And So, I Remain Grateful

Almond Blossoms

My husband and I have been amazed at how God has filled our retirement days. We prayed for purpose and direction, and He answered in a BIG way.

I feel I am living my best life right now, and I couldn't be happier.  I’m grateful for every opportunity we’re given, knowing that there will come a day when our energy, strength, or health may limit what we can do. My only regret is not stepping into this season sooner. I always had an excuse for not taking on more risks.  I wish I could have more good years to pour out what God has so generously poured into me.

Sure, there are times when I think we should be traveling, after all, that was the original plan. But to be perfectly honest, it doesn't interest me at this time.  I did pray to God, that I wanted to serve Him in bigger ways than ever before. I finally wanted to step away from excuses and step into what He wanted. More of Him and less of me! 

Two days of the week feel like a gentle whirlwind with my husband and I. We're like two ships passing in the night, crossing paths briefly in the morning before heading in two different directions with purpose. 

 It's all good.

Isn't this fun?

This week at Bible study, the ladies surprised me with an AI-generated cartoon made from a photo they took of me. It took barely a minute; there it was, and it pretty much captured me right down to exactly what I was wearing. So sweet of them. I love these women God has placed in my life. 

I’m truly grateful for my Thursday carpool with Debbie! Each week, we share an hour together—thirty minutes each way before our Isaiah study.  Her engaging conversations keep me interested, but I really need to pay attention to driving.  She joked that she has a “directional disability,” and yes, this is true. The other day, she had me switching lanes at the last second in busy traffic. By God’s mercy, we arrived safely.  

 

Rosemary in Bloom

With so many bushes, trees and flowers starting to bud and bloom, I’m starting to envision time spent in the garden this spring and summer, although the blessing of rain continues to dominate the forecast. Yesterday, the windows were open, fresh air moving through the house. Next week promises daily rain. 

For Valentine’s Day, the husband and I are leaning toward a brunch, skipping crowded restaurants and leaving evening reservations to young, blossoming love. Brunch feels fitting for us. (much cheaper!) We had hoped to go on a hike, but the weather may force us to switch to plan B. 

(whatever that is) 

And then woven through all of this is a sorrow that never fully fades.

A photo of my grand-niece and nephew at their mother’s gravesite breaks my heart.  Nina, my niece, passed away in November 2020, and now I only see her children through pictures shared by my former brother-in-law on social media that my son grabs for me. 

I wonder if they ever think of me? 

I am the only one left. I keep a suitcase filled with Nina’s little treasures, photos, and such, and also with my sister's things that I know she would want them to have. Perhaps, one day, they might look for me. Hoping they will want to know more about their maternal family through the small tokens they have left behind.

I can’t visit her gravesite in Sacramento due to their strict guidelines, and that is best. 

It's just a grave. 

Isn't that just the way life is for some? You have your good, and then you have sorrow, and all of it rests safely in His care. I will remain grateful. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend doing whatever you want. 

Until Next time, 

Debby

This and That on a Monday

Today has unfolded beautifully - 

It's amazing how my perspective on Mondays has changed since my husband and I embraced retirement; they now feel like a refreshing start rather than a frantic beginning to the week.

The oranges I brought home from a neighbor’s tree are truly a delight. Each bite reveals an explosion of juicy flavor - hands down, the best oranges I’ve ever tasted! I even incorporated them into the Orange Cardamom olive oil cake, I baked on Christmas Day. 

All before noon, I made a quick trip to the store - I dashed in to get a much-needed haircut and also picked up a calendar from the Dollar Tree to mark up with appointments. 

In 2025, I will join Pamela and Ginny as they showcase their monthly calendars on their blogs on the first of every month. I figure, why not? This year, I find myself having several calendars instead of the usual one.

I like to keep a magnetic notepad on my refrigerator, so I picked this one up at Dollar Tree. It doesn't "wow" me—they were picked over, and I could find none that I really liked, but I needed one as I used the last sheet today. Then I found out that the magnet on the back doesn't even hold it up. I will take off the other magnet and glue it on. 

You can do it - yeah I guess I did. 

Christmas has been tidied away, and this year, I kept it minimal with just one tote. The outside nativity and the decorations inside are gone, along with the stockings that were hung with care and the Santa boots. 

The house is a mess. 

Yet, what remains is Jesus. 

May He always be front and center in our lives, and not just for a season.

