It was in the wee hours that we arose, disturbing the entire household. The time had come for us to depart San Diego and return to the Pacific Northwest. Leaving the house about 5:15 A. M. we had a short but foggy drive to Lindbergh field, where we bid a teary adieu to our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. The crowds in the terminal were much thinner than we had encountered at PDX on Christmas Eve, but that was not unexpected.
The flight was uneventful, and we arrived in Portland about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Jill's bag was the second one to appear on the baggage carousel. Mine was about number seven! Schlepping our luggage out to the sidewalk, we were elated to see our friend Kathy L. pull up within a minute of our arrival there. She deposited us at home, where we promptly notified Mom by phone of our arrival and got a full run-down on her Christmas. She enjoyed it.
After a bit of welcome brunch, we drove to the Countryside Pet Spa to fetch our wee beasty. She was glad to see us, and we were happy to bring her home and just rest. Tomorrow morning we will be running back to PDX to provide shuttle service for our friends Steve and Kathy D. We will retire early this evening. I just hope I can make it through the Holiday Bowl game. Go Ducks!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
In which is recounted our San Diego holiday...
Oh, my! It has been a while. Since my last post, we have traveled to San Diego, celebrated the birth of our Savior, done a couple of small projects, enjoyed the sunshine, played in the park, and babysat Josiah.
Our trip here was interesting, but uneventful. We arose at 3:45 AM on Christmas Eve. Michael picked us up at 4:45, as big fluffy snowflakes descended. There was about 1/2" of new snow on the ground when we left the house. The drive to the airport took about 45 minutes: double the usual time. Although the lines to check baggage were long, they moved quickly and soon we were going through the security checkpoint, on our way to the boarding gate. It was just then that my cell phone chose to ring. I was in the process of unloading my computer, my pockets and my shoes, while I attempted to answer the call from Michael. He wanted to make sure we were going to be able to fly out and to let us know that he had made it home safely. His call was welcome, if untimely.
Once aboard the aircraft, we were pleased that we backed away from the gate a few minutes early. The snow continued falling, and we soon learned that we would have to wait for the de-icing truck before we could take off. That put us about 30 minutes behind schedule, but it was Christmas Eve, and people were feeling jolly. As we taxied out to the runway, we had to wait for a couple of other planes. I noticed that some snow had collected on the wing, and then one of the pilots came back into the cabin to check for icing before take off. We all held our breath, hoping there would be no more delays. At last the pilot disappeared onto the flight deck and we were moving again.
As we made our final turn onto the runway, the snow was falling harder than before. The engines began to roar and we rolled down the runway, faster and faster, for what seemed like a long time. And then the nose tipped up, and we heard the landing gear stretch out to its full length. At last we were airborne! The cabin erupted with spontaneous applause from the grateful holiday travelers.
The rest of the flight seemed to go quickly. We were seated next to a gentleman whose name was familiar to me, because he is a dental practice broker. His wife is the Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Association. Her name was familiar, too. In fact, many years ago, she had been an insurance broker and sold me some life insurance.
Arriving at Lingbergh field, in San Diego, we were met by daughter Laura and grandson Josiah. It was good to see them, and to know that we would be celebrating Christmas the next day as a family. Daughter Tara had flown in from Denver the evening before, and son-in-law Tim came home from work at mid-day. We had a lovely Christmas Eve repast of pot roast, with vegetables, before we went to church for Christmas Eve services. It was a lovely day.
Christmas morning was a joy. Josiah is three and a half, the perfect age for a kid on Christmas morning. He was so excited, and we adults reveled in his joy. Later in the day, Tim served a beautiful ham with a brown sugar/cola/bourbon glaze. Accompanied by green beans, asparagus and mashed potatoes, it was a fitting holiday feast. After dinner we went to the neighbors' house across the street for dessert. They are a couple about our age, who have adopted our kids, much as we have adopted Julie and Aaron and their kids next door to us. Don and Char are lovely, generous people, and we all had a good time.
On Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen's day, Jill and I made a trip to Home Depot and to Target to pick up a couple of items for small projects around the house. As I was attempting to run my debit card through the scanner at Target, my phone rang. What is it with my phone ringing at the most inopportune moments? It was Laura calling with directions to meet the rest of the gang at San Diego Fish House, a restaurant and fish market on the bay. We dined on seafood and the marvelous view of the bay from the restaurant windows. Food for body and soul.
Satisfied with our luncheon, we moved on to Shelter Bay Park. Josiah played on the swings and slides until his heart was content. There were lots of kids, parents, grandparents, and who knows, perhaps even some shirt-tail relatives there enjoying the sun and the sea.
Saturday noon found us dining at In N Out Burgers, at Tara's request. Following lunch, Tara took Josiah to Chuck E. Cheese's next door for some gaming. They had a ball. Jill and I did some shopping, and Tim and Laura got some much needed couple time. We all met back at the house, where Tim and I watched a couple of gridiron shoot-outs.
In the evening, Tim and Laura went out to dinner with some friends who are in town visiting relatives. That left Josiah to fend off a doting aunt and two adoring grandparents. We played and had some dinner; and then we gave the boy a bath, read some stories and put him to bed. Tim and Laura had a pleasant couple's evening, and Josiah was a perfect angel the whole time.
All of which, dear reader, brings us to this morning, which is a sunny, if cool, one. We haven't any firm plans for the day, except to get Tara to the airport in time for her flight back to Denver. Stay tuned for further developments.
Our trip here was interesting, but uneventful. We arose at 3:45 AM on Christmas Eve. Michael picked us up at 4:45, as big fluffy snowflakes descended. There was about 1/2" of new snow on the ground when we left the house. The drive to the airport took about 45 minutes: double the usual time. Although the lines to check baggage were long, they moved quickly and soon we were going through the security checkpoint, on our way to the boarding gate. It was just then that my cell phone chose to ring. I was in the process of unloading my computer, my pockets and my shoes, while I attempted to answer the call from Michael. He wanted to make sure we were going to be able to fly out and to let us know that he had made it home safely. His call was welcome, if untimely.
Once aboard the aircraft, we were pleased that we backed away from the gate a few minutes early. The snow continued falling, and we soon learned that we would have to wait for the de-icing truck before we could take off. That put us about 30 minutes behind schedule, but it was Christmas Eve, and people were feeling jolly. As we taxied out to the runway, we had to wait for a couple of other planes. I noticed that some snow had collected on the wing, and then one of the pilots came back into the cabin to check for icing before take off. We all held our breath, hoping there would be no more delays. At last the pilot disappeared onto the flight deck and we were moving again.
As we made our final turn onto the runway, the snow was falling harder than before. The engines began to roar and we rolled down the runway, faster and faster, for what seemed like a long time. And then the nose tipped up, and we heard the landing gear stretch out to its full length. At last we were airborne! The cabin erupted with spontaneous applause from the grateful holiday travelers.
The rest of the flight seemed to go quickly. We were seated next to a gentleman whose name was familiar to me, because he is a dental practice broker. His wife is the Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Association. Her name was familiar, too. In fact, many years ago, she had been an insurance broker and sold me some life insurance.
Arriving at Lingbergh field, in San Diego, we were met by daughter Laura and grandson Josiah. It was good to see them, and to know that we would be celebrating Christmas the next day as a family. Daughter Tara had flown in from Denver the evening before, and son-in-law Tim came home from work at mid-day. We had a lovely Christmas Eve repast of pot roast, with vegetables, before we went to church for Christmas Eve services. It was a lovely day.
Christmas morning was a joy. Josiah is three and a half, the perfect age for a kid on Christmas morning. He was so excited, and we adults reveled in his joy. Later in the day, Tim served a beautiful ham with a brown sugar/cola/bourbon glaze. Accompanied by green beans, asparagus and mashed potatoes, it was a fitting holiday feast. After dinner we went to the neighbors' house across the street for dessert. They are a couple about our age, who have adopted our kids, much as we have adopted Julie and Aaron and their kids next door to us. Don and Char are lovely, generous people, and we all had a good time.
On Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen's day, Jill and I made a trip to Home Depot and to Target to pick up a couple of items for small projects around the house. As I was attempting to run my debit card through the scanner at Target, my phone rang. What is it with my phone ringing at the most inopportune moments? It was Laura calling with directions to meet the rest of the gang at San Diego Fish House, a restaurant and fish market on the bay. We dined on seafood and the marvelous view of the bay from the restaurant windows. Food for body and soul.
Satisfied with our luncheon, we moved on to Shelter Bay Park. Josiah played on the swings and slides until his heart was content. There were lots of kids, parents, grandparents, and who knows, perhaps even some shirt-tail relatives there enjoying the sun and the sea.
Saturday noon found us dining at In N Out Burgers, at Tara's request. Following lunch, Tara took Josiah to Chuck E. Cheese's next door for some gaming. They had a ball. Jill and I did some shopping, and Tim and Laura got some much needed couple time. We all met back at the house, where Tim and I watched a couple of gridiron shoot-outs.
In the evening, Tim and Laura went out to dinner with some friends who are in town visiting relatives. That left Josiah to fend off a doting aunt and two adoring grandparents. We played and had some dinner; and then we gave the boy a bath, read some stories and put him to bed. Tim and Laura had a pleasant couple's evening, and Josiah was a perfect angel the whole time.
All of which, dear reader, brings us to this morning, which is a sunny, if cool, one. We haven't any firm plans for the day, except to get Tara to the airport in time for her flight back to Denver. Stay tuned for further developments.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Free at last...
In retaliation for an acute case of cabin fever, for the first time since Friday last week we slipped the surly bonds of our domicile and sallied forth into the world of white. Thanks to my lovely bride's urging, we shoveled the driveway yesterday, and I installed the brand new tire chains that I purchased about seven years ago and have never used.
So, this morning, we were able to drive the 10 miles to my mom's house and help her with some Christmas preparations. We had a lovely lunch there, which was a blessing to Mom, who has had no visitors, no mail delivery and no newspaper delivery in two days. She was getting pretty lonely.
From Mom's house, we ventured out to the country to leave the dog at the boarding kennel. It was a bit dicey getting out there over streets that were partially snow-covered and partially bare. Remember, we were riding on tire chains. But the drive home was spectacular. The country roads were covered with packed snow, and the farmhouses were little ships afloat on a sea of white, undulating fields.
We have a dear friend who has offered to take us to the airport in the morning in his four-wheel drive rig. We have our boarding passes. So, if the planes are flying tomorrow, we are off to San Diego and Christmas with our grandson, our son-in-law, and our two daughters.
So, this morning, we were able to drive the 10 miles to my mom's house and help her with some Christmas preparations. We had a lovely lunch there, which was a blessing to Mom, who has had no visitors, no mail delivery and no newspaper delivery in two days. She was getting pretty lonely.
From Mom's house, we ventured out to the country to leave the dog at the boarding kennel. It was a bit dicey getting out there over streets that were partially snow-covered and partially bare. Remember, we were riding on tire chains. But the drive home was spectacular. The country roads were covered with packed snow, and the farmhouses were little ships afloat on a sea of white, undulating fields.
We have a dear friend who has offered to take us to the airport in the morning in his four-wheel drive rig. We have our boarding passes. So, if the planes are flying tomorrow, we are off to San Diego and Christmas with our grandson, our son-in-law, and our two daughters.
Monday, December 22, 2008
And then there were eight...inches more, that is...
OK. We awoke to 6" of new snow this morning. The pile of snow on top of the post is our bird feeder, which I cleaned off yesterday afternoon so the birds could get to the seed. The other photo is our front walkway and driveway. The walkway arcs from the porch where I stood to take the photo and passes between the two yard lights. The lights stand about 2 feet high.The snow continued throughout the day today, and we ended up with about 8 inches of new snow since last evening. The total amounted to about 16 inches. Jill and I shoveled a path wide enough to get one of the cars out of the garage along the entire length of our 51 foot driveway. I guess we got our exercise for today!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
It's baaa-aaaack...
