New Years Eve

 

In the afternoon, we drove over to Whiskeytown Lake and settled in to soak up the peace and quiet of a year barely hanging on. There we sat, on a bench with Laydee by our side - just enjoying the quiet and looking west toward the dusting of snow on Shasta Bally. 

Shasta Bally, the tallest peak in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area at 6,174 feet, is just minutes from my home. It's especially stunning in winter with a dusting of snow. Our area's TV/Radio transmitters are located here, so during heavy storms or snow, signal outages occur, requiring technicians to hike to the top to fix the equipment since the gravel road ends at 4,000 feet.

Silence has always spoken to me. I know that's an oxymoron, but even in silence, there are lessons to learn, and it's where, I believe, God speaks to me through His creation. 

As in the way the geese glide on the lake's surface, the haunting call of a loon in the distance. Then there is the turkey vulture, a fascinating bird that is the master of soaring, using warm-air thermals to glide long distances with hardly any effort. It's incredible to me how such a visually unattractive bird can glide just as elegantly as a bald eagle. I watched one for about 20 minutes there at the lake, swooshing down, eyeing his prey, then coming up again and gliding to another place. While watching, I thought what fun it must be to fly through the sky like a vulture?? 

Have you ever taken the time to watch a vulture soar? 

Okay God, what are you saying... 

Just as God designed the vulture for its role in nature, He has equipped each of us with our own role to fulfill. As we age, it can feel as if we have lost our importance, leading us to believe we have no more value. However, God knows our true worth. Like the vulture, our value isn’t based on our outward appearance - but on how God sees us through His eyes to be. We still matter. Until we go home to Him, each of us will still have a purpose.   

I recently shared my thoughts on how pigeons are often misunderstood, and you know what? Vultures are, too! Before I moved here, I only saw these amazing birds in the wild. Now, I see them all the time. They're such a joy to watch, especially on those windy days when they seem to soar effortlessly. 

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/2025/11/war-pigeons.html

After our last visit to the lake for 2025, we came back home, and I whipped up another pot of chili! The batch from last week was such a hit that we just couldn't get enough of it. A cozy evening, just the two of us plus Laydee and Susie. Earlier in the day, Laydee was given her trazodone for anxiety because of the inevitable sounds of celebration, which always include firecrackers. 

And then it started - The bane of my existence - illegal fireworks. 

What part of "illegal" don't people understand? 

It started with occasional pops and cracks - and some loud BOOMS came thundering down around 7 and continued on and off till the final act- the grand finale at midnight, which lasted nearly 30 minutes. The worst we've had in 17 years! My poor dog was terrified, and my cat was all over the place, full of energy, jumping from window to window. I felt sad watching my dog struggle under the weight of the stress. The challenge is determining the origin of the firecrackers. A neighbor claimed they saw a truck throwing firecrackers out of the window as it passed by, so the police can't trace them. 

I feel great compassion for animals - there are chickens, goats, and a horse hospital nearby. Many birds visit our yard, and I know dogs and cats that get lost. Plus, we must consider Veterans with PTSD.

But we survived it. Like we do every year and with our nation's 250th birthday celebration on July 4, I have a feeling it's going to be cRaZy. 

Until next time, 

Debby

And as if no one has said it to you yet, 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Not a Resolution, Not a Word * Just Jesus

Last year, I shared on Substack that every January, I notice bloggers choosing a special word to focus on for the year. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to think about this practice. But after some reflection and a little faith, I began to open my heart to it, and suddenly it made sense.

John 1:1–5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Bingo. I had my word for 2025—

It was Jesus.

For the second year in a row and hopefully for many more, I’m still choosing to recognize the Source of all words. It’s not because I’m indifferent or resistant to the idea; it’s simply that no single word feels big enough to capture everything this next year might bring. Or maybe I’m just not doing this word practice in-correctly. 

Yeah, I know the name of Jesus isn’t a “regular” word. But as I did last year, I still want to focus on Him. Instead of choosing a theme, I want to center my attention on Jesus as a person. His character, His presence, His lordship, and how He leads me, and I surrender. 

I’m not choosing a resolution.

I’m not choosing a word.

I’m choosing Jesus.

Not as a slogan. Not as something new. But as my everything. 

