A Gift from a Blog Friend

 

Huge shoutout to Karen from Life is Good for the delightful gift that perfectly complements my little cabinet!

I'm not going to reveal what it is just yet...

Check out these two photos – I've showcased it in two different spots. 

Can you spot it? Let the hunt begin! 🕵️‍♀️

Thank you so much, Karen. That was so nice of you. Every time I glance at my little cabinet on my kitchen counter, I’ll be reminded of you. 

Well, THAT sure put a smile on my face this afternoon! 

It seems that we're about to experience a shift in the weather, as temperatures are cooling down after a pleasantly warm day. I decided to take advantage of the lovely weather by going for a walk, and I even wore a sleeveless top, enjoying the warmth on my skin. I couldn’t help but think that if I had spent more time basking in the sun, I might have developed a nice glow.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, it appears we might feel even cooler due to the incoming clouds that are expected to blanket the sky. It’s evident that with each passing day, the temperature is gradually descending, signaling a transition. 

No rain in the forecast.

I was amazed when I came across a photo of Pensacola, Florida, covered in 8 inches of snow! Wow, I can’t say I’ve ever heard of that happening before!

YESTERDAY

I had the opportunity to work in the children's program at BSF, specifically with the spirited two-year-old class. Each of our nine little ones was as adorable as they come. I am incredibly proud of the dedicated young BSF Moms who have nurtured and taught their children so beautifully. It was truly remarkable to see how much the toddlers already knew about Jesus.   Their enthusiasm and understanding filled my heart with joy. Let's remember to keep all these precious children in our prayers, as they represent the next generation of believers in Christ!

And pray for their Moms too! 

As I watched them play, memories flooded back to my days running my daycare. My business cards proudly proclaimed that I "specialized in infants, toddlers, and twos," and I truly adored working with those age groups. In my care, I always had a delightful mix: two wide-eyed infants, two curious toddlers eager to explore, and two energetic two-year-olds full of personality. Each day was a whirlwind of activity learning as I guided them along their paths before sending them off to preschool, where they'd embark on new adventures. 

 I was consistently at full capacity. On top of that, my own three children, added their vibrant energy to the mix. It felt like one big, family, as I nurtured these little ones five days a week, from early morning until the sun dipped below the horizon. Those days were filled with warmth and love, and even now, I find myself dreaming about those precious children as they captured my heart and shaped my life in ways I’ll cherish forever.

I did it for 30 years! 

Here's a photo of a younger Beast. 

I had to drive "the Beast," our old van, to Bible study yesterday because My husband had taken our car to the dealer because the hydraulic lifts that hold up the trunk were failing, making it difficult to keep the trunk securely open. Fortunately, it is still under warranty, but they have to order the part. It had been some time since I last took it for a spin, and I forgot how smoothly it drives. 

That wraps things up for today! Just a reminder, the HUNT is still on – 

I’ll be unveiling where the gift is in Friday’s post, 

if you haven't already figured it out. 

Debby

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