Merry Christmas to All

 Merry Christmas Friends. Isn't Snoopy the cutest?

The reason for the season is God's promise to us with the birth of Christ. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but shall have eternal life.

 

Our Nutcrackers. I have seen the Nutcracker Ballet quite a few times. I purchased the red Nutcracker on the left below at one of the performances to benefit the ballet company. 

A lady who attended Bible study with me made these and gave one to each of us. She was in a retirement home and made them in her room or apartment there. Her daughter was in a group that played Hawaiian songs and the group visited nursing homes, and she would go with the group and give these cute birds to the residents of the nursing homes.

Below is the nativity set we have had for many decades. I made the stable of rough wood. Once when we moved Mary got left behind. So I found a new Mary, she fits in beautifully, in her blue robes.

 Here are some joyful song lyrics to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful". 

Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels;

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

Years ago my college roommate and I visited Jerusalem and we hired a taxi to drive us to Bethlehem. We did not stop there but saw it. We spent a couple days exploring Jerusalem and Jericho and surrounding areas. Have a blessed Christmas one and all.

Puppets and Lights, Child Delivers Christmas Tree, and Vera Wong Mystery Novel

 

I took this photo of my living room wall. The swirling lights only appeared for a few moments and only one time. I had my phone camera nearby. My son said the lights look like Jesus' thorns. I had not seen that but they do. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, the puppets appear to be floating.

I enjoyed this book "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jesse G. Sutanto. It is set in San Francisco's China Town today, when Vera discovers a dead body in her old tea shop that has almost no customers. Vera is energized to solve the murder and has a humorous take on life. She is about 64 and considered old, but I am lots older than her!

And a child delivering a child sized Christmas tree. We'd best get ready for Christmas friends. I am writing Christmas cards, ordering and wrapping gifts and I attended church last Friday night for hymn singing and fun for little kids and a candle light service. This year I learned of a political prisoner in another country and mailed him a Christmas card to the prison. Many countries have political prisoners, sad to say. I like to spread light and joy especially at this time of year.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

 Hello friends world wide. I hope all of you have a great day. Today in the USA we celebrate Thanksgiving. Family and friends gather for a feast and fellowship. This photo seems Thanksgiving-y to me, perhaps it is because it is nostalgic.

One thing I have been appreciating this year is the beauty of the sky and the ever changing clouds. 

"The Heavens declare the glory of God." Psalm 19:1

Can you see the kite someone was flying near my house? I hope you enjoy your day. Mine features my sons and I and our pup Bounce at my house and a 15 pound organic turkey and lots of other goodies.

Photos Only Today

 

My little dragon friend, coffee shop gardens and portrait of me

 Let me take a look at my photos and find some to share here.

The gardens at my favorite coffee shop. Well, my only coffee shop. I like independent shops and never go to Starbucks where they insert politics into their business. Plus I love to sit outside and relax and chat with friends. Do you see the two benches?

Can you see the little dragon? He was across the street from my house and a block away for several months. Then one day he was gone. I hope the sculptor moved him or he flew away on his own. I always look for my cute little dragon. Maybe he flew to your house, have you seen him?

Above is a portrait of me that my blog friend Diane had made for me as a surprise gift. Diane is wonderful and lives across the ocean from me in the Philippines. Each of you blog friends is unique and talented and I enjoy visiting you here in blogland.

Strange sea creatures, Mystery house and George Washington

 

Who knows what these prehistoric seeming sea creatures are? I gathered them on a beach in Florida 60 years ago. I will put the answer at the end of this post. 

A few more shells found on the beach on Sanibel Island on a camping trip with my family.

Above and below a mystery house near my home. Mr. B and I walked past it at sunset and I took these photos. "The heavens declare the glory of God."

Our American hero and first President, George Washington. People asked him to become king and he said no, he agreed to become President. I am praying for the USA and for all of the other countries struggling now. Right now the governor of California signed a law limiting freedom of speech and making it illegal to post comic AI generated political memes. That is a slippery slope, he is against free speech he doesn't like. Free speech is under attack worldwide and we aim to defend it.

The sea creatures are Horseshoe Crabs. Many of you already knew that. I love how they look.

Funny Quotes and Photos

Everyone with telekinetic powers raise my hand. -- Emo Philips

Before you judge a man walk a mile in his shoes. After that who cares? He is a mile away and you've got his shoes -- Billy Connolly (I love Billy)

Wait you're serious? I love that.

A day without laughter is a day wasted. -- Charlie Chaplin 

I'm in shape. Round is a shape. -- George Carlin