Year's End

" Thy goodness has been with me during another year,

leading me through a twisting wilderness,

in retreat helping me to advance, when beaten back

making sure headway.

Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead;

I hoist sail and draw up anchor,

With thee as the blessed Pilot of my future

as of my past..."

The Valley of Vision

Have a Happy New Year!

I look forward to spending time with you on the porch next year. We will dig into Titus 2, read from books on purpose, see what's on the menu, and dedicate ourselves to making our house a home! Thank you for joining me.

From the porch,

Alis



Tis The Season

Good Morning Porch Pals!

As we approach year's end, I would like to remind you that it is time to clean out the spice cabinet.

Here are a few tips to enhance this chore:

1.) Test- Remove all the spices from the cabinet. Line them up and then one by one, open them and sniff. You should smell a strong odor. If this is not the case, your spice has expired. It will be flat, flavorless, and boring. So will any dishes that it is added to.

2.) Toss- Get rid of old spices. They do not need to take up space. You could wash out the jar and lid and reuse it. Simply adhere a new label with tape or a label maker.

3.) Treat- Most stores have spices and extracts on sale during the holidays. In fact our local market has the store brand marked half-off. Treat yourself to new replacements. Add one per week. Walmart has spices in the Hispanic foods aisle for around a dollar.

4.) Taste- Sample something new. Try a curry or a tangy spice blend. Trying new things will enhance your recipe repertoire.

5.) Tally- Keep a tally of your spices on the inside of the cabinet door. As you run low on one, make a note.

It's really very simple. I like to keep my spices in alphabetical order. That may sound extreme at first, but it is a real time saver. I can easily see if I have something and quickly locate it.

Dear readers I hope you will savor this experience. Take lifeless to marvelous by checking your spice expiration dates at least twice per year.

Adding flavor to your home,
Alis

Bed Rest

Victoria Rose Graphics

    "Give me summer weather in my heart."



Dear Friends,

Today finds me sick in bed. In decades past I would have tried to sweat it out, literally "stepping" to music that motivated me to move up and down, and sweat. What a silly notion to think I could perspire a bug right out! Later, came the "clean it " years. With some bleach and sanitizing wipes I'd give each germ walking papers!

More recently, I have learned to embrace this rest. It has afforded me time to pray for a neighbor who is sick with cancer. I spent most of yesterday thinking about her, and what she must be thinking about. I will not complain about this cold. I am more content to knock on the doors of heaven and intercede for my friend. For this I am grateful. Thank you God for purposeful rest.

Quote is from The Valley of Vision.

With warmest regards,
Alis

When Breakfast is on the Menu

Welcome Friends!

What a pleasure to meet with you again after the holidays. Let's just take a jiffy and check out the porch. Most of the greenery is parched and the red ribbons are unfurling. The once tightly wrapped garland is
weary and sagging. The overall mood is implying that it's time to take down, renew and refresh.

Inside, the teetering towers of crumpled wrapping paper and remnants of packing peanuts litter the ground. I'll have to admit that the room is upside-down. This temporary status of my space is swelling with keepsakes and memories of Christmas. Cleaning up will validate the very real truth that this year's celebration is indeed over. I'd rather hold on a little longer.

Perhaps a piping hot breakfast will delay the job for a few more hours. I know, let's make Upside-Down French Toast! This recipe comes from an old Girl Scouts book. It's delicious.


1/3 c. butter
1/3c. packed brown sugar
1 8oz. can crushed pineapple (drained)
4 eggs
1 c. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
6  1" thick slices French bread

Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Melt the butter in a 13x9 baking pan. Stir in brown sugar and pineapple.
In a shallow dish, beat eggs, milk and salt. Dip bread slices into egg mixture, letting bread soak about 10 seconds on each side. Arrange bread slices on top of pineapple mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Spoon on a serving plate, upside-down.

Makes 6 servings.

Have you ever noticed what happens when breakfast is on the menu? Families have more energy for the rest of the day. Lunch doesn't seem nearly as far off, and most of the family lingers... long enough to say, "I love you!"

Things will be right-side up in no time! Enjoy this easy recipe and let me know what you think. If I can make this busy day uncomplicated, all of us will have a better day!

From the porch,
Alis

Melancholy Holly

A tender note to my readers from the porch,

It would be amiss to expect that all the supporters of this blog are joyous and content this Christmas Eve.

"Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow..." How I've wished that we could universally retire that song!

Let's face it, many of us are not together. Fate didn't acknowledge us. The song fibbed. I've been there.

I've had the meltdowns at the market when someone has asked how I'm doing. I've entertained thoughts of cancelling the celebration. I've glossed over while trying to shop in a world full of "happy" people. I've screamed at God and demanded WHY! I know how you're feeling.

And too often changes feel like more loss. However...

If you will have faith the size of a mustard seed, it will get better. The picture of the drawing above is a hand drawn card that I wrote in 2007 to a couple of family members. In the center I taped a mustard seed. I was living in a nightmare. It took my whole being to believe that life would get better. 

If this Christmas Eve finds you suffering I would propose that you remember the mustard seed. One day your weak knees will be strong again, your shattered heart will find hope again, and your upside-down world will turn right side up. It happened to me. I'm living proof.

I'm pained by your current position. But I am confident in this; we are not comforted so that we can be comfortable. We are comforted so that we may become comforters. I believe Spurgeon said that.

Hold on,
Alis

Thank You Notes

A Good Morning to You!

I hold the opinion that once a woman is ninety years of age she has received enough slipper socks, rose-scented milky white lotion, and chocolate-covered cherries to last a lifetime. She wears her "I Love Grandma" t-shirts under a chenille robe and has stacks of acid-free photo books next to her favorite chair. Her bookcases and decorative wall shelves are lined with figurines of cats and puppies and crosses and hand bells or collector spoons. She is full of pride when she speaks about her family and hesitates for a minute as she tries to recall the great grand children's ages. I want to be her.

The woman above has seen the seasons change. She was that new bride, the new mother, the keeper at home. Next, she was the grandma that offered to sit with the children so that mom and dad could have a deserved night out. When those children had grown and started families, she was the senior at the wedding, and then the great grandma that everyone talked louder around. She was lovely before, but is beautiful now because she has a cast of glory surrounding her. Hers is not a new journey beginning after the reception, but a slow walk to the end of a journey.

I hold the opinion that an appropriate gift for a woman who is ninety years of age is a thank you note. A handwritten token of affection for the woman who started our story. 

Here is an excerpt.

Thank you for allowing me to help you so that I could feel trusted.

Thank you for your perseverance so that I could feel invested in.

Thank you for sharing family stories with me so that I could feel connected.

Thank you for loving my grandfather so that I could see what a relationship should look like.


For Christmas this year I sent my grandmother a thank you note.

I couldn't get to the mailbox fast enough. Those four scribbled notes of a lifetime of memories, stuffed in an envelope, a size too small, are the best present I could have ever given her. Someday, I want to be her.

Grateful from the veranda,
Alis

And the Winner Is...

Good Morning!

The winner of the Pure Integrity candle giveaway is... Lady Rose!

I really enjoyed the thoughtful and encouraging comments left by my readers. Thank you for taking time out of your day to follow my simple thoughts on faith, family, and home. I am inspired to share further with you, as we tend to our homes and families together. May we increase in our knowledge of how to take care of them best, always with a grateful heart.


Lady Rose, you will be enjoying hours of fragrant interiors. I'm so happy for you! Please leave me your email address so that I can contact you for shipping information. You may select from Evergreen, Clove, Cranberry Spice or Bayberry.

Blessings to all.

From the porch,
Alis

Getting Merried Continued



Or share our favorite recipes...



Make hot chocolate at the "station" with the children...don't forget a stool for them!



Where we can watch the snow fall...



Exchange ideas as we dream by the fire...

 Perhaps an e-book by this title is in the making. I would love to see what you're doing to decorate your homes this year. Won't you leave a tip before you run?

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great JOY."
 Matt.2:10

Alis

Getting Merried!

Good Morning Porch Pals,

 I had the privilege of opening our home to a large crowd for a Christmas banquet. I kept it simple, planned activities for the children and let everyone bring part of the meal. Playing a game with the group was fun. I was able to make the room look festive on a budget, and get creative with what I had on hand. Here are a few photos and tips. 

First, create an atmosphere that smells fresh as the outdoors, by using greenery from a greenhouse or leftover branches from a freshly cut tree.