Yesterday around dusk, we went downtown because the Chabad Center from Chico came to light the Hanukkah menorah in our town. A large group of them drove up with their children and brought latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to share for free with the public. There was some dancing and music as well.

You might already know that they are Hasidic Jews, especially if you live on the East Coast.  They follow Orthodox traditions, and the men typically wear tzitzit, dark clothing, and often a hat. We don’t have many Hasidic Jews here in California; you usually find them in cities with large Jewish populations, such as New York City or Philadelphia. 

Definitely not in Shasta County!

The Rebbe (as Hasidic Jews refer to their Rabbi) and his wife have nine children! They were very friendly and welcoming. We met up with some members of our Tikvah team and a few from the Synagogue.

It was windy, so they had to tie the hanukkiah to a heavier one. This one was made from PVC piping. And yes, the boy is dressed up like a dreidel. 

FYI

A Chabad is a vibrant Hasidic outreach organization dedicated to providing spiritual support and connection to non-observant Jews. These centers often serve as vital hubs for Jewish life, particularly in areas with a significant population of Jewish students, such as college campuses. 

Typically, a Chabad house is located just off campus, where a Rebbe—a spiritual leader and teacher—along with his family creates a welcoming environment. These houses serve as a sanctuary for Jewish students seeking community, offering a variety of programs and activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity. 

The Rebbe and his family open their homes to students, hosting Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, and engaging and informative educational classes. This warm, familial atmosphere makes the Chabad house a cherished place for many, providing a comforting "home away from home" where Jewish students can connect with their heritage, seek guidance, and build lifelong friendships. 

Whether it's through festive meals, study sessions, or simply a place to relax and socialize, Chabad houses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between less observant Jews and their cultural and religious roots, enriching their college experience with meaningful Jewish engagement.

Getting ready to pack up. 

I spoke with the Rebbe's wife, who highlighted the challenges in Chico and the Bay Area, especially on campus after October 7, 2023. Despite being in Chico for 17 years, they’ve faced security concerns, feeling the absence of supportive neighbors. 

This is why, as Christians, we must stand united with our Jewish brethren, regardless of the cost!

Years ago, I watched movies and historical documentaries that depicted Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, illustrating how people turned against the Jewish community during that time. I remember thinking that I could never be part of such behavior, and I'm sure many others have felt the same way.

Yet, here we are in a critical moment in history where we must not bury our heads in the sand. We must remember that "Never Again" is a call to action that must be heeded today.

After we left the gathering we went out for Mexican food for dinner. 

Today was a beautiful, sunny, and clear day. Although it was a bit chilly with some cool breezes, the high reached 56 degrees. Brrrr, but it felt nice in the sun! It looks like there won't be any rain this week, so we can dry out from the rain we had last week. I wish it was like that all winter - rain one week and dry the next.  

Tonight, we're grilling BBQ chicken on the patio.

We have no plans for New Year’s Eve other than doing what we always do. I’m perfectly fine with my husband and me being “old farts.” We’ll probably watch a movie and enjoy some ice cream!

I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I know I am, and I can’t wait!

Hugs,

Debby

 

Margie's Potato Latkes

This is the kind of old-school recipe that, once you do it successfully, you can experiment with to make it your own. I've added fresh garlic to the potato mixture when it was just family. Not everyone likes garlic like we do. 

Margie's Potato Latkes' 

6 large potatoes grated

2-3 large onions grated

2 well-beaten eggs

2 tbsp. flour

1 tsp salt

pinch of pepper

4 tbsp. of shortening (I use a vegetable oil) 

 Peel the potatoes 

 Soak in cold water - 1 hour in the refrigerator

Remove from water - grate potatoes and onions and drain the excess starch and onion juice

 Add well-beaten eggs

 flour 

 salt

 pepper. 

Mix well by hand or wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, have skillets sizzling hot with oil. 

Drop a large spoonful of the potato mixture and fry to a deep brown and both sides. 

*The Oil must be sizzling HOT, or they will be greasy and soggy. I pretty much keep my cast iron on high-medium heat. 

Don't be stingy with the oil -  

 it is Hanukkah!

Traditionally, it is served with applesauce or sour cream

*Throughout the frying, skim the skillet of crisp pieces or they will burn and smoke

*If your smoke alarm hasn't gone off, your skillet isn't hot enough. (JK) Turn on fans, open windows...

*I work two cast iron skillets at the same time when I am making them for a crowd.

