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

The Middle of January Hodgepodge

 

1.  It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need want most right now? Elaborate. 

Opportunity

I'm simply biding my time, patiently anticipating the right opportunity to present itself.

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? 

It is both. 

In the Christian life, it’s vital to recognize God’s active presence in our journey, orchestrating circumstances and opening doors. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." This highlights that while we make plans, it is God who ultimately guides our paths and presents us with incredible opportunities.

Ultimately, it's about embracing God's leading and taking bold initiative in our lives. By trusting in His guidance and remaining open to the opportunities He presents, we can truly live out our faith and fulfill the remarkable purposes He has in store for us.

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. 

Do you like visiting museums? 

I have always enjoyed museums. Growing up in San Francisco, I was fortunate to have access to excellent museums from a young age. My parents would take us to visit on weekends, and we would have picnics on the grounds.

Do you have a favorite? 

The Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds

Joss House Museum

The temple is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. 

This Taoist Temple of Worship is now a California State Park 

Art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weapons used in the 1854 Tong War are on display. This Taoist temple is still a place of worship and a fascinating look into the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history. 

I live in rural Far-Northern California and have come to appreciate the small museums that tell the stories of the local history. Museums dedicated to gold mining, logging, veterans, and railroads offer insights that are just as valuable as those found in larger institutions. While it's difficult to choose just one favorite in my area,  I particularly enjoy the Joss House Museum in Weaverville, located in the Trinity Alps. This museum showcases the 1874 Taoist Temple and features various Chinese artifacts. We try to go every Chinese New Year (which is coming up Jan. 29) 

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day). 

Do you like oatmeal? Yes

How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? 

Not often enough - maybe once a month

How do you like yours? 

Hot and creamy - is there any other way? 

What about an oatmeal cookie? 

With walnuts and chocolate chips, please. 

Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? 

Sure

5. What's something useful you learned in high school? 

I’m almost 71, and honestly, I’m so done with high school. I don’t want to think about it anymore. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The first daffodils are starting to bloom.

Sometimes, it feels like winter isn't long enough. Today we hit 70 degrees. When it’s not raining, Winter can be nice. 

These Iris's were at the Shasta Dam's Visitor Center 

Soon ours will start blooming in the yard...

That's it for this Hodgepodge, until next time

Debby