For me, choosing Jesus is about enjoying His presence rather than focusing on my performance. This way I can embrace a way of living that is grounded, relational, and honest, especially in a world that often pushes us to constantly strive, fix ourselves, and keep up with everyone else. That’s not how I want to live. 

Instead of focusing on who I want to become, I’m choosing to pay attention to who Jesus is and how He meets me right where I am. He’s my rest when I’m tired, my guiding light when I feel lost, and my source of hope when the path ahead isn’t clear. It’s a journey I’m embracing, and I’m grateful for His presence along the way.

There’s no pressure to “get it right” for me. It’s simply about approaching my daily life with intention, while doing laundry, having conversations, facing disappointments, celebrating joys, living with unanswered questions, and practicing quiet faithfulness. I want to embrace the journey. This is simply my way of naming the Source of steadiness and hope in my life, and the Lens through which I’m learning to live more attentively.

That’s where I started last year.

 It’s where I’m choosing to begin this year

and, Lord willing, every year after.

Comments are off. 

I’m sharing this personal post with you all. For years, I’ve kept these deep thoughts private and off my blog, and I still have times when I feel nervous about expressing myself this way. Honestly, it does not come naturally to me - It is me stepping out of my comfort zone. I also want to avoid any mean comments, like the ones I’ve encountered before. It's always upsetting when you pour your heart out in a post and get rude comments or people who want to argue with me. 

A Saturday Walk, and the Christmas Take-Down,

We're all drying out from the HEAVY rain we had. Up to 15 inches of rain in seven days, in my area, which is good news for our HOT, dry summers. 

 

I walked the Sacramento River Trail on Saturday. It was a bit cold, in the 50s, and thankfully, no wind. Once the sun dips below the western mountains and casts a shadow over us, it gets chilly. 

Today we have reached a pleasant 62 degrees -  nice in the sun, and when the car is parked in the sunlight, getting inside feels wonderful. 

I found this funky place to sit and enjoy the area...

Some murals on the bridge

The surrounding area was devastated by the 2018 Carr Fire. 

It was nice to get outside after all that rain and flooding. We're looking at dry sunny weather until New Year's Day. I plan to take advantage of being outdoors.  

Maybe a day in the snow?? 

We'll see... 

A lovely little flower is blossoming on our hill. We're beginning to notice the early green shoots of our daffodils emerging on the hillside.  Typically, they flower in late January, but I uprooted them from the front yard and moved them to the hill last spring, so they might be a little off this growing season. 

My husband removed all the outdoor decorations - sooner than we typically do, but with a storm approaching later in the week, now seems as good a time as any, while it is sunny and dry.  We decided to keep the icicle lights on the patio up - likely until sometime in February.

I have a few winter decorations that I'll keep out, and I have additional winter pieces to incorporate into the mix. 

Today I bought a rolled beef roast from the butcher for New Year's Day. I plan to serve it with Irish mashed potatoes, gravy, garlic green beans, and Tennessee onions, in honor of my Tennessee side of the family.  My grandma made the best version with sweet Vidalia onions. I looked through online images for ones that look like hers, since I don't take photos of my meals. Yummm, I love the crispy edges. They pair perfectly with grilled steak, prime rib, or roast beef (my husband calls it Roast Beast).

I also bought some chicken thighs and breasts at the butcher's because I'm not impressed with the grocery store's oversized, Dolly Parton Breasts.  They're unnaturally large and on the tough side. No doubt pumped with hormones...

My husband will make pizza tonight...we missed it last week, and we have to have our homemade pizza once a week! 

I also had my hair trimmed, which I really needed. My hair is thick - and I have a lot of it. I'm pushing it if I wait 6 weeks. 

I don't have anything else on my mind that needs to be said - I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this year and the start of a new one. I love new beginnings. 

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow as I try to get out at least one last post for 2025. 

Debby

Let's Chill

That is the sentiment of today - 

Let's chill at 51 for a high and 42 as a low. 

This little pup has the right attitude for 2025 - 

I began packing up Christmas last week, but the pot holders and tablecloths must be washed before I pack them away - and then, of course, there are always a couple of overlooked items.

I think I have everything...

Susie has to inspect everything. 

This morning, it rained while I went grocery shopping. Since I'm focusing on using what I already have in the freezer and cupboards for meals, I only spent $43 at the store. My purchases mainly included laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and bleach. I also bought milk, bread, cheese, olives, and orange juice.

