Skal to Absent Friends

Good Afternoon!

Our day has gone by quite quickly! We have just returned from going on a nice long walk with our Blue! He just LOVES the snow! We have at least 3 feet of snow; and the large thick snowflakes are so gorgeous! Did you know, that no snowflake is the same? A bit of trivia for you.

On our inspirational walk, I noticed the beautiful stone walls around everyone's tid gardens, in the complex where we live. The stones are in stark artistic contrast to the volcanic blanket of snow! Also, a large branch was in the roadway; Alan moved it; and I picked up a few tidbit pine cones, which are now drying out on our kitchen table. Our digital camera needs a battery; so no pictures today; just in our minds instead.

We also met one of our neighbours; and she gave us a bit update about her husband's ill health. Alas, things do not look bright for him; so we will Pray for 'David'; with the hope he will recover. He has a very important appointment in two weeks; so more will be determined at that stage. She knows now, that she can easily call upon us, should they require any help, or in case of any emergencies. Alan is great at driving in the snow; plus our car is a 4 wheel drive; and is exceptionally good in snow. However, in these very delicate winter conditions, I leave all driving to him!

Tidbit - There are NO coincidences! We were glad we ran into our neighbour; and she at least now has been given a bittid of encouragement and enlightenment. Once again, He says: "It is better to Give, than to Receive"; and we felt quite uplifted for the 'encounter' as well!

Bittid - Joyfully appreciate your health and all your Blessings! This is the time to calmly reflect and be genuinely grateful! It is like celebrating 'Thanksgiving' all over again! We live each and every day as if were a 'Thanksgiving'; and always remembering to 'Praise Him In ALL Things'; regardless of one's circumstances! Perhaps, some of you, can relate!

Am about to go and make the delicious cranberry sauce; and tomorrow Alan will make his infamous Scottish Oatmeal Stuffing, and voila - we will savour a wonderful turkey dinner, with all the trimmings! Home Made gravy, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, etc. Mmmmm. Am starving already! LOL! Also polished our (from my Mum and Dad) antique silver dinner utensils today; and do they ever shine; so 'my parents' will be there with us, in spirit! Our table is now festively set (for three); and we are looking forward to spending Christmas with my son. Fortunately, he lives approx five minutes away; and Alan can always pick him up, if that is his wish.

We will also do a very special 'Skal to Absent Friends'- a Norwegian custom, to toast those that have either passed away; or those living, but not able to be physically present. One generally never says who they are 'drinking to'; however, I will be honouring my parents; Alan's Mum, as well as my son's Grandmother. His Grandmother, my ex-mother-in-law, was a lovely woman; and we were good friends.

Am also going to go and enjoy a fire; it is a perfect afternoon / evening for one! It will be dusk within 20 minutes. Love the above photo image! We have that particular oyster plate (you can refer if you wish, to my earlier posts) and I laugh a tid, whenever I pass by the item, which is most of the time! The man is clearly enjoying his bit oysters!

Happy Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas and, Skal to 'Absent Friends'.

God Bless.