"You Like to Wear Old-Fashioned Dresses, Don't You?"

 Dear Friends,

Last Sunday I was wearing this green ensemble in church, when I noticed a little girl staring at me. After a while she timidly said, "You like to wear old-fashioned dresses, don't you?" I replied, "I sure do! I love old-fashioned things." She smiled, and then said, "You sure like old-fashioned things!" "Yep, I sure do." :) I love candid conversations with children, who are always curious about the lady who marches to the beat of her own drummer. Maybe I'll inspire one or two to dress old-fashioned, too!

We still haven't had any snow here in Missouri, but the thermometer has dropped low enough to feel like winter. Last night when I was walking the dog I marveled at the multi-faceted jewels laid down by Jack Frost and his fairies. The glow of street lights gives frost a beautiful apricot glow, like snow clouds at night.

When the temperatures are a little warmer, we spend as much time as possible out watching the hundreds of birds congregating in the field and woods behind our house. When we are feeling hurried during the day we will either see a cardinal at the feeder or hear a white-crowned sparrow singing its sweet song, and we are instantly brought into a state of peace. Thank goodness the birds don't leave us when the flowers and insects do!

A mockingbird in a nearby cemetery~

 

 

 Grandma Cherie bought us a trampoline for an early Christmas present, and everyone has developed a sudden taste for spending half the day outside in the cold. Trampolines are a great way to exercise the lymph glands, that can't empty out properly without the help of large muscles. Plus it's a lot of fun!

The amount of popcorn consumed in our home seems to increase in proportion to the decrease of daylight hours; does this happen in your house, too?

The shapes of our pancakes have been more creative lately, too~ Winter is a perfect time to play with your food, since the more limited diet can become a little too routine.

 The children and Mr. Graham attented the tree lighting ceremony in Raytown lately, and enjoyed making crafts and going for a hayride around the block~

 Someone looks a little sleepy

We found a large pile of discarded juniper branches and gleefully brought home as many as we could, for use in decorations and to add to our winter stove-top potpourri. We like the use the berries in cooking, as well. They add a distinct, spicey flavor that goes well with vegetables and sauces.

We hope that you are keeping warm (or cool, depending on where you are), and that you are enjoying this special time of year with family and friends. Stay safe and have a wonderful week.

Love,

Marqueta