I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't change the name of the blog title.  I woke up this morning and it is 19 degrees outside.  The wind is howling, and even my dog gave me that look, that said, "no way." The thought that popped in my head was that I moved back south to get away from the frigid hard cold, and now it looks like it decided to follow me.  It seems that each year we have colder and colder winters here in South Mississippi.
​    It's December 23rd, and I need to finish wrapping the grandchildren's gifts.  This winter storm moving across the United States is a doozy.  It's causing a lot of trouble for people.  I, for one plan on staying inside today if at all possible.  Although, I'm pretty sure that at some point today, I will bundle up and go check on my ladies.  I know that the eggs will probably slow down again.  Change is not nice to egg production.  
     Today, I get together with my children and grandchildren.  That will be a hoot.  It is so much fun watching the kid's excitement.  What took me hours to sort, and wrap will take them five minutes to undo.  Clothes will be looked at and pushed to the side. (That is just the nature of a child.)  They are steady in searching for that fun toy or game.  Then, there is the food.  I am turning my bar into a giant charcuterie board, filled with fruits, vegetables, candy, nuts, meats, cheeses, homemade snacks, and just about anything else imaginable. I did that last year, and everyone wanted it again, especially the little ones.  I think they just liked it because MawMaw had endless supply of candy.   Anyway, I will change some things up, but it will be a host of foods and a lot of sugar for my little plums.  
     It's 6:15 a.m., I can finally see outside.  My Secret Garden, which is mostly full of winter greens looks frost bitten.  All the flowers have wilted from the bitter cold.  It happens, but I hate this part of winter, when everything is wilted, and it has to be cut back.  I know it is a process for the upcoming season, but it's just ugly.  The one good thing is that all that dead goes into compost for a rich mixture in the spring.  Composting saves money when filling new planters or adding to the old ones.  I will show you how to make a great compost in the spring.
     To all those who are traveling, I wish safe travels this holiday season. May the Spirit of Christmas warm you in the bitter cold and fill your bellies with hope for a New Year.  

     Twas' the Tuesday before Christmas and on the porch I could not sit.  The rain was pouring, and the wind was blowing just enough to bring a chill to the bone.  That's okay though, because it made me appreciate the warm cozy home that I am blessed with.  There are so many families out there that don't even have a roof over their heads. I can't even fathom the feelings they must have.   My children and their families will gather this year on the 23rd of December, to celebrate and let the little ones open their gifts.  Seeing their smiles is what makes me happy and enjoy this time together.  
     I have always spent Christmas day at my parents' house. Even though my dad is no longer with us, I still love being where I grew up and spending time there.  I know that when parents pass on things change, it will for me.  The home I grew up in will not be the same.  That's okay because God always has a plan for all of us.  
       As I sit here and think about what Christmas is really about.  I thank God for sending us his son.  Without my faith in Jesus, I would be nothing.  I can only be amazed at the story of the birth of Jesus every time I read it, listen to someone else read it, or watch a Christmas program where the little children enact it.  It's just beautiful in the purest form.

     Now, as I sit in this comfortable old chair, my thoughts seem to wonder here and there.  I think about all the gift wrapping I have yet to do.  I think about the food I have yet to prepare.  I think about family members out working in this cold rainy weather. I think about all my grands, those that live afar and those that don't.  Sometimes I wonder if there are other people who do the same thing as me.  I'd be naive to think there isn't, it's a big world out there.  
     As you can see this really isn't a blog today about any one thing in particular, but just a blog of thoughts on a dreary day.  Remember, this Christmas is supposed to be extremely cold.  If you know someone that could use a warm coat, blanket or even a warm place to get in out of the cold, please remember the Spirit of Christmas and lend a helping hand.  The smallest gesture of kindness can leave the biggest impact on someone.  
    Have a safe and wonderful week!