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DEAR READERS: Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and no Thanksgiving would be complete without the traditional prayer penned by my dear mother:

Oh, Heavenly Father,

We thank Thee for food and remember the hungry.

We thank Thee for health and remember the sick.

We thank Thee for friends and remember the friendless.

We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.

May these remembrances stir us to service,

That Thy gifts to us may be used for others.

Amen.

Have a safe and happy celebration, everyone! -- Love, ABBY (and AFTR)

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“And the days dwindle down To a precious few, September, November - And these few precious days I'd spend with you, These golden days I'd spend with you



Maxwell Anderson quotes (American Playwright, 1888-1959)

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Faces from the Past:

A portrait of the American Indian – CNN Photos - CNN.com Blogs

Dear Abby: After 31 years of marriage, my wife and I have split up. We love each other, but after the kids moved out we realized we have little in common.

What is an appropriate Christmas gift for an ex-wife? We are on friendly terms and will probably spend the holidays together with our children. I don’t want to give a gift that will offend or encourage her. — Free Man In Pennsylvania

Dear Free Man: How about a gift card from her favorite store, or a lovely scarf or colorful shawl, or if she has a hobby, something to do with it? None of them would send the wrong message.

Wouldn't it be funny if Ahso! wrote that?

AnneBoleyn;1442020 wrote: Wouldn't it be funny if Ahso! wrote that?


It is a possibility.................



Tabby's thread about Nicolas Cage's hair inspired me to post this video:

Today, just for fun:

Group climbing | Perfectly Timed Pics

It's all in the timing.

Photographer Alex Prager stages facinating imaginary scenes in her work, "A Face in the Crowd"



Interesting.

along-for-the-ride;1442017 wrote: Dear Abby: After 31 years of marriage, my wife and I have split up. We love each other, but after the kids moved out we realized we have little in common.

What is an appropriate Christmas gift for an ex-wife? We are on friendly terms and will probably spend the holidays together with our children. I don’t want to give a gift that will offend or encourage her. — Free Man In Pennsylvania

Dear Free Man: How about a gift card from her favorite store, or a lovely scarf or colorful shawl, or if she has a hobby, something to do with it? None of them would send the wrong message.




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DEAR ABBY: I'm a 58-year-old male. My wife divorced me last year after 33 years of marriage. Must I wait the recommended seven years before dating? I heard I must wait one year for every five I was married. -- READY OR NOT IN MICHIGAN

DEAR READY OR NOT: I wonder where you heard that! The answer is no. At 58, you had better start soon. You're not getting any younger.

:wah:

Christmas Deco......Grand style:

Christmas on the estate: 6 grand houses - CNN.com

For me, this would be to my mother.

For you?

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This is so cool, I had to share:

Love this! Love it, love it, love it! Love you for finding & sharing!

That is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Ooooo. I like it!

To my family in Maryland and North Dakota:

"Merry Christmas, across the miles, Although we're apart, Thinking of you at this time of the year, And sending you love-filled wishes from the heart."



My son's mother-in-law is recovering in a hospital from an auto accident in North Dakota and my sister just called from Maryland to tell me my Dad is in the hospital from diabetic complications. He is 86. Please pray for them.

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This photo was taken at work today. It's of me, my boss, and assistant manager decorating our Christmas tree in the Personnel office. The desk you see is mine. The assistant manager (with the glasses) is about to retire at the end of the year.

(I didn't know someone was behind me taking the picture.)

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Sunrise, sunset

What you're born with is what you get

Let your fear just pass away, then your love will fill your days

I know

I need so little, yet so much

Child's sweet laughter, woman's touch

I can't say just what is real, all I know is what I feel

I know

The time it is today, and we must find our way

My heart it clearly states, the answer's not in hate

I once believed that love was but a dream

But now I know that love's a flowing stream

They're lying, killing, they're pushing their rules

They tell you the prophets all are just fools

But I know different and I won't be used

It's they that are lost, it's they are confused

Sunrise, sunset

What you're born with is what you get

All your worries, all your fears

They don't change the passing years

I know

26 random acts of kindness to try today | MNN - Mother Nature Network

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Dear Abby: What’s the proper response when a woman tells you, “You’re a lucky woman to have such a good husband who loves you so much? That phrase bothers me because I feel it is a slap in my face — like what am I, chopped liver? Am I not worthy of a wonderful marriage and family?

It is usually said by women who are unfamiliar with our lives and the struggles we have both endured since we met each other. Do I say thank you? Smile? Ignore it? I would never tell another woman she is lucky to have her man because I feel it’s an insult. Am I overreacting? — He’s Lucky, Too, In Colorado

Dear He’s Lucky, Too: Yes. The women who acknowledge how lucky you are may be comparing the way your husband treats you in public to the way they are treated by their husbands. Instead of being defensive, smile and say, “I agree. We’re lucky to have each other.

