Two days ago, thunderstorms with intense lightning knocked me offline.  Yesterday, sleet and light snow pelted our state, but the earth's warm temperatures melted all, leaving tan grass behind.  Since this morning's temp was a bone chilling nineteen degrees F., I decided to stay inside and share some of my current reading material. If you'd like, grab yourself something warm to drink and come sit for a spell.  I have my hot tea mug clutched in mittened hands. Due to the Diva and Bear's Tae Kwon Do schedule, I have more time to read than ever, and I'm perusing all of the following in a kind of loop.  Whichever book is in the car, is the one I read that day.  Some are nonfiction, and others are created out of whole cloth, but you'll see they have a recurring theme. This post could be titled, "I'm a bit obsessed" but,...

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how I hate your lights. I hate them when they tangle.  I hate them when they lie dead. Oh Christmas, oh Christmas tree, how I hate your lights. The tree is up, and once I changed all these bulbs, it is shining bright, but it took superhuman effort again this year.  I don't understand why.  It should be so easy, but it's not. Still, I liked how these bulbs looked when I replaced them.  My friend, David, from A Photographer's Garden Blog wanted us to square our photos today, and this was the best I could do.  To answer his question, yes, I do see a lot of subjects squared when I'm taking a photograph.  I thought it was a fault.  Goes to show what I know, eh?

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, defined as: 1. the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye ; specifically representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance b: a picture in perspective. 2. the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed (places the issues in proper perspective); also point of view; the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance (urge you to maintain your perspective and to view your own task in a larger framework — W. J. Cohen. 3. a visible scene ; especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : vista; a mental view or prospect gain a broader perspective on the situation. What does this have to do with...

This weekend is an opportunity for me to remember that for which I am grateful.  We ate with HH's enormous family yesterday, and my small one comes over this Sunday.  I'll get to have dressing then because I'm preparing much of the meal, and it will be gluten and casein free. Following are my top ten reasons for being grateful for this moment in time. 10.  I live in a country where we are still free to worship God as we see Him.  This is a freedom much of the world does not enjoy. 9.  That, although much is made about the food at Thanksgiving, it is an opportunity to break bread and spend time with our friends and families. 8.  That a five-year-old child, my nephew, came to visit and made me remember what it's like to love fast cars (Hot Wheels), Batman, a soft, green blanket named Silky...