We awoke to about a quarter inch glaze of ice over the 7-8" of snow that we got yesterday. During the day there has been an off and on drop of freezing rain, and then a few minutes ago the snow returned with a vengeance.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Pretty...inconvenient...
The storm has finally arrived. It doesn't seem storm-like. It's just that it has been snowing lightly non-stop since before I got up at 6 AM. The weather gurus tell us that it will get worse, and then be topped off with freezing rain. That's when things will get dicey. But as I said in my previous post, one is well-advised to take the forecasts with a grain of salt.
We did cancel our trip to Monmouth to celebrate Christmas with our son and daughter-in-law. So, the storm is affecting our activities. Instead of driving to Monmouth and celebrating, we are watching Christmas movies and celebrating!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Weather or not
Always view the weather forecast with a grain of salt. Seems that the forecasters may have been doing a little wishful thinking. The big snowfall that was predicted for yesterday never materialized. We had a few flurries, but the temps were above freezing all day. Then we were told the arctic front would come through around midnight and we would awaken to 2-4" of snow on the ground. In fact, we awoke to 35 degrees and rain. It is currently raining here. The KPTV weather blog contains an admission that the forecaster was ignoring some clear evidence in the computer models that we would not have as cold and snowy a weather picture as he had forecast. There is still some cold weather and maybe some frozen precip in the forecast, but it's anybody's guess what will actually happen.
I am constantly amazed at how excited meteorologists, both professional and amateur, become over some devastating weather prediction. They are absolutely bored by fine weather and become ecstatic over the prospect of a meteorological disaster. Go figure.
We are fortunate to be finished with Christmas shopping and in possession of an adequate supply of groceries so that we can stay home if the weather threatens. On the other hand, it looks pretty tame today. Our primary concerns are being able to get to Monmouth for a Christmas celebration on Saturday and to the airport for a Christmas Eve flight to San Diego. Right now we are watching a movie and babysitting little Luke, who has a cold but still has a positive attitude and outlook.
I am constantly amazed at how excited meteorologists, both professional and amateur, become over some devastating weather prediction. They are absolutely bored by fine weather and become ecstatic over the prospect of a meteorological disaster. Go figure.
We are fortunate to be finished with Christmas shopping and in possession of an adequate supply of groceries so that we can stay home if the weather threatens. On the other hand, it looks pretty tame today. Our primary concerns are being able to get to Monmouth for a Christmas celebration on Saturday and to the airport for a Christmas Eve flight to San Diego. Right now we are watching a movie and babysitting little Luke, who has a cold but still has a positive attitude and outlook.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
And so it continued both day and night...
The cold weather continues. I nearly bought it on the road today, when my car slid on through the stop sign and into the path of an oncoming minivan, which, when viewed from my Nissan Versa looked like a maxi-van, or perhaps a Mack truck! Fortunately, the other driver was better prepared than I and had tire chains. He was able to make a course change that saved the day...and my fender.
It is expected to snow another couple of inches tomorrow morning. Then things may really get ugly. The forecast is for temperatures to rise above freezing in the afternoon, bringing rain on top of the snow. Then the temps will dip into the twenties and freeze the whole mess into a Christmas glaze. When that is nicely brewed, we will get more snow on Thursday...ouch!
Today the sky was cloudless and that medium blue that can only be seen in a clear winter sky. It is somehow bluer than a blue sky in summer, perhaps because the sun is lower in the sky and doesn't light the northern sky as much. It was simply gorgeous. I was able to get out and finish the Christmas shopping, have my hearing aids adjusted, go to church to do some counseling with my darling wife, stop on the way home and pick up her new glasses, and fill the car with gas.
We laid in a supply of groceries on Friday, so we have food, which is good, because it is doubtful we will be able to navigate the streets for the next several days. So, we plan to hunker down, catch up on our Christmas movies, do a couple of projects around the house, and generally take advantage of being retired people who don't have to worry about adding to the traffic woes by driving to jobs. We thank God for that.
