THANKSGIVING HAS COME AND GONE.
We all have our opinions about politics and that's alright. We had a peaceful and fun time together even with our differences of opinions. Praise the LORD. Answered prayer about our gathering and having a pleasant time. No heated discussions. Under one roof and still there was laughter.
Next year...if we are living in the cottage by then, I will have to come up with a creative way to entertain 19 people in a small area. Creative. NOTE TO SELF: Have plenty of bottled water to drink, along with coffee and freshly brewed iced tea. Ice. Throw away cups, plates, plasticware and napkins. Plenty of paper towels and wet wipes. Running water and soap. Flushing toilets and toilet paper. Fresh air. Snack foods and veggie trays. Enough chairs for all to sit while eating and visiting. Then if family members need to spend the night, make sure there is enough bedding, pillows and blankets along with fresh towels.
Sounds easy enough or does it? If we have a large gathering under the same roof next year in the small cottage, I will have to make huge adjustments. The older I get, the slower I get.
I did notice this year that most of the children had cell phones and at one point most of my grown children all had their phones out being preoccupied. The grandchildren were doing the same. Eyes wide open...what will the future hold when phones are so important that they have them on hand at all times like a lease?
There are personality issues amongst some family members. I have to remind myself that the children are not adults, but children learning as they go. Being taught takes time, persistence, love and patience. Instructions are needed over and over. I have to remind myself. Bible scriptures come to mind. When the house quiets down, then I can completely relax and continue on. The amount of energy needed to prep the home for guests and to be a hostess while they are in my HOME requires constant motion. When elderly, the way things are done, changes. I have to rest more frequently and be alright with not having everything clean and tidy.
Taking a deep breath before the deep cleaning begins recovering from Thanksgiving. We had a awesome Family Time for our Thanksgiving Gathering. Political comments were banned at the door. There were no arguments or debates. I am thanking GOD for this as it adds horrific tension when voices are raised and temperatures flare.
I am very thankful that we had a pleasant gathering. Very THANKFUL.
Today, I will wash the bedding after all the guest have left HOME. The fridge will be cleaned out and rearranged. I think I will completely do a deep cleaning in the Kitchen first before running the vacuum elsewhere in the house. The Dining room will return to being prepped for a paint job. The Living room will be deep cleaned so I can relax in my recliner before the Christmas tree comes out.
I would have loved to have the Christmas tree up and lit before THANKSGIVING, but this wasn't possible. It was far better to have food on the table and clean dishes to eat off of. Snacks to munch on and beverages to quench the thirst.
Thankful that we took a few minutes to snap some pictures. Sometimes when we get together it is like herding a bunch of cats. Not easy to do.
This week, I will begin the deep cleaning, take the AUTUMN decorations down, get out the Nativity Scene to display, play some Christmas music. The screened-in porch will turn into a WINTER WONDERLAND with artificial trees set up just for us to admire. Will take pictures to share later. Simple Christmas decor this year for sure. Simplicity. Some sweets will be fixed and Christmas cards out early this year. Simplicity.
As the temperatures turn chilly, I will switch gears and wait for the cold winds to blow where snow is in the forecast. I will be ready for snow and enjoy the white dusting covering nature where we have to wear heavy coats to stay warm. It seems that I tend to drag my feet during AUTUMN knowing that WINTER isn't far behind. Once this soaks in, then I change gears and enjoy the WINTER WONDERLAND of snow days.
Here on the Prairie, we are blessed to have a roof over our heads and a heater to keep us warm in the cold months. Looking out across the Flint Hills makes me think of what the days were like back a hundred years ago. Rolling hills and no civilization in sight. Some times I crave being alone standing in an open pasture with no one listening in as I talk out loud. Just God and me and a tumbleweed. Wind blowing on my face. No fashion statement to make or winning over another to think as I think.
The challenges that people must have had back in the day surely were raw and difficult.
As I mature into a elderly woman, the Lord knows I want to mature in my thinking. I'd like to be more loving and kind toward others and harness nature's moodiness where each season has its own sense of beauty to experience. Admire. Look deep.
Back to healthier eating, activities and energy. Here's to welcoming DECEMBER. November was far busier than I ever imagined. The aftermath will surely hit me like a ton of bricks. My get up and go will have got up and went. Refreshing naps with a fluffy, soft covering will have to be a must. A desired activity. Saying NO will have to be exercised. Quiet evenings will be embraced. Comforting sleep to reset a weary body.
DECEMBER please come quietly as we embrace LIFE. I will do my best to remember some scripture for recall.
MARK 8:36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
PROVERBS 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
PROFIT.
GAIN.
LOSE.
GOOD NAME.
CHOSEN.
LOVING FAVOR.