Next, keep the meal simple. The point of hosting a meal is to spend time with the guests and get to know them better. We chose stockpots of chili with three toppings, crusty bread, two salads, and 9x13's of cherry crunch for dessert. Let everyone bring part of the meal.

Invite children! It's hard to find sitters during the holidays. We set up a hot-chocolate station for them to enjoy and purchased small toys from the Dollar Tree that we wrapped and put under the tree. That gave them something to play with.

Play a game. There are so many web-sites that have free ideas. A simple google search can provide plenty of options. We played a game with pennies that we placed on top of the water glasses ahead of time. Each guest had to tell an event from the year the penny was issued.

Use tea-lights, glittering ornaments, fruit, or even candy canes for the centerpieces.

Borrow folding tables and chairs. Don't be afraid to move furniture away from the room for a night. We hosted twenty guests in our front room. Banquet tables topped with colorful draping and coordinating place settings look regal!

Make sure the temperature in the room is comfortable. We kept a warm fire going.

We played instrumental Christmas music from an under-the-cabinet player.

From the minute your guests enter the foyer, they should be your primary concern. It was your invitation that brought them to you. Leave other cares aside.

Welcome them into your home. Look forward to the next time!

Swinging with you,
Alis

Who I Am

I am more sinful and flawed than I ever dared believe. Grace won't be amazing if I don't embrace that truth.

I am more loved and welcomed than I ever dared hope.

I am completely forgiven and God has no wrath left for me. If I can't believe that than I haven't embraced the cross and what it says.

As I "prepare Him room" I am humbled that He would come as a Savior for someone like me. The reality of that makes me want to work with excellence toward getting my heart and home ready.

It is my prayer for you, dear readers, that today you'll focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love,
And wonders, and wonders of His love.

Isaac Watts, 1719
George Friedrich Handel, 1742



Wonder at His love,
Alis


The notes in italics are from Elyse Fitzpatrick, Shepherd's Conference, Grace Community Church.

The deadline for giveaway entries is Wednesday.

I love you K. in California.

Giveaway Details

Ladies, I have a special treat for you! I am giving away an extraordinary gift to one of my blog followers.

 For years I have enjoyed Pure Integrity Candles. They are all natural, and hand poured in a seven-step process. Made from soy wax, they are naturally clean burning. These highly-scented candles are presented in a frosted glass jar with a solid wood lid. They have an all cotton wick.

They are made in the USA.

This candle is 10 oz. and will burn for hours! Please never leave a candle unattended. Also, wicks are like rose bushes, they need to be trimmed.

All you need to do is leave comments in the box provided. You will see the word "comment" following a post, just click on the word, and a box will appear. Don't forget to provide your name. I will select a comment line at random on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Enter as often as you'd like. Just say "hello" so I know that you stopped by.

Bon Chance! My dear readers, I hope you win! This candle would make a great hostess gift too.

Your porch companion,
Alis

Your Honor

Greetings from the porch!

My husband built our wrap-around porch, one summer with the sun too hot against the back of his neck. He set the brackets for the posts, framed the concrete, poured the concrete, set the posts, framed the ceiling, and painted. To my delight, the porch added space to our space. Suddenly, I had a place for pots, benches, and buckets of life, overflowing. Pots of tomatoes, pots of blue and red potatoes, pots of daisies, and roses, and squash. Oh my stars, how I admired his work.

He is the one person that I honor.

Some of the most beautiful words about love ever written are found in Song of Solomon 8:6-7.

"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the Lord.
Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
he would be utterly despised."

So, love is:

1) Unyielding in marriage, as death is to life

2) Intense, like the brightest flame

3) Invincible, even when flooded by difficulty

4) So priceless that it cannot be bought, only given away.*

* Notes from John Mac Arthur Study Bible.

I am so grateful for the one that God has placed over me. It is a privilege to value and esteem him and honor him, because it is the Lord's will.

Love is a lot like building a porch. Laying a foundation, framing, and setting posts to keep it strong.

Where are your affections? Who is hearing your praises?

"My beloved is mine, and I am his..." Song 2:16

From the porch,

Alis

Dress Code

This morning the patio is a sheet of thin ice. Brrrr! I'll be wearing my layers today. In our region appropriate dress is so important, because the weather changes so often.

