Sunday, December 31, 2017

Goodbye to 2017

I woke up this morning in a Winter Wonderland. Before leaving for church I brushed the snow off my car into the street so Sergio didn't have to clean that shovelful (or two or three) off the driveway, 'cause I'm nice like that, and drove through a Christmas Card world. On the way home the snow fell off wires and branches in huge fluffy clumps. It was glorious!

On the way home I stopped to get gas, and then ran in Barnes and Nobel to pick up a couple of books that didn't come in time for the holidays. I meant to buy only the two books I'd ordered, but the fifty percent off Christmas sale sucked me in. I found a nice holiday puzzle, and a picture book to give my grandkids next year (I bought five copies.) and then I saw these really cool Advent calendars with no chocolate involved. (I bought six. One for me because it feels like I've lost the excitement of Jesus' birth in the commercialism.) I'm hoping to recapture some of the wonder I felt as a small child as the birth of Christ drew near, and hopefully pass some of it on to my grandchildren.

Rachel and I took our brother out for a ride through the frozen countryside this afternoon. She has good snow tires and it's a good thing. We drove down snowy back roads past snow covered bison and the Brantling Ski Slope where die-hard skiers were braving frigid wind chills. Brave souls! Tim was treated to his "small chocolate Frosty, please"before we returned him to the house. I am blessed to hear him speak short words and phrases, and grace us with hugs when it's time to go. He watches out the window as we get in the car and drive away.

Tonight, although I was invited for chicken soup at the house in Williamson, I am here in my attic room. It's cold and blustery, and I've been fighting that sinus pressure again this weekend. I decided to toast the New Year with a capful of Nyquil and tuck myself into bed. 2017 will soon be a memory. It was a year full of joys and challenges, laughter and tears. I can't say I'm glad to see it go... Some people are always bidding good riddance to the past year, as if it was some kind of plague... The New Year will come bringing its own blessings and sorrow. There will be pain and celebration, just like always, and many reason to smile and be grateful.

7 comments:

  1. ...my best to you Martha in the new year. I saw the bison twice in the last few weeks, once before the snow and then knee deep in the white stuff. Which church is this? Stay warm and always have your camera and a spare battery with you!

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    1. The photo is the East Palmyra Presbyterian Church. My sister and I drove by it on the way to see our brother in Newark, but that is not where I go on Sunday mornings. I have been going to Browncroft Community Church in Penfield.

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    2. Honestly, I googled "East Palmyra Church" because of the sign out front and came up with a few of your photos that helped me identify it. (Thank you.)
      :0)

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  2. Happy New Year, “little sister” (because you’re shorter than I am).

    I hope you feel better soon. I was sick with the same sort of ailment on Christmas Eve. My whole family went to Christmas Eve service, but I stayed home. I feel better, but still have a cough that is hanging on.

    I plan on joining you to see Tim in 2 weeks.

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    1. Happy New year to you too!

      I'm feeling better today and trying to drink lots of fluids. This cold has been a recurring issue. Just when I think it's cleared up, it's back again in sinus headache form. Thus the Nyquil.

      Oh, good. We need to see you more often.
      :0)

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  3. Your camera captures such beautiful postcard pictures. I love the one of Rachel and your brother walking ahead. That's a keeper. Love you dearly Martha, and praying new joy and life will be yours this year.

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    1. It's been like a living postcard around here lately. Treacherously beautiful. Love you too, Wanda. Thank you for your prayers. I need them very much.

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