It is expected to snow another couple of inches tomorrow morning. Then things may really get ugly. The forecast is for temperatures to rise above freezing in the afternoon, bringing rain on top of the snow. Then the temps will dip into the twenties and freeze the whole mess into a Christmas glaze. When that is nicely brewed, we will get more snow on Thursday...ouch!
Today the sky was cloudless and that medium blue that can only be seen in a clear winter sky. It is somehow bluer than a blue sky in summer, perhaps because the sun is lower in the sky and doesn't light the northern sky as much. It was simply gorgeous. I was able to get out and finish the Christmas shopping, have my hearing aids adjusted, go to church to do some counseling with my darling wife, stop on the way home and pick up her new glasses, and fill the car with gas.
We laid in a supply of groceries on Friday, so we have food, which is good, because it is doubtful we will be able to navigate the streets for the next several days. So, we plan to hunker down, catch up on our Christmas movies, do a couple of projects around the house, and generally take advantage of being retired people who don't have to worry about adding to the traffic woes by driving to jobs. We thank God for that.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
It is here! Temperatures in the mid twenties to mid teens (tonight) and a couple of inches of snow. Tire chains are required everywhere in the metro area. Current temperature is 26 F. This is reputed to be the worst cold snap in several years. I don't think it will equal 1968, when we had 3 feet of snow on the ground in front of our house. Four-wheel drive vehicles were getting high-centered on our street. Nevertheless, this is a significant cold spell, and I can't help thinking of the people who are living on the streets. They will need special attention and prayers this week.
We are among the fortunates. We were unable to make it to church this morning, but we had a nice warm home to stay in. We had a fire in the fireplace and put on some Christmas movies. The aroma of Christmas cookies baking in the kitchen filled the house. My lovely bride is a consummate baker and chef. All things considered, it was a very pleasant day. I am sure we will get tired of the cold before it is over. We had to cancel a trip to my mom's house to help her decorate, but I think we can make it happen later in the week.
We are among the fortunates. We were unable to make it to church this morning, but we had a nice warm home to stay in. We had a fire in the fireplace and put on some Christmas movies. The aroma of Christmas cookies baking in the kitchen filled the house. My lovely bride is a consummate baker and chef. All things considered, it was a very pleasant day. I am sure we will get tired of the cold before it is over. We had to cancel a trip to my mom's house to help her decorate, but I think we can make it happen later in the week.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Watching the weather and the babies
We had another opportunity to sit the three little darlings next door this evening. They are five, almost three and two months in age. What fun. They are so well-behaved that we never regret having an opportunity to sit with them. Their parents made contact with a couple from their past who, unbeknown to them, have been living nearby for the last three years. Now, as luck would have it, this couple is moving to Phoenix in the next couple of weeks. Well, the four of them had dinner out this evening, and we got to watch the kids.
It may be a good thing that they went out this evening. The weather forecast is calling for several inches of snow over the next couple of days. Then we are to look for unusually cold temperatures for the next week. So, who knows whether the kids will be in school next week or have an extended Christmas vacation? Maybe our kids, the teachers, will get some extra time off!
It may be a good thing that they went out this evening. The weather forecast is calling for several inches of snow over the next couple of days. Then we are to look for unusually cold temperatures for the next week. So, who knows whether the kids will be in school next week or have an extended Christmas vacation? Maybe our kids, the teachers, will get some extra time off!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The end of a season and the beginning of a season
We returned today about noon from two lovely days at Champoeg State Park. This was our swan song for this year's camping. The weather was, if not lovely, at least acceptable. We had no rain, and the temperature never dipped below freezing. Our coach kept us cozy and warm. Yesterday we had a four mile walk along the Willamette river. Pogo slept for hours afterward!!
Today we came home and cleaned up the coach and winterized it. We are expecting snow this weekend, and bitterly cold weather next week. So, I was able to blow all the water out of the pipes in the coach and to drain the water heater. I also drained the holding tanks. Fortunately, we store the coach indoors, so we expect the temperatures to be mitigated some. At any rate, we also unloaded all foodstuffs, waxed the wood cabinetry in the galley, washed the exterior, and removed excess gear. We will put the coach in the storage building tomorrow and not see her for a few weeks.