Some of us are required to wear certain clothing to the workplace. There are strict guidelines where I work. In fact, it is a violation not to dress to code.

There are benefits to uniforms. School uniforms help us to easily identify students. Red and tan wardrobes help us to pick out who works at a large supercenter.

As Christians we have a dress code. When I put on anything other than that attire, it is like walking barefoot into a diner. I'm just not dressed like I should be.

In Ephesians we are instructed to "take up the whole armor of God." That includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. Even a sword, which is the word of God.

There is a reason for putting on that outfit. It helps us to withstand the evil that comes our way.

Just yesterday, I was reminded about dress codes. My son forgot to wear his belt. Then I came across a woman at UPS, who let me know that she wanted to race. We both had our eyes on the finish, a better place in line, and she used her training in hurdles to overcome me. I was dressed appropriately and so I let her win. (This time!)

What will you put on today?

Slipping and sliding on the porch,
Alis

God With Us

I'm embellishing Christmas cards this morning while I watch the wind cause havoc to the bundles of greenery, tied with red ribbons, on the pillars of the porch. It's blustery!

But inside, as I prepare to mail tidings of joy to family and friends, I am captivated by this verse, "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Is. 7:14
Last Sunday our pastor pointed out that the world never asked for Him. Did you catch that? Would you stay in a dumpster downtown and never want to crawl out? He came because He loved us, that much. You shouldn't spend another Christmas wondering if He loves you. Your Christmas could be different this year. There is Good News to send! It doesn't have to end on December 26. Consider Christmas. Consider love.

..."Thy infinite love is a mystery of mysteries, and my eternal rest lies in the eternal enjoyment of it."*

It's still raining my dear readers. It's not cold enough this morning to snow.
These pretty little cards from the Dollar Tree that only needed a ribbon to turn them into something lovely are a perfect rainy day project.

..."When I feel the tender rain, may I think of the gospel showers that water my soul."*

Immanuel, God with us.

Have a blessed day,
Alis

*The Valley of Vision- A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Arthur Bennett 1975

When Cookies Are On The Menu

There is something exceptional about a homemade gingerbread cookie. Is it the way the aroma of cloves and nutmeg steep into the corners of the kitchen? Or the textures of the molasses and butter colliding against the wooden spoon? Is it the sprig of ribbon tied to the top, in the hole punched there? Or the icing piped in curlicues fancifully around the edges? I doubt it!

Get real! It's the devouring them in your mouth part!

Have you ever noticed what happens when cookies are on the menu? Children smile wider! Schoolwork gets done faster, and the oven keeps the house warmer.

Gingerbread Cookies

1c. sugar
3 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine the ingredients above and then add:

1c. melted butter
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1c. molasses
3/4 tsp. vanilla

Mix well. Lastly, add:
4c. flour (one cup at a time)

When the dough is smooth, roll out 1/4" thick on a floured surface. Cut into shapes and bake on greased cookie sheets at 375 F oven for 7-10 minutes.
Recipe from kellishouse. blogspot.com

Do some baking mom!

From the porch,
Alis

Stuck in the Mud

Have you ever been so thick in the mud that you walk out of your mud boots?
Do people ever make you feel that way? Have you ever needed to "take five" just to wipe off the mud and get your boots back on?

The next time you're stuck consider Elisabeth Elliot's words,

"When I looked at that person who had offended me

through the "spiritual eye", I saw in him

one of God's instruments to teach me,

instead of one of the devil's to torment me.

I saw something more.

I saw a person God loves, and whom he wants

to love through me."

I'll go get the hose. We need to do some wash'in.

Swinging with you sister,

Alis

A Taste of Home

I'll never forget the year that Taste of Home Cooking School came to our small town community center. There I was in the audience with hundreds of others, mostly women, watching test-kitchen specialists demonstrate recipes right out of the magazine. Their kitchen team made everything look so easy!
My neighbor D. was in the audience that day. We would talk later about the dishes we would try to make at home. Nothing was easy after that day.

D. soon found out that she had cancer. I packed berry boxes that summer full of fresh fruit, colorful produce, and nourishing meals to take to her. I tried to include rooster themed gifts, because she shared my love for roosters. The conversations were not long. Mostly, I would hold her hand. D. would shout out in pain and I would sit, praying to God to make it stop. Every time I left D.'s house she would say, "I love you!" and I would reply, "I love you back!"

