Gelterswoog
My GPS is often crabby. She wasn't speaking to me the other day when I was driving over to a friend's home and I missed the turnoff entirely. This ended up being a blessing because just a little further down the road was Gelterswoog, home of the local rowing club and the See Hotel (literally Lake Hotel) both of which were serenely beautiful, even on this overcast fall day when we went back for a closer look.
Happy Thanksgiving
This week
I am knee deep in Christmas prep and Thanksgiving prep this week, rather in that order because of the long shipping times to and from here. Because I can never do one thing at a time, I am trying to master digital design in my spare time, some of which is coming easily and some which is very… not. Hence I am sharing digital layouts this week.
A funny – after returning home from the grocery store with the jellied cranberry, the brown and serve rolls, and the boxed stuffing mix – as per directions – I pointed out to husband that women's magazines are brimming with Thanksgiving recipes and menu ideas. This was met with sincere consternation and a very earnest, "Why?"
You don't fool with traditional holiday food around here. They want their cranberries to slip jiggling onto the plate and to fan out with the can indentations visible on the sides of those circles of gelled tang. They want marshmallows or pecans and brown sugar on the sweet potatoes thankyouverymuch. Don't even think about lemon meringue or Tollhouse cookie pie. It will be apple, pumpkin, and pecan. With Breyer's ice cream. The only permissable vegetable for the day (aside from the potatoes) is obviously green beans. Obviously <g>
So if you were looking to me for holiday inspiration, I am sure to disappoint. : ) But it won't disappoint the people under this roof who are thoroughly unimpressed with experimentation. Perhaps it is all our moving, all the regular change of scenery in our lives. Whatever it is, they hold fast to their seasonal celebrations and they must look as much as possible like they did way back once upon a time in 1970's era Wisconsin.
Alright, off and running on that note. More from our weekend wandering:
you can see below that in the middle of the woods, and off the trail proper, we stumbled upon a crucifix in the crook of an old tree. Just like that.
Updated – Rebecca’s Mom
I wrote this earlier today:
Rebecca's mother has improved tremendously since my last post. She had a bacterial infection which has now cleared. She is conscious and at least minimally communicative.
Her kidney function remains a source of concern. The dialysis that was planned has been on hold and they continue to hope she can do without, but we need to pray for this.
She had a second chest tube inserted to reinflate the other lung. Initial x-rays are encouraging that it has been successful. They did a trial off the ventilator but it didn't go well. There was an unplanned second trial just a bit ago when she extubated herself (woman after my own heart…) but her lungs just aren't ready yet. The tube is extremely upsetting to her however, so earnest prayers are requested that she can be rid of it soon.
We continue to hold up Rebecca and her family through this exhausting and worrisome time.
And just got this at 8:30pm my time (2:30 pm Eastern time):
Mom is declining today. She has stopped producing urine and is back on the heart medication. They are not certain whether she is declining in general or just having a bad day. We should know that later today or tomorrow. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. – Rebecca
today
1, 2, 3
She's three! We had a very pink birthday by request with a baby doll which she is already sorta tired of. Guess there are plenty of real people to play with around here which are just more fun than toys it seems.
gone fishin’
About a half mile down the road and accessible only by a dirt path lies this little fishing hole in the woods. I have walked past it from the trail and driven past it from the road. The other day we made the trek down the path to get a closer look.
Praying for Rebecca
I am stopping by here tonight to ask for prayer for my very dear friend Rebecca, of the Gypsy Caravan blog. Rebecca's been caring for her mother, Beverly, through what began as a nasty cold. Things spiraled downhill at an alarming rate over the past few days, although she was an active, working woman up to that point. The cold progressed to pneumonia which led to pericarditis in short order. They prepared for a stay in the hospital to treat with antibiotics. However, last night her lung collapsed and stopped her heart. She was resuscitated and placed on a ventilator. At this writing, Rebecca's mom has not regained consciousness.
We are praying for healing, a miracle really. If that not be in God's plan then I ask you to pray for peace to flood the heart of my friend and for strength for the whole family through this trial.
November Daybook
Outside my window:
It is cold and foggy quite often. The last of the leaves are holding on stubbornly here and there but it won't be long now before they are all gone. The bare branches of the tree out back now leave no hiding places for the birds, which is rather nice for me looking out the window.
I am listening to:
Well, lately I am listening to the kids speaking German on Rosetta Stone, the beginnings of Christmas music practice on the piano, and the bible in the car. We have become hooked on audio bibles as a family, which has prompted a lot of discussion and further research in the paper versions. Simple, consistent. My favorite.
Reading:
The Pagent of Life by Owen Frances Dudley. This is part of the series I have been slowly working through with Colin. This was another that began slowly and now has my rapt attention.
From the kitchen:
Marshmallow fondant on deck for Abbie Rose's birthday cake. I am not in charge of that. I am just the Wilton enabler, happily financing the production and cheering from a distance. I was however volunteered by husband to make a ham for the office Thanksgiving shindig this week. (It was ham or turkey we had to choose from) This announcement triggered no small amount of panic on my part. I just am not a great cook. Good enough for home. Most of the time. But not reliable enough for the general public. Wish me luck.
I am creating:
Christmas gifts, therefore I can't elaborate because my family reads my blog. I also picked up some delft blue Aida cloth and ivory floss for a simple monochromatic something.
Around the house:
We picked up another old crucifix at the consignment shop last weekend. This one is probably close to 30in high. Just over $10. Unreal. Also found a little vintage creche set. Another ten dollar purchase that made me very happy. It is nearly the same as the one I grew up with, not precious but precious to me. Otherwise, the craftroom shelves need tackling. I am not sure it will happen before Advent and Christmas however. Just being realistic. I do have some little prints framed and ready to hang in there this week though.
From the schoolroom:
Restocking our file folder games. Lots of cutting and laminating involved. Finishing book reports. Full steam ahead since sports are finished and dance is settling down.
Thinking about:
I am thinking about my oldest sons a great deal these days. As of this week, my family is spread out across three continents. Continents. Boggles the mind. Asher is flying to Korea as I type. I am so very proud of him. Still, it is a very long ways for a heart to stretch and mine feels close to bursting some days.
Growing up, I truly envisioned a Walton-style existence, with all my kids close by in the same little hamlet forever. But they inherited the adventurous spirit they were raised with and off we all go to explore this big world and take on personal challenges. I wasn't expecting this but that could well be my life theme song. : )
I thought about a verse today, "To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required." Luke 12:48 There is so very much to be thankful for. Certainly this family has been blessed abundantly. Now and then someone comments that they read here and assume we lead a charmed life. Not so. There are times I truly disagree with what God seems to think I can bear. But He always wins these disagreements. I have determined to focus, especially in this space, on the good that is given daily. But know, too, that much is also required in this simple – but not easy – life. : )
Starry Sky Journal 