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Today, Music Boxes and how they work:

DEAR ABBY: Christmas is coming, and I dread it. I have only my brother, his wife and their kids. I'm on Social Security disability and I barely make it each month. They buy me gifts, but I feel embarrassed to accept them because I can't buy anything for them. It makes me feel small.

Even though I have nothing to offer my nieces, my brother and sister-in-law persuade me to go anyway. They are financially much better off than I am.

I lost my wife a year ago. I see everyone else having someone in their lives and I feel alone. There's just me and my dog now. The holidays hurt. What can I do? -- MISERABLE IN MASSACHUSETTS

DEAR MISERABLE: You have something to give to your relatives. It's the gift of your presence. If you have a talent, share it with them.

Because this is your first Christmas without your wife, it's no wonder you feel alone. At this time of year, many people do. A way to lessen the sense of isolation would be to do something for someone else. If you're able, volunteer at a food bank, a homeless shelter, a senior center. It will give you less time to brood, and you will feel welcome and needed.

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DEAR ABBY: Would it be a breach of etiquette to enclose a self-addressed, stamped (blank) thank-you note with gifts I plan to send to my grandchildren, since they do not respond when I mail them gifts or cards? -- GRANDMA IN MARSHFIELD, MO.

DEAR GRANDMA: I think it's a great idea as a last resort -- and no, it would not be a breach of etiquette to do so.

Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Hubby's sister, Martha, passed away quite suddenly this morning. She was more than a sister; more than a sister-in-law. She was a dear friend. We will miss her.

My condolences, AFTR.

Has your father improved?

Thank you, tabby for your condolences. Hubby and I went to his sister's home yesterday to be with her husband and sons and grandchildren. Martha had all her Christmas decorations up with tree and presents under the tree. She also had her from yard decoration with the white wooden reindeer Hubby had made for a few years ago. Beautiful, but sad. Today is the viewing and tomorrow is the funeral.

Navigating the holidays without a loved one - CNN.com



My father is in a rehab center close to his home. He is getting the care he needs and I am sure his friends from the Church he attends have visited him regularly. I live in Georgiia and he lives in Maryland, so I've been depending on news from my siblings who also live in Maryland.

Leaving the hospital and going into rehab sounds like a step in the right direction. I hope he continues to make progress!

tabby;1442916 wrote: Leaving the hospital and going into rehab sounds like a step in the right direction. I hope he continues to make progress!


Thanks, tabby...............I sure hope so. :-4

Prayers of Intercession

God of the ages, all around us we see the lights of Christmas, we hear the sounds of joyful celebration; at time, we struggle with how to respond. As the nights have grown longer, sadness and emptiness, loneliness and pain wrap around the hearts of many of us, eternal God. We aren't' always able to put into words that which causes us to feel melancholy rather than joyful. And so we turn to you, O God, with all our pain, and lay it at your feet:

for some, a love one has dies, for others, a friend has moved away; still others have lost a job, a cherished dream, or a sense of hope. Some of us might be feeling worried, trapped, insecure, adrift or alone. Some may be grieving what might have been, but will not be, or grieving over what used to be, but cannot be anymore. Some of us may simply be in need of a place of quiet and calm in an otherwise busy season. Whatever it was that has brought us here, we offer it to your, mighty God, you, who were born frail and innocent in Bethlehem's stable, that we might know of your great and unending love for us. We know that there is no pain that does not echo in your heart, O God, and no joy that does not come from your hand. We know, we trust, we believe that through all the shadows of this world there still yet shines the light of your love. For this and for all of the ways that you have touched us, we give you thanks. In our darkness, and in the darkness of this world, we pray that your light will continue to shine, bringing us peace, bringing us hope, bringing us joy, and bringing us the amazing gift of your love. Comfort us and strengthen us, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, who is God with us. Amen.

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Yesterday, with my daughter and Hubby. We also visited my sons grave and placed some flowers there.



The Christmas season is kind of bittersweet this year.

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And i wake up in the morning with my hair down in my eyes and she says hi

And i stumble to the breakfast table while the kids are going off to school, goodbye.

And she reaches out and takes my hand and squeezes it and says how you feeling hon?

And i look across at smiling lips that warm my heart, and see my morning sun.

And if that's not loving me, then all i've got to say,

God didn't make the little green apples, and it don't rain in indianapolis in the summer time.

And there's no such thing as dr. seuss or disney land and mother goose, no nursery rhymes.

God didn't make the little green apples, and it don't rain in indianapolis in the summer time.

And when myself is feeling low, i think about her face and go and ease my mind.

Sometimes i call her up, at home, knowing she's busy.

And ask her if she can get away, meet me and maybe we can grab a bite to eat.

And she drops what she's doing and she hurries down to meet me, and i'm always late.