About a month after D. was gone I opened the mailbox, and there inside was an issue of Taste of Home. I had no idea why. It made me cry. There was a card attached that read, "A Gift From D.D." It takes an amazing woman to think of others while cancer destroys her. To think that D. did that for me while she was dying is immeasurable. As I wept, I whispered, " I love you back!" And I do. Every month!

D. and I both got a taste of home.

Remember dear readers that it is all about the relationships we have. There is no greater gift than love.

From the porch,
Alis

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Deut. 6:6-9

Books on Purpose

What a beautiful morning from the porch! The sun is playing laser tag with the frost on the lawn. Rabbits are running for the wood pile, and nature is waking up all around me. The frozen mud cracks under the weight of my feet and my breath makes puffs in the early air. It's a good morning to read! Inside, mind you.

There are three books on my nightstand right now. The Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson, Building Happy Memories & Family Traditions by Verna Birkey and Jeanette Turnquist, and Treasuring God in our Traditions by Noel Piper.

Each of these books offer a woman useful and practical advice. I'd like to draw an example from Noel's book. She defines a tradition as "a planned habit with significance." I want my traditions, (and we have several), to have significance. A planned habit sounds like it requires preparation. Preparing Him Room. If I put those two ideas together, they indicate that I need to prepare to do something with importance and meaning. The way I exercise my traditions is critical.

My girlfriend once told me that she cuts the tip of her roast off before she cooks it. She does that because her mom always did that. The funny thing is, her grandmother cut the tip off because that's the only way the roast would fit into her small roaster. Do you do things out of habit, and yet can't explain why you do them?

Mrs. Piper teaches that our traditions tell "who we are." They are a part of our identification as a family and their repetition keeps us connected.

I will be sharing with you some of our traditions in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I would love to hear from you concerning your Christmas traditions.

With Joy,
Alis

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

1Cor. 10:31

When Soup is on the Menu

Weekends are for spending with family and friends. Last weekend we were invited to a Soup Supper. Several families brought stockpots full of their favorite soup. The hostess added a variety of fresh baked breads, butter, and delectable desserts. A few in the group had spent the morning tree hunting. Our host family's home smelled of pungent pine. Most wore blue jeans with the bottom half still wet with snow. Some had "hat" head, from their pom-topped knit hats and red noses from the cold. Babies slept in laps, dads fed hungry children, while moms shared decorating tips and friendship.

Have you ever noticed what happens when soup is on the menu? Friends visit a little longer, hands warm, clutching chunky ceramic mugs, and hearts warm
to sharing moments together, making a memory.

This is a souper recipe, and if doubled, will serve 12. It doesn't require any fancy tools or know-how. In fact, it's simple and rustic, and homey.

Cheddar and Potato Soup

Saute 1 diced onion in 4Tbs. butter. Add 1/4c. flour, 1tsp. dry mustard, and 1/2tsp. cayenne. Stir for three minutes. Add 4c. chicken broth, 1 1/2c. diced carrots, and 1 1/2c. diced potatoes. Bring to a boil. Now reduce heat, and simmer for thirty minutes. Add 2c. half-and-half, and 3c. shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste. Serves 6.

MaryJanesFarm Dec.-Jan. 2011

Don't forget that when you work with cheese ladies, it's important to use a low temperature, and bring up the heat slowly. You don't want it to overheat and separate.

From the porch,

Alis

Ten Things to Do on Christmas Morning: When all the Gifts are for Him

Ten Things to Do on Christmas Morning: When all the Gifts are for Him

T.N.T.

Do The Next Thing

"Do it immediately, do it with prayer,

do it reliantly, casting all care.

Do it with reverence, tracing His hand

who placed it before thee

with earnest command.

Stayed on omnipotence, safe

'neath His wing,

leave all resultings,

do the next thing."

I first heard this from the lovely Elisabeth Elliot at a conference in Reno, Nevada. This poem is written about an old Saxon legend. During this season of hustle and bustle, we can all feel overwhelmed. When you don't know what to do next... take the T.N.T. out of your pocket, and blow stress away. Just do the next thing. One step at a time.

With you sister,

Alis

Help! I Don't Feel Anything!

