I sign off, I’m going to take a short break from blogging. 

We have places to go and people to see. 

There’s a lot happening, and my mind and heart are elsewhere. This is always a very busy season for us, with Chinese New Year at the Joss House in Weaverville, my birthday the first week in March (72!), Daylight Savings, St. Patrick's Day, Palm Sunday, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and then Easter and with family and old friends sprinkled within. While my faith tradition doesn’t follow a liturgical calendar, these seasons still invite reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

As we move toward Passover and Easter, my prayer is that we all pause to remember God’s faithfulness, His deliverance from sin, and the hope we have through redemption and resurrection. May your coming weeks be filled with peace, renewal, and quiet joy that will last 365 days instead of just 40 days! 

Lord willing, I’ll be back sometime after Easter with hopefully more blog fodder than I know what to do with. Then again, don't count on it because I might not. 

Have a blessed six weeks. I know I will.

Debby

🎂 Thankful for the GIFT of 71 years

Me on my fifth birthday, with 

my Tennessee Grandma. 

My Birthdays are an opportunity to celebrate the precious gift of life bestowed upon me by God. Psalm 139:13-14 reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, which makes the day a perfect moment to reflect on God's purpose for my life instead of my aches and pains. 

“The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

With friends 

As I observed this day, I feel deep gratitude for God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision over the years.  I cherish the relationships and experiences - the good and the bad that have enriched my life and shaped my journey.

 “Aging is just another word for living.” —Cindy Joseph

Age 5 with Mom and my baby sister in Yosemite

My 8th grade graduation - 

with mom and my handsome dad

“We are always the same age inside.” —Gertrude Stein

This day also invites me to reflect on my faith and contemplate how to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ, as I draw nearer to my reward - 

My loving husband and I - 

We match - I have white hair and he has a white beard!

Today I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the 71 years I've had on this earth. I find myself in a good place; my mental and emotional well-being is good - allowing me to experience happiness in everyday moments. I choose to embrace the journey of aging with acceptance and grace. 

Yes, the telltale signs of time are becoming more apparent—wrinkles etch the contours of my face, my skin feels drier and thinner, and my hair has transformed to white. I observe the sags and bags that have taken residence in certain areas of my body - just reminders of my life’s adventures. Though I navigate age-related challenges and my reflexes aren’t as sharp as they once were, I still find humor in my little lapses, such as searching for my eyeglasses, only to discover they are perched right on top of my head! 

 “I don’t feel old. I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.” —Bob Hope

Yet, amidst these changes, I take pride in one delightful fact: I can still wear the same size earrings that adorned my ears in high school. 😜

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” —Mark Twain

I’ve never hesitated to embrace my age; what other choice do I have? 

My younger sister, whose birthday is the 5th - wasn’t afforded that opportunity—she left this world far too soon at just 56 - 6 months after this photo.  My niece, Nina passed at the age of 28 from Fentanyl poisoning. My firstborn son passed at 25. I often reflect on my two very best friends, who departed before reaching 71. The process of growing older is indeed a gift, one that many are not as fortunate enough to receive. 

So, what did I do for my birthday?

I went to church - 

If you really know me, you’ll understand that I’m not one to make a big deal out of special occasions.  No fuss for me. Just some ice cream for dessert and I’m a happy camper. We enjoyed a lovely dinner out on Friday evening, so tonight, we're eating at home. 

I’ve always been captivated by the poignant image of this older woman gazing at her younger self in the mirror, a beautiful reflection of the passage of time. 

“That’s another great thing about getting older. Your life is written on your face.” —Frances McDormand

On to 72 …

Debby