2018

Took down the tree and Christmas decorations today. I'm kind of glad to see the decorations put away. Christmas is the day those who believe in Christ as their savior recognize his birth and coming to the earth in the form of a man to die for us so that we could be reconciled with the Father. As I grow older the way the world celebrates this day and how I've celebrated it makes me feel sad. Christmas is not about decorations or trees or Christmas music. There are so many people who are along on Christmas and sad. I listen to less Christmas music every year because it makes me feel sad and think of Christmas's with my parents who have passed. But, it's not supposed to be a day of sadness but one of joy. Because Christ came, I will one day live eternally with him in his kingdom. Yes it's a new year, 2018. May grace, mercy, and the blessing of our savior be with you this year.

And now I wait for spring. The hyacinth brought up from the basement may have come up too early. Still waiting to see if the bloom will emerge. If not, there are more waiting for the right time.

Cut and put in the vase while the bulbs grow foliage and store up energy for next season. I still have one bud yet to emerge and bloom.

On the porch this morning. Sixteen degrees outside. Twenty was the high for today.

Did bring pots from the basement and potting mix but too cold to plant bulbs.

Just can't sit on the porch and plant bulbs in 20 degree weather. We have several more days of these temperatures before it gets above freezing. In spite of the weather the Mummers Parade still went on today in Philly. Time for brunch.

Those oranges were juicy and sweet. A navel orange but a new type I've never had before.

Brunch ready.  Didn't eat until after 12:00. I had coffee earlier.

Which calendar would you choose? They represent some of my favorite things. Flowers, the seasons, outside in nature, and cats. The calendar with a flower for each month won this year with my favorite a daisy for the month of January. I chose cats last year.

I felt bad for her as she sat on the skirt of the Christmas tree looking up at the tree and played with the ornaments one last time till next November.