But she sits waiting patiently, and smiles when she first sees me, because she's made that way.

And if that ain't loving me, then all i've got to say,

God didn't make the little green apples, and it don't snow in minneapolis when the winter comes.

And there's no such thing as make-believe, puppy dogs or autumn leaves, no bb guns.

God didn't make the little green apples, and it don't snow in minneapolis when the winter comes.

Introducing my family and some memories:



Do you have some old home videos?

along-for-the-ride;1443195 wrote: Introducing my family and some memories:



Do you have some old home videos?


I have some of my children when they were little but under the threat of death I'm not allowed to put them up . But yours are gorgeous

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

Charles Dickens



It's true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul.

Caroline Kennedy

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Today, travel and history:

8 very old sites in the New World - CNN.com

'Twas The Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,

Every creature was hurting -- even the mouse.

The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;

Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, while

Upstairs the family continued to snore.

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,

Went into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror.

The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;

The patch on his jacket said "U.S. POSTMAN."

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox

Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.

Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.

Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

"Now Dillard's, now Broadway's, now Penny's and Sears

Here's Levitz's and Target's and Mervyn's--all here!!

To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,

Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!"

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.

He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,

Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,

"ENJOY WHAT YOU GOT ... YOU'LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!"

Author Unknown

Happily, Hubby and I are not in this situation.

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When I was thirteen:

From 2013 to 1963: Looking back at a pivotal year - CNN.com

is the bar open yet? i need a drink...

Hey Wolverine! Thanks for stopping by. It's so nice to see you here again.



My horoscope for today:

December 30, 2013

Leo(7/23-8/22)

Today you are full of an easy energy that will carry you past any pettiness that might erupt around you. Instead of annoying you or testing your patience, the frivolous people you will meet up with today will be a great source of entertainment and fascination. People watching has never been more amusing than it will be today, so find a spot where you can watch the world go by. Observe and you will be shocked, amused, angered, and a little bit moved.

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New Years Traditions around the World:

http://news.yahoo.com/video/whoknew-yea ... 00281.html

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DEAR ABBY: I thought I'd share my own New Year's resolution with you. For the past 25 years I have made the following resolution: Each day I will ask myself, "What is the kindest, most loving thing I can say or do at this particular moment?" I invite your readers to consider this. -- WAYNE IN PUYALLUP, WASH.

DEAR WAYNE: I consider it a refreshingly positive way to start a day, and I'm sure others will agree and add it to their list of New Year's resolutions. Thank you for sharing it.

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A Calendar of Sonnets: January by Helen Hunt Jackson

O Winter! frozen pulse and heart of fire,

What loss is theirs who from thy kingdom turn

Dismayed, and think thy snow a sculptured urn

Of death! Far sooner in midsummer tire

The streams than under ice. June could not hire

Her roses to forego the strength they learn

In sleeping on thy breast. No fires can burn

The bridges thou dost lay where men desire

In vain to build.

O Heart, when Love's sun goes

To northward, and the sounds of singing cease,

Keep warm by inner fires, and rest in peace.

Sleep on content, as sleeps the patient rose.

Walk boldly on the white untrodden snows,

The winter is the winter's own release.

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January 05, 2014

Leo (7/23-8/22)

You've been dealing with serious matters for a long time and just recently rediscovered the art of play. Of course, it's like riding a bike -- and if anyone can get back on and show the rest of the world how it's done, it's definitely you. So now, when the chance to hop on presents itself, it's up to you to take it, wholeheartedly. If your best friend or your other half happens to be around, take them along for the ride.

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Winter's here. We might as well grin and bear it.

An Old Man's Winter Night

by Robert Frost

All out-of-doors looked darkly in at him

Through the thin frost, almost in separate stars,

That gathers on the pane in empty rooms.

What kept his eyes from giving back the gaze

Was the lamp tilted near them in his hand.

What kept him from remembering what it was

That brought him to that creaking room was age.

He stood with barrels round him—at a loss.

And having scared the cellar under him

In clomping there, he scared it once again

In clomping off;—and scared the outer night,

Which has its sounds, familiar, like the roar

Of trees and crack of branches, common things,

But nothing so like beating on a box.

A light he was to no one but himself

Where now he sat, concerned with he knew what,

A quiet light, and then not even that.

He consigned to the moon—such as she was,

So late-arising—to the broken moon

As better than the sun in any case

For such a charge, his snow upon the roof,

His icicles along the wall to keep;

And slept. The log that shifted with a jolt

Once in the stove, disturbed him and he shifted,

And eased his heavy breathing, but still slept.

One aged man—one man—can't keep a house,

A farm, a countryside, or if he can,

It's thus he does it of a winter night.

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Today, a little music:

Just for laughs.........

Humans are silly: Upside-down photos - CNN.com