 

Merry Christmas - See you on the 26th

Imagine handing your shopping list to God. While that may not be what this means when we're feeling overwhelmed, you can turn to Him for guidance and peace. Remember, whatever worries you during this preparation isn't a life-or-death matter, and it certainly isn't the end of the world. Embrace calmness and perspective.

Jesus is the Reason of the Season

This little prayer box was gifted to me by a young woman from my church, a beautiful gesture that touched my heart. We prayed together over her illness, which has no cure, and her gratitude was profound. While I was only following the path my Father showed us, receiving this sweet gift reminded me of the strength of faith and community.

It's cute, and I will cherish this little box. It will always bring Megan to mind and inspire me to pray for her and her illness. 

Speaking of prayer - 

This is Sarah. She is a missionary we proudly support as a church body. Currently serving in a sensitive area of the Middle East, where danger surrounds Christians, her courageous spirit inspires us. After a few months of silence, our hearts were concerned, especially with the challenges in Syria and the region.

Yesterday, we learned that she is in Iraq, in a hospital, battling pneumonia. Sadly, her passport was stolen along with all of her identification, but she is in touch with the American Embassy. These missionaries are truly remarkable individuals. Their unwavering dedication to the love of God and spreading His gospel inspires them to endure incredible hardships and dangers for the sake of their mission.

🎄Well, here we are!  It’s December 23rd, and we’re all in the holiday spirit! I ventured out today to grab some fresh produce for our Christmas dinner. Since the stores will be closed on Christmas day, it felt like half a million of us were on the same mission and sometimes in the same aisle! 

Afterward, my husband and I swung by PetSmart to grab some little toys for Laydee, Susie, and our grand-cats,  Ed and Harry. And can’t forget about Char's fish!

We scored a great deal on buy three, get two free, so we ended up with some good deals for our furry (and finned!) family. 

Tomorrow, I plan to bake my Christmas cake and try to get most of the prep done. We invited some neighbors to our candle-lighting service at church. I also need to drop off a meal for Gail, and after the service, we're planning to hit up a diner for dinner. I’m really craving a patty melt and a milkshake! 

I’ll be back right after Christmas or something. 

I Hope you all have an awesome Christmas!

Debby

 

Sitting Shiva

 

Something interesting happened yesterday. I learned that my new friend Gail's husband had passed away, and we were invited to "sit shiva" with her. Although I've heard of this Jewish custom, it was my first experience. Wanting to respect the tradition, I looked it up online to avoid any missteps.

What is Sitting Shiva? 

Genesis 50:10

When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father.

Job 2:11-13 

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.  When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.  Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Visiting a mourner typically involves supporting them for seven days through conversation, meals, prayers, and reciting the Mourner's Kaddish. A common expression of sympathy is, "I'm sorry for your loss." Nothing more needs to be said at this time.  During my visit, we washed our hands, sat on low, uncomfortable stools, and all mirrors were covered. Although I didn’t inquire about her husband’s passing, it was evident he had been ill. We read prayers together for about 30-40 minutes, and I signed up to bring her a meal on Christmas Eve.

We had also picked up Susan, another Temple member in her 70s using a walker, who lived nearby. She surprised me when she firmly stated, 

"I won't accept Jesus - never, never, never." 

I had to chuckle and reassure her, 

"My friendship with you is unconditional." 

I don't think she expected that response from me. She's encountered in the past some rude christians and I don't want to be like that.   After our conversation, she invited me in and she gave me some chocolates to take home.  I’m happy to say I made another new friend. When Gail wasn't able to take her to the temple, she asked if I could be her backup. Of course - we're going anyway, and she lives nearby. 

So, last evening took a turn I never expected! What started as a typical night transformed into something extraordinary. After I talked on the phone with Gail, we changed clothes, laced up our shoes, then out the door for a quick hamburger meal. Then went from there to pick up Susan. 

I am deeply grateful to God for the privilege to serve His lost sheep. 

Until Next Time, 

Debby

Christmas and Hanukkah

Happy Saturday. 

No, I haven't been busy decking the halls in preparation for Christmas just yet. At the moment, I have a long list of other responsibilities that take precedence, and you know what? I'm completely at peace with that. Amid all this, I did manage to take out a cherished little angel topper that has been a part of my little family tradition since my boys were small. It’s a simple piece—a porcelain angel head mounted on a cardboard base, with oversized hands holding a choir book. 