The next several days are expected to be the cold spell of the decade, complete with snow and bitter temperatures. There is much to do to prepare the house/yard for the onslaught. So, tomorrow's work is clear. Let's hope that it will be a short interlude that all can enjoy. Lord, we pray for no casualties related to the weather.
Today we came home and cleaned up the coach and winterized it. We are expecting snow this weekend, and bitterly cold weather next week. So, I was able to blow all the water out of the pipes in the coach and to drain the water heater. I also drained the holding tanks. Fortunately, we store the coach indoors, so we expect the temperatures to be mitigated some. At any rate, we also unloaded all foodstuffs, waxed the wood cabinetry in the galley, washed the exterior, and removed excess gear. We will put the coach in the storage building tomorrow and not see her for a few weeks.
The next several days are expected to be the cold spell of the decade, complete with snow and bitter temperatures. There is much to do to prepare the house/yard for the onslaught. So, tomorrow's work is clear. Let's hope that it will be a short interlude that all can enjoy. Lord, we pray for no casualties related to the weather.
Monday, December 8, 2008
A weekend full...
Oh, how the time flies! I haven't posted in several days, and I would like to say that I have been too busy to post, but usually, that is just a weak excuse. Let's see now, Saturday was a good day. I spent most of the day working in my shop, and Jill spent most of the day working in the kitchen. In the afternoon we took Pogo for a walk.
Yesterday WAS pretty busy. We went to the nine o'clock worship service. During the service, my phone rang...how embarrassing. I shut it off, but when the service was over I found a message. It was from one of our premarital counselees who was in need of some assistance. We ended up staying after church and meeting with this lovely couple for a couple of hours. They have hit a very rough spot in their relationship and needed a sounding board.
After we finished our meeting, we had just enough time to dash home and have a small bite to eat. Then we picked up Mom and headed back to the church. Mind you, it is fifteen miles one-way to the church. And it is eight miles in the other direction to Mom's house. So, a fair piece of the day was spent driving. Our reason for returning to the church was to uphold the tradition we have had for several years of taking Mom to the annual Christmas play and then out to dinner. Only in this case, we had dinner back at our house. Jill had made a wonderful lasagna...in the crockpot!! We had a Caesar salad along with the pasta and lemon cake for dessert. I don't think we could have found a better meal at a restaurant. We dropped Mom back at her house about quarter to ten and then headed home to rest.
Today was a work day. We picked up the motor home from the storage facility and brought it home so we could load it for a couple of days of "camping." I did some more elf work, and Jill went next door to babysit the two little ones, while big sister went to her dance lesson. When she returned, we took the motor home to the mechanic, so he can change the oil and service the generator tomorrow morning, before we go camping. The evening has been filled with Christmas carols played on guitar and piano...well, actually Jill was playing the piano, and I horned in with my guitar. It was fun, but we are not ready to quit our day jobs, even if we had any.
Yesterday WAS pretty busy. We went to the nine o'clock worship service. During the service, my phone rang...how embarrassing. I shut it off, but when the service was over I found a message. It was from one of our premarital counselees who was in need of some assistance. We ended up staying after church and meeting with this lovely couple for a couple of hours. They have hit a very rough spot in their relationship and needed a sounding board.
After we finished our meeting, we had just enough time to dash home and have a small bite to eat. Then we picked up Mom and headed back to the church. Mind you, it is fifteen miles one-way to the church. And it is eight miles in the other direction to Mom's house. So, a fair piece of the day was spent driving. Our reason for returning to the church was to uphold the tradition we have had for several years of taking Mom to the annual Christmas play and then out to dinner. Only in this case, we had dinner back at our house. Jill had made a wonderful lasagna...in the crockpot!! We had a Caesar salad along with the pasta and lemon cake for dessert. I don't think we could have found a better meal at a restaurant. We dropped Mom back at her house about quarter to ten and then headed home to rest.
