Wonderful Wednesday

Last night my daughter, her friend, and I went downtown to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and visit the Nutcracker display at Macy's. We had fun finding our way around in the skyways and checking out the downtown Target store (it has two floors, and a special escalator for shopping carts!) We ate supper at Panera's on the mall, and got chocolate and carmel corn at Candyland. It was a wonderful evening!

12 Days till Christmas

So far I am doing pretty good at getting ready for Christmas. I mailed my cards today. I have more than half of my shopping done. My tree is up - although it still needs ornaments. We have had lights on the outside of our house since before Thanksgiving (we put them up while it was still warm outside!) But what do I really want to do for Christmas - what are the really important things? Here's my list so far:

• Bake cookies - maybe have a time to do it with my daughter and daughter-in-law, and maybe my granddaughter?
• Have my neighbors over for coffee - or bring them some cookies.
• Have enough decorations in my house to make it look festive but not overdo it.
• Go to a candlelight service.
• Make a gift for my dad and for my mother-in-law.
• Keep everything simple so I'm not wore out before Christmas.
• Call a few friends I haven't talked to lately.

Let it snow?

I can't believe how much snow we've gotten this week. I have shoveled the driveway 5 times already! I am thankful for two things - the snow is pretty fluffy so it's not as heavy to shovel, and my neighbor came over with her snow blower on Tuesday night and did my driveway.
Bev and I are often out there together. Her husband has a bad back and can't shovel. He came out the other night to give Bev instructions on how to use the snow blower - it was her first time. She had so much fun once she got used to the snow blower. After she did her driveway she did mine, and then did the neighbor's drvieway across the street. As she headed over there I heard her exclaim, "woohoo!" I have to admit that i don't get excited about shoveling - but maybe if I had a snow blower I'd feel different. The funny thing is that once I get bundled up and head outside, I'm usually happy that I'm out there. This morning I appreciated the beauty of the snow, and the quietness of our neighborhood before everyone else was out. It felt good to breathe the fresh air, and to get the exercise.
Thank you, God, for the snow - but please don't let it be a long winter!