Interestingly, I never really took note of the hands until I snapped a photo of it just now! It made me chuckle. Typically, angels are depicted as majestic and powerful beings, serving as messengers of God. While Scripture leaves their size to the imagination, many descriptions suggest they are large and imposing creatures. At least in this case, my angel certainly has some very noticeable hands that lend a bit of grandeur to its appearance!

Aside from the sparkling new lights strung around the branches, the pinecones nestled among the green needles, and the simple angel topper perched at the very top, my Christmas tree is surprisingly bare. The vibrant ornaments that typically adorn the tree are noticeably absent, and are still waiting, whether I am going to get them out or skip it this year. 

We'll see...

Source: Friends of the Redding Eagles

Now this is a tree topper! 

Christmas is a joyous season, a time for giving and spreading warmth. In my heart, I feel compelled to share that love with our local Jewish community. The true essence of this season lies in offering support, a comforting presence, and the genuine affection that can be felt in a simple hug. I believe that this is the calling my God has placed on my heart, urging me to uplift them and embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines this special time of year.

After all, Jesus is JEWISH!

It just makes sense! 

We ordered eight Hanukkah boxes, and they came the other day -  I bought dollar tree mesh and wrapped a bow around each box.

I packed everything back into the two bigger shipping boxes, for my husband's delivery this morning in time for Shabbat. The congregation meets only once a month - when the Rabbi from Chico comes up. (I tell you, we're rural up here!)  We wanted them to have these boxes to give to the eight who they believe can use Hanukkah cheer.  Unfortunately, I am not able to actually be there this morning because Laydee requires my attention and supervision while she recovers from her surgery. 

Last night, there was a baby naming ceremony, during which the new baby received a Hebrew name. During this brief event, the parents shared the significance of the name, and blessings were recited, acknowledging the child's covenant with God. The traditional wish is for the child to grow in Torah study, loving relationships, and good deeds.

Welcome to Eshet Chayil - Woman of Valor 

(Proverbs 31;10-31)

The best I could do with my iPhone! 

Yesterday was a warm day - probably the last for this year so I decided to open the door and let the pleasant warm air flow into the house. The interior temperature had dropped, and I wanted to take advantage of the warmth outside. With the sun positioned at a lower angle in the sky during the fall months, it tends to cast longer shadows and creates a cooler temperature indoors. 

I've learned that even lowering the temperature by just one degree can significantly reduce our energy costs, so I’m always cautious about how we manage our heating. On days when the weather turns cloudy and a brisk wind sweeps through, I adjust the thermostat upward by a couple of degrees to fend off the chill. Since we are already accustomed to cooler inside temperatures, we find it perfectly comfortable—plus there are always blankets and sweatshirts!  

Nice quiet evening last night. 

Sunset from across the street 

My sweetgum, refusing to give in to winter...

I had previously mentioned that our family had collectively decided to forgo gifts this year, but as the Mom, I couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness that came with it. The joy of giving has always been a special part of my tradition as a Mom, and it felt wrong to let it slip away. So, taking advantage of Cyber Monday's deals and next-day delivery,  I bought each of our adult children a thoughtful gift. It lifted my spirits to think of them unwrapping something special from us- and we didn't break our budget!  

I understand how challenging it can be to shop for loved ones who seem to have pretty much everything they could want or need—well, at least, everything that's reasonable to buy! For instance, my youngest son has his heart set on a boat, but there’s no way that dream gift is coming from us ever!  Instead, my budget allows for mostly smaller items. I’m always mindful that I might accidentally pick something they already own, but I tried my best to choose a gift that would bring a smile. It helps that I really know them - and can usually come up with something, that surprises them - and that's because us Moms pay attention during the year! 

If I manage to carve out some extra time, I might also whip up a few crafty projects or bake some treats to accompany the gifts. That would add a personal touch. I'm glad I am pretty much done! 

Update on Laydee

She's doing really well. Like any surgery for humans, she's been a bit tired. However, when she walks around, she gets her energy back and starts wanting to do things she shouldn't be doing for a couple of weeks—like chasing after the Amazon delivery trucks that speed up and down the street.

She needs supervision - to keep from scratching since the cone of shame touches her incision, so she has been sparred that humiliation...We have to keep an eye that she doesn't start digging the stitches out with her big old paws! 

She smells better too - like her old sweet self. Amazing how stinky that "mass" was. And to think we thought it was her breath or old dog body odor! 

Well, that's going to be it for me today - 

I'm feeling happy, energetic, grateful and thankful and I hope you are too. 

Until next time -

Debby