Even in winter... the outing ends at Speedway!

Go ahead and chuckle... I did... My kids all but cheered when I turned into the driveway at Speedway. No matter what the season, the temperature or the time of day... our adventures are not ended properly until we stop for a drink. Today was no exception. Little traditions... small happiness... it really doesn't take much to my children happy.

Breakfast with Mom and Dad...

On the weekends my children are with their father, I very often share breakfast with my parents. Yesterday was one such happy day. It doesn't matter to me where we go, I am just glad to be in their company. Good conversation and companionship are all that truly matters. (Though I must confess that I like my coffee cup filled and I sincerely like fruit and yogurt parfaits.)

On this last Sunday in Advent, as we think about the coming celebration of our the birth of our Saviour, I give thanks for the ones who were entrusted with my care. Like the candles we have in advent and the song so many of us were taught in Sunday school... they were and are "Lights" in this world.

Day in and day out, through the good and the bad, my parents' kindness and love have shone to so many, including myself. Today, I ask you to consider those who have "shone" in your own life. May we all, be lights as well.

Today,
Tomorrow...
Always...

I wish you only the best.
May you be blessed.

an unusual day...

This morning I got up and headed out to find donuts. Before ordering, I called my father to see what kind he and my mom would like. It turned out that they were headed out to breakfast and invited me to come. With a happy "yes", I changed my plans and my donut order. I dropped donuts off at three stops instead of four and met, " my favorite parents in the whole wide world" (insert grin here... they are of course my only parents).

After breakfast, I headed up to Highbanks Metro park in search of a hike. I had checked my meetup groups and no one was hiking. I packed my pack and determined that the trails at Highbanks looked interesting and I would head out solo. I have cell coverage in that neck of the woods and I figured I couldn't be the only person in Columbus who thought the day looked lovely.

Pulling into the parking lot, I opened my trunk and began hunting for my hat. I had a hoodie on under my coat, two pairs of gloves and socks and a scarf but it was a bit blustery and I was worried that without a hat I could become a little cold. So, I stood with my back to the parking lot and was digging in a school bag for my hat. I knew it was in there but there were so many "extra" things I was having a problem finding it. I was talking to myself... yup... I admit it... when up from behind me I heard a voice teasing me about my conversation.

I turned to see an old acquaintance. We said hello and I thought... huh... wonder why he is here. I put my hat on and headed into the nature center to get some trail advice and immediately ran (almost literally) into everyone I was hiking with last weekend.

It turns out that many of the members of my main meetup also belong to another outdoor group. I was invited along as a guest and we headed out. Up and down the trails we went. Enjoying the snow and the company. They are sincerely nice people.

Three and a half hours later, I found myself sitting around a table at an Asian buffet and trying frog legs and mussels. (Just an aside... the frog legs were delicious, the mussels in bean sauce... tasted like the mud from whence they came...yuck... If you haven't tried either, give them both a try and see what you think!)

What an unusual day... my solo hike... wasn't solo... Highbanks is beautiful though and I wasn't disappointed by the trails. I'll be back often this winter, I have a feeling it will become one of my favorite local parks.


Today...
Tonight...
Tomorrow...

May your adventures bring you blessings.

Happy things

Hot cocoa on the stove top...
makes me smile...

Pinatas in the classroom...

Christmas lights that twinkle when I walk my dog...

Cookies to munch with my coffee...
Cards to read and to send...

Happy things...
Good things...

May your day...
your tomorrow...
your always...
bring you some of the little blessings...
that sustain our joy each day...

Pajama Day!

Today is Pajama Day!

There will be games.

There will be treats.

I've heard a rumor that there may be...

There just might be...

fun!

Happy thoughts to you...

whew...
it has been...
a busy week...


May your night...
your tomorrow...
your forever...
bring you blessings...

I am hoping after the holiday party...
after all the excitement...
to find a quiet trail...
and hike until my mind is quiet...

Only the best wishes for you and yours...

My family!

At my hike this past weekend, one of the women asked if I had pictures of my children. I checked my cell and realized that because I had saved most of my photos to my "card" instead of my "cell" I could only find a silly picture of my oldest pretending to be a zombie. I was sad and shocked. Tonight, I took care of that problem and saved four photos to my phone. I'll be ready next time and I'll be able to happily share my kiddos with new acquaintances.