Today was a work day. We picked up the motor home from the storage facility and brought it home so we could load it for a couple of days of "camping." I did some more elf work, and Jill went next door to babysit the two little ones, while big sister went to her dance lesson. When she returned, we took the motor home to the mechanic, so he can change the oil and service the generator tomorrow morning, before we go camping. The evening has been filled with Christmas carols played on guitar and piano...well, actually Jill was playing the piano, and I horned in with my guitar. It was fun, but we are not ready to quit our day jobs, even if we had any.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Families and colleagues
I had breakfast this morning with a bunch of retired Permanente dentists. I spent 23 years treating dental patients at Kaiser Permanente in Portland, OR. It was good to reconnect with these fellows, some of whom I have known for more than 40 years. I don't know yet whom to thank for organizing these get-togethers, but I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with old friends and colleagues.
Jill and I decorated our home for Christmas yesterday. We went minimalist this year, since we will be doing the actual celebration of Christmas with our kids at the homes of the two married ones. We look forward to that with great anticipation. It is so much fun to see the kids mature into responsible adults who are productive members of the community. Among the kids and kids-in-law, we have three teachers, a human resources administrator, a financial analyst, and a stay-at-home mommy. We are so proud of each and every one of them.
We are about to go next door and babysit our "adopted" grandchildren while their mommy and daddy go out to celebrate mom's birthday. What could be more fun or more important than building good, godly families. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to be involved in the lives of future generations.
Jill and I decorated our home for Christmas yesterday. We went minimalist this year, since we will be doing the actual celebration of Christmas with our kids at the homes of the two married ones. We look forward to that with great anticipation. It is so much fun to see the kids mature into responsible adults who are productive members of the community. Among the kids and kids-in-law, we have three teachers, a human resources administrator, a financial analyst, and a stay-at-home mommy. We are so proud of each and every one of them.
We are about to go next door and babysit our "adopted" grandchildren while their mommy and daddy go out to celebrate mom's birthday. What could be more fun or more important than building good, godly families. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to be involved in the lives of future generations.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
I feel so... empty...
Yesterday, we took the table over to the UPS store for shipping and sent it on its way to San Diego. It feels like one of my children has moved away from home. The shop seems so empty. I can keep the car in the garage ALL the time. It is just so...sad...
But there will be a reunion on Christmas Eve, when Jill and I will be flying to San Diego for a visit. We will be able to see our table and our grandson. Oh, yes, and we will see our daughter and son-in-law, too. Our other daughter will be there. It would be wonderful if Pat and Katie could join us as well, but they have their own Christmas challenges, with four families to juggle. Perhaps, next year.
In the meantime we are getting in the spirit of the Christmas season and reveling in the pure joy of celebrating the Savior's birth. What a miracle, to think that God became flesh and blood; came to live among us; taught us about how to live life as He meant it to be lived; sacrificed Himself through an ignominious death on a cross, in order to pay the debt for our sins and bring peace between God and men, so that we may come into the very presence of the living God; He was buried; rose from the grave and was seen by over 500 people; and then ascended to be with the Father in Heaven and intercede for us, knowing first-hand how difficult it is to be a human being.
JOY TO THE WORLD!! THE LORD IS COME. LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING. I guess I don't feel so empty, after all...
But there will be a reunion on Christmas Eve, when Jill and I will be flying to San Diego for a visit. We will be able to see our table and our grandson. Oh, yes, and we will see our daughter and son-in-law, too. Our other daughter will be there. It would be wonderful if Pat and Katie could join us as well, but they have their own Christmas challenges, with four families to juggle. Perhaps, next year.
In the meantime we are getting in the spirit of the Christmas season and reveling in the pure joy of celebrating the Savior's birth. What a miracle, to think that God became flesh and blood; came to live among us; taught us about how to live life as He meant it to be lived; sacrificed Himself through an ignominious death on a cross, in order to pay the debt for our sins and bring peace between God and men, so that we may come into the very presence of the living God; He was buried; rose from the grave and was seen by over 500 people; and then ascended to be with the Father in Heaven and intercede for us, knowing first-hand how difficult it is to be a human being.
JOY TO THE WORLD!! THE LORD IS COME. LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING. I guess I don't feel so empty, after all...
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