The Wonder of It All!

Just a few ramblings here...not sure if it will flow or not, but it's what I've been thinking about lately.

If you are from the northern part of the U.S. you have been experiencing the season's change. Right now where we live there is still a lot of green, but there are also a lot of trees changing colors. It's beautiful...some areas are so beyond description. The news channels have been saying that northern Wisconsin's leaves have all fallen, but our part of the state is gorgeous. Reds, yellows, greens, darker reds...a feast for the eyes. One of the many wonderful reasons to live here.

Of course, as we all know it's also the sports season. Some have joked that there are really two seasons in WI--winter & football. I must admit I love to watch a good game on TV, but will from time to time turn the channel to see if something else is on; but when the team is winning I'm there. We have also been enjoying watching our grandkids games; either football or volleyball. It's much better watching a game in person. We haven't had the opportunity to see a professional game of any type yet, maybe next year.

And we also know that as this season changes, the colors will fade and winter will come. That's okay, too! Who am I to argue with the way things are in nature. Some smart person would tell me that the earth needs to rest for it's awakening next spring; fine with me. As some of you know we spend about three months in Florida during the winter so it doesn't seem to be too long when we get home, just in time for spring.

I guess the wonder of it all is that there is normalness to the seasonal changes. Many have said the weather has been strange, and yet the earth still turns, the sun shines, and the sky is blue. The trees lose their colorful leaves, the snows come and blanket the earth to protect it from the cold, then new life springs forth and we have summer. A flow, a constant, something we can rely on; now that's a true wonder!

Been kind of quiet...

A quick, little post today.

We've enjoyed some down time from traveling to preach; though it's hard not to want to minister on Sunday! We've had some family time, couple time, and friend's time, too.

Last weekend we were blessed to be with my family: Mom; sister, brother, nephew, and their families. It was wonderful. To be able to attend church with Mom was a true gift.

Also, like other years we've combined our birthday's, anniversary, and even Christmas gifts, to enjoy a meal and show at our local Fireside Dinner Theater. It was fabulous! Check it out online...

Tomorrow we hope to spend sometime with our youngest son and his family and then to go to our oldest grandson's football game. We saw his JV game on Tuesday...he did great!

You know a woman of a certain age truly enjoys these gathering times...being with our kids and their families; seeing my siblings and Mom, and mostly being with my best friend this side of heaven.

Retrospective Six

Continuing our 2010 Ethiopian Missions Trip.

11 December, Saturday. Because it's Saturday, we have a day to relax. Dr. John has lost his voice from being out in the night air at the services with us; and he has a lot to do today so he won't be coming with us. We are up by 6 am and ready to go after breakfast. Missionary Bob Thomas and their son Bobby pick us up and drive us out of town to a local resort/hospital that offers clear/clean air, vistas, cute restaurant, and an opportunity to really relax. It's a beautiful setting; not too far from the city with good food. Bob & Bobby take time to throw a football...can you imagine. Here we are in Africa (a true dream of mine) with missionaries doing a very American father-son 'thing'; throwing a football...it was great! After lunch we walk around a bit, then head back to town. We so appreciate Bob taking time out of his schedule to give us this sweet day and memory. We meet up with Rhonda (Bob's wife) at a coffee shop...enjoy an ice cream cone actually! It was really good! After that we did a little shopping for some baskets. When we finally arrive home we do some reading, resting, studying for Sunday, and have another meal. BUT: the water isn't flowing and there is no electricity. Dr. John and his assistant get the generator powered up and we have electricity. As far as the water? Well, the next time you see me ask me about how that went! It's Saturday night, what else is there to do but pop some popcorn and watch a movie...Dr. John and I did just that, in front of his computer. Another great time and memory; it gave me a flashback of doing this very same thing with my Dad (except in front of the TV).

Next post? ...our adventure south out of the city for a 2 1/2 hour drive that includes a camel sighting, but the adventure started even before we left...