How did it get so cold so fast! But hey - has anyone checked out the weather in Tampa Bay? Up to 26 degrees by Tuesday - and we're leaving tomorrow! Beach and golf course - here we come!

And I haven't started packing yet.  

 

 

The other day I was doing some necessary tidying in our basement (to find the Christmas decorations) and came across a few of my Mom's diaries. She passed on a few years ago, so it's OK to read them now! They are also just informational - not journaling. One was from 1971-2 - when I was in high school. The other one was a 5-year from the nineties. I was completely distracted and spent an enjoyable hour reading through them and reliving the events. So I was feeling quite nostalgic when I decided to put one of my favourite plates from Mom in a more prominent spot on top of the buffet and hutch.5 minutes later I opened the drawer in the buffet and the plate came crashing down, landed on the floor and smashed into pieces! I couldn't help myself - I cried the whole time I swept it up. Dishes and quilts are some of my cherished treasures from my mother, but I guess they are all "disposable." Better than that, she gave me deep roots, an example of simple yet profound faith in God and the ability to enjoy the simple things in life. For those things I will be forever grateful. (But I'm still feeling broken and sad about the plate.)

Hard to believe, but Ron & I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next week! Since it is such a milestone, I decided I would take my rings  to the jeweller to have them checked over and given a GOOD cleaning! The bands have been wearing down to about half the size from rubbing against eachother (for 30 years!) and the posts holding the diamonds were also worn down, so much so that they had to be rebuilt so I wouldn't lose the stones. After about a week I got them back again - they feel and look like new rings. I got to thinking how much a good marriage is like gold and diamonds - they take a lot of beating over the years but can come out like new again! I am so thankful for my marriage - yes, it has taken some beating over the years but remains solid! Thank you God.

Hey everyone! My mom is a blogger! Isn't that cool?!?!