The current cost of eggs in my area is close to $9 for a dozen. This seems consistent with last year, but I'd like to know if it is just seasonal or a result of the impact of avian influenza on chicken populations. 

What are you paying for eggs? 

The other day, I snagged my favorite jeans on a nail and tore them. Since the tear isn’t in a seam, I had to buy new ones. The current pair I wear is too big for me—I look like a waif! I went to Kohl's and got two new pairs, one black and one denim, along with some black ankle boots. Plus, I’m down another jeans size, which is a win!

I haven’t been dieting; I’m just eating less and moving more as I approach 71 in March. I’m not a big eater, and I don’t have a sweet tooth, but lately, my weakness has been warm crusty bread with butter and mint chocolate chip ice cream!

Oh my!

On New Year's Day evening, we lit the final candle. We invited some like-minded friends to join us, which was a lot of fun. I prepared some finger foods and finished off the evening with jelly donuts. I was too tired to make latkes since I had just cleaned my stove and didn't want to deal with the mess again. It can get quite oily on the stove and on the floor! 

We're having nachos for dinner with meat and refried pinto beans, which I have been cooking all day. Yum, it smells so good!

Enjoy your evening. 

Debby

My First 2025 Hodgepodge

 

1. Oxford's Word of the year for 2024 is 'brain rot'. Are you familiar with this term? 

I’ve heard of it. 

Do you suffer from the condition? Ha! This is a term used to 'Capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media.'

Gosh I hope not!  I left Facebook four years ago and never looked back. I spent way too much time on there, playing silly games and getting way too involved in other people’s drama, so I left. It was hard that first month, but I found extra time in my day to do different things I thought I didn't have time for. 

My husband and I use X for local information during fire season. We don't post and have no followers or friends. That's worked out best for us. Social media can be a useful tool. It's when it consumes too much of your time that it's a problem. 

If you were choosing a word to capture 2024 (for the nation/world, not your own life personally) what word would you choose? 

Election. 

2. It's National Polar Bear Plunge Day (January 1)...will you be participating in one of these events (or even your own)? 

Oh I may be brave and stick my pinky finger in a glass of ice water! 

How will you spend the first day of this brand-new year? 

 On New Year’s Day evening, it is the last night of Hanukkah so we’re having a few friends over. Just finger foods. I think everybody is sick of food and sweets!

Do you have a traditional New Year's Day menu? 

No.

3. What's something that brings you joy and how will you do more of it in this new year? 

My relationship with Jesus has brought me immense joy over the past year. Serving as a BSF group leader has enriched my spiritual journey and exposed me to a variety of new experiences. I’m also learning more about myself in the process. If asked to serve again, my answer would be a definite YES!

4. Do you struggle with the January blues? What's one thing you can/will do to keep them at bay? 

I used to when I was young. Now, I am able to appreciate the fresh start that a new year brings—it's a new beginning and a new chapter in this journey called life.

5. Will you choose your own personal word of the year for 2025?

No. 

 What about a goal, resolution, or maybe even a bucket list? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

I've been with Al-Anon for decades now. I automatically read through the steps each month. 

Step One. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Thankfully, I no longer have to deal with alcoholism, nor do I live with one, but I switch out the word alcohol with whatever I may be dealing with it. I find it compliments my Faith and keeps me in check. 

But mostly a new year for me always ushers in spring cleaning. I detest clutter, and my beloved other half is a pack rat. Periodically I have to declutter. So I’m anxious in a good way to get in there and re-organize. While in the trenches, I’ll see things that need attention, so that will get done as well. I enjoy it. 

2024 was a personal sabbatical year for us. We didn’t set out to do this; it just happened, and finally, in the last quarter of 2024, we realized it. It was just an off year for us, and you know, it was nice. With the exception of everyday stuff and taking care of things that had to be fixed, we didn’t make any major home improvements, plant a garden, etc. 

Taking a year off means we have some things that need our attention. For example, our garage door doesn’t always open all the way, so my husband needs to fix that. I also noticed during Christmas that my not old kitchen faucet was loose. My husband tried to tighten the bolt, but it was stripped. Additionally, the door of our microwave has cracked on the outside. While the seal is intact, we need to either replace the door or buy a new microwave that goes over the oven. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's great to be back to normal. I'm really looking forward to this new year. There is so much hope on the horizon, and I see a revival in my community. I'm excited to witness God's work in all areas, and I pray that this is the year the hostages are either released, if they are alive, or at least brought back to their homeland for a proper burial.

