Happy New Year…maybe

Most people agree that 2020 was one great big bummer. The viciousness and bitter hatred that flowed out of normally sane people was over the top. I have never been so depressed at the state of my country. I’ve never had to defend myself for being a Christian before. Or being pro-life. Or being white. Or loving my country. Or respecting the flag.

 

I never thought that having people over to the house would become a crime, or that neighbors would be encouraged to tattle on their neighbors. Even when we complied with the ever increasing restrictions and ridiculous rules, the ones in power wanted more. They could do whatever they wanted or go wherever they wanted, mask or no mask. For us common folk, though, we had to be kept under their thumbs and under control. With every new rule and restriction, more rules and restrictions followed. Bit by bit the Constitution is being shredded. There is no more free speech, really. Life is no longer sacred, especially for the unborn. And now we’ll have a puppet that will rule this country until Kamala takes over. And I know it’s not politically correct (and probably soon to be forbidden) to say “God, help us,” but that’s all I can think of to do now.

 

Many years ago I wrote a Haiku for a New Year card I made for a friend. At that time I was glad to say goodbye to the previous year and welcome a new year. I don’t feel that way now. I’m glad the old year is over, but dread the new one. But my faith is still intact, even though I waver at times. Because I know what is waiting for me. 

Soli Deo Gloria…

 

Just for the heck of it, here’s the Haiku.

 

new year has begun - -

hopes, dreams, tears - - another chance.

diff’rent path, perhaps?

 

 

Christmas Poem

 

The Snowflake

 

By Walter de la Mare

 

 

Before I melt,

Come, look at me!

This lovely icy filigree!

Of a great forest

In one night

I make a wilderness

Of white:

By skyey cold

Of crystals made,

All softly, on

Your finger laid,

I pause, that you

My Beauty see:

Breathe; and I vanish

Instantly.

a a a

I fell in love with this poem when I was in grade school. It’s always been one of my favorites.

 

Thank You!!

 

Giving thanks where thanks are due. In no particular chronological order:

 

Cattaraugus knife

I had a kitchen knife that I used ALL THE TIME. It fit well in my hand and was one I took with me from the kitchen at home before Marv and I were married. Used it for 40 years. Then one day, Marv broke it when he bent it to get a piece of pie out of the pan. There was no way to fix the broken blade, and Cattaraugus Cutlery closed in 1963. He went on Ebay and found a replacement for the exact style that I had. I have no idea what it cost, but it was a thrill to have that knife again. Thank you, Marv!

 

Bath rail

I have always loved taking the occasional bath, but over the years it’s been a bit tricky to get out of the tub by myself at times. My friend who works at the Crises Pregnancy Center had a bath rail that someone had donated. No one wanted it. Paula knew I still liked taking baths, so she gave it to me. A real lifesaver! Probably literally, too! Thank you, Paula!

 

Microwave rice cooker

I grew up using Minute Rice, and cooked with that for many years. Never got the hang of doing real rice that came out edible. Even got an electric rice cooker at one time and still struggled with it. Then a friend gave me a Tupperware rice cooker that you use in the microwave. Perfect rice every time! I use this a lot. Thank you, Mary!

 

Keurig pods

Lactagen

Both of these are thanks to Kristi. When I posted on FB that I had gotten myself a Keurig for my birthday several years ago, she immediately sent me a link to Amazon to get the refillable pods. So much easier to use than the contraption that came with the Keurig! I think of her every time I use one of the refillable pods. I even wore one out!

As for the Lactagen, that is how I first met Kristi online. I was looking for anything I could find about Lactose intolerance, which I had been dealing with for 20 years. I found a mention of Lactagen in her blog at the time. She had started using the product and was giving updates on her progress. I sent for the product myself, and after using the product as directed I was able to handle lactose again! At that time, there weren’t many lactose free/dairy free foods on the market that tasted good. This was a true Godsend. The product is no longer on the market and the company that produced it is no longer in business. So from the bottom of my coffee with FULL CREAM heart, THANK YOU, KRISTI!!