Ending 2022

 We've been through another year of blessings and sorrows, and sometimes the losses and war news and injustice seem to overwhelm our thoughts, especially contrasted with the joyful music and decorations of the season. I had my 87th birthday, and feel grateful to have dear friends and family who made me feel loved. The recent freezing weather across the US made me especially glad that a few plants were the only casualties and that I had constant power and water supply.

My leggy 4-ft Norfolk Island Pine came inside and was joined by a new, fluffy one and a couple of small ones, which I think I will keep in where I can enjoy them more. The big begonia and a smaller one were also brought in. Remember that succulent pumpkin decoration I made two months ago? I keep it under a light to keep the plants from growing taller, and it still looks great. This ivy plant I was given five years ago is thriving in its new location though still in its original pot. 

     A puzzle of colorful birds has been a good pastime for pondering problems that seem unsolvable. It's amazing how satisfying it can be to find a pesky little shape and put it in its place. Gives one a feeling of being in control of one small thing. 

Christmas is Coming . . .

. . . ready or not! For years I rushed and shopped and decorated and cooked and wrote--often obsessing to the point of losing the joy of the season. Time and events seem to rush by in a blur, but I have eliminated many items that I used to think had to be done. I love my simple decorations and still have music from Handel's Messiah and our church Christmas program resounding in my head. It's always a joy to see the children bringing Chrismons to the tree.

I loaned some of my nativity sets to the display window at the church. The salt glaze pottery is unusual and I wanted others to enjoy it.

My sasanqua bush has continue to bloom, on the bush or on my kitchen window sill, until the space was needed for the nativity scene.