That's it for the first Hodgepodge of 2025. 

See you next week!

Debby

PS. I'll do my first of the month calendar on the 2nd. 

New Years Eve

I thought I would take a look see, around my yards to see what is happening on this last day of  2024. 

Do you know what this is? 

It is my Rosemary bush which is bursting with vibrant blooms, creating a stunning display of delicate purple flowers. As I watched closely, I could see bees busily flitting from blossom to blossom, indulging in the sweet nectar. or is it savory? I was trying to capture a video of the bees happily at work. 

Soon a vibrant array of blossoms will burst forth. 

Margarite Daisies' 

Last week brought us quite a bit of rain! When I step on the stones in the grass, I can't help but hear the sound of slosh slosh from all that water. 

We hang our hula skirts out to dry! 

A few summers ago, I picked this hula skirt for a patio party. It wrapped around the table, giving my patio a Hawaiian look. My husband creatively turned it into cozy bedding for Baby Jesus in the manger. It’s made of plastic, which means we can bring it out year after year with a little care. 

We want to build a stable for the Holy Family in 2025 so we can better protect them from the rain and elements. This way, they'll always have a place - ideally, a cozy tiny house would be nice, even if it doesn't quite fit the story! Ha ha. 

The grapevines are beautiful in winter.

We hope to do some work on our front yard this coming year. 

After a few storms, the redwood trees are actually doing pretty well. Remember that crazy 119-degree day when they got scorched? The wind helped clear off all the dead stuff, and even though they look a bit more bare than before, they're holding up nicely. It’s hard to believe I thought they were done for!

The hubby's making pizza for dinner tonight, and we'll catch a movie. We'll give Laydee a tranquilizer and fingers crossed we don’t get woken up by firecrackers and gunshots!

2024 was a great year for me. I hit the big 7-0! I feel pretty good overall—just a few aches and pains that I've gotten so used to that I hardly even notice them anymore.  

Happy New Year Everybody! 

2025 will be a good year. 

As the new year begins, scripture reminds us of God's faithfulness and the hope of new beginnings.

Lamentations 3:22-23:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 

This passage reminds us that God loves us and shows mercy every day.

Philippians 3:13-14:

 "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 

This encourages us to focus on our future calling in Christ and leave past burdens behind.

2 Corinthians 5:17: 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

This verse highlights our transformation and new life in Christ as a new creation.

Isaiah 43:18-19: 

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." 

This passage highlights God's power to create new beginnings and work in our lives during difficult times.

These scriptures are a powerful foundation for hope and renewal as we embrace the new year, placing our trust in God's promises and His transformative work in our lives.

 

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

I believe I am done with nothing left to do other than enjoy the rest of 2024. 

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

I have forged beautiful connections with mature believers - women of faith at both my church and BSF.

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety? 

I recently discovered my new favorite snack—Stacy's cinnamon-sugar pita chips! They’re the ideal crispy, sweet treat. Paired with fresh berry salsa, they’re an irresistible combination that I can't get enough of!

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

I’m all about keeping it cozy! 

A typical New Year's Eve for us: 

• We'll have goodies
• We watch a movie
• Give Laydee a tranquilizer
• In bed around 10 p.m. 

Then suddenly, at the stroke of midnight, loud illegal fireworks from the neighborhood.  We spring out of bed, adrenaline rushing as we try to calm our trembling dog, who shakes like a leaf despite the tranquilizer. 

Unless it rains...

Sundown on New Year's Day marks the final evening of Hanukkah, and we’re having a very small gathering with a few friends.

5. What are three words that describe your 2024? 

I’m not really into these wordy things—kind of like New Year’s resolutions, nobody really sticks to them. But when I look back at the year, I’d say Blessed, Humbled, and Thankful. 

It was a good year!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hey, Fellow Hodgepodgers! 

As the holiday season kicks into high gear and many of you head out of town or get swept up in family festivities, I just want to take a moment to Wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories! 

Let’s make this season about Jesus! 

Until next time -

Debby