It's been a few weeks since the "anniversary". Every year I've tried to do something productive for someone else on that day. Sure, in the middle of preparing a meal, visiting a sick friend, or delivering an eye-pleasing bouquet, my mind has gone there. The voices that announced the news, the smell that lingered, the shaking and disbelief...
Until this year. Those familiar phone calls stopped. Nobody checked in. I didn't rush to the cemetery. Frankly, I didn't feel anything. And that's when I began to question what kind of person I must be!
Phrases from the world whispered to me, "See, you're over it! You're just like everyone else. Your heart has moved on."
The good news is that I didn't buy it. I did feel something, and it was perfect peace. Peace that I can't explain. A peace so internalized, that it could only come from one place, one person. Do you know Him?
If He could take that woman, rocking in a fetal position on the kitchen floor, almost vomiting from pain and loss, and transform her into someone who wants to tell you, dear readers, that it does get better, than imagine what he can do for you!

You keep him in perfect peace

whose mind is stayed on you,

because he trusts in you.

Is.26:3

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those

with whom he is pleased.

Luke 2:14

Have another cup, stay awhile,

Alis

When the Whole Thing is Just Too Much!

Sweet porch friends, I have a confession to make. Cooking a turkey is a challenge for me! Last year, I bought my half-priced, day-after Thanksgiving turkey, and it was too large for the oven. I had black, billowing smoke surging from the windows, even with the fan on, because there was not adequate air space surrounding my bird! Well, that's for the birds!
I bought a turkey breast from Zacky Farms this year and I have been renewed! It took no time at all. I still creatively put together all the traditional sides, but did not have any stress from a long-necked Tom!
We will have plenty of leftovers for the sandwiches that we so love.
Next turkey time, make a thyme-roasted turkey breast, if you can get away with it.

Swinging with you from the porch,
Alis

The Cookie Tree

In the corner of the dining room, next to the rectangular-shaped window that looked right on to West Street,
stood the cookie tree in all its glory. The Saran-wrapped ornaments, tied off with white curling ribbon, hung gracefully from each level of boughs. These delicate decorations had all been fashioned by a woman who paid attention to detail. Each pretty adornment was a cookie.
My grandmother was a details kind of girl. That is what I loved most about her. That may be why I have the Aunt Chick's Cookie Molds now.
The cutters have deep carvings in them that transfer over to the special recipe dough. One can't help smiling at the wink from Santa's cheery brow, or feel small under the majestic star of Bethlehem, or want to leap at the sight of the reindeer.
I have not assembled a cookie tree every year. Hand-painting the baked cookies is time consuming. My grandmother was generous enough to embark on the crafty project even with very disabling arthritis. I'm sure she did it for us. I can remember crawling on my belly from the bedroom, while she was sleeping, just so that I could pluck a cookie from the back branches. A covert cookie operation!
Sometimes a memory becomes a memorial. This year, as a tribute to Fluffy, I can't wait to erect a cookie tree!

Frozen Pipes

To begin with, it's much too cold to sit on the porch this morning. I'm afraid it's rather unfriendly. The ice pools that have leveled inside the planters make it clear that winter is here. However, I have a plan that you'll like. We're going inside, by the fire, to sip one of my favorite winter cures. I'm inclined to share Nonnie's individually wrapped biscottis. Gingerbread-Pecan will go well with our Cider & Spice from R.W. Knudsen.
Simmered with orange slices, it's naturally delicious with no sugar added.

This morning the pipes to the kitchen and washing machine are frozen. An icy obstruction is limiting the flow of fresh water. And I'm reminded that my pipes get frozen too. The windpipe specifically. My dear readers, I let icy obstructions limit the flow of fresh encouragement that comes from my mouth.

The moment the sound of rhythmic drops of water force their way through the faucet, I am ready to use them. Those precious drops I've waited for that were paralyzed at the source. How a timely word is the same!

I will encounter countless people today who have been living with plumbing problems. They are used to limited amounts of fresh water or live with leaky faucets that waste fresh water, only to collect in plastic buckets under the sink. Stagnant. That pains me. How refreshing a good word is!

Any moment, a gush of frigid water will splash into the waiting tub below. I will position the handle over to the hot supply line and use it well. It is so much more effective.

A thank you, a simple note, a brief call, a prayer... all good protection against frozen pipes. Mine are thawing!

Hope it's been restful,
Alis