Monthly Archives: December 2017

It Has Been a Great Year!

Sunset Over Face Rock, Bandon, Oregon

Today, December 31, is the sunset of 2017.  Looking back over the year, it has been a good one.  It was a year of travel:  Orlando, Central California Coast, Phoenix, Palm Desert, Hawaii, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Washington Coast, and Oregon Coast.  It was a great year to be back close to my family in Central Washington.  Many fun times were had with old friends (the Whizzies).  Several old friendships were reestablished.

I do miss close friends from our wonderful years in Pennsylvania.  Hopefully next year I will make it back for a visit!

As the sunset of 2017 passes, many happy memories of a great year remain!

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Turn Around

Neighbor’s Trees

After the excitement of receiving the view of the gold patches shown in my post yesterday, I turned around and saw my neighbor’s trees silhouetted against the clouds. Quickly, I pulled out my I-phone again and received this additional gift.  Seconds later the beautiful sunset pastel disappeared.

I am thankful to have my I-phone camera ready at all times.  I can never anticipate when a gift will present itself.

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There’s Gold in “Them Thar” Hills

Sunlight on Selah-Yakima Ridge

Driving home late in the afternoon, I looked back in my rear view mirror and saw golden sunlight patches on the ridge dividing Selah and Yakima.  They looked like patches of gold.  The sight stopped me in my tracks.  I stopped my truck, got out, pulled out my I-phone and received this beautiful gift.  A few minutes later it was gone. I have never seen (recognized) such a pattern on these hills before.

Lesson Learned:  When I see a gift, stop and receive it.  It may never present itself again.

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Merry Christmas!

2017 Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!  May you all enjoy Christmas with your loved ones.  It is a time to step back, reflect, and be thankful for the wonderful lives and blessings that our Lord has given us.  

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Tonight is Christmas Eve

This little reindeer is not ready for his Christmas Eve journey.  It looks like he will be missing it tonight.  A reindeer in pajamas???

We found this ornament in Saks on Fifth Avenue on my first trip to New York City.  I had been dragging my feet to visit the City.  Why would anyone in their right mind want to fight all those crowds.  Being an old country boy, I sure did not!  But my patient Karen finally convinced me to go there to see all the Christmas displays. I was amazed, it was like walking through a wonderland of lights, decorations, music, and people having a great time.  The City was truly alive.  I did not even mind the crowds.

The trip was a great introduction to New York City and the first of many more to follow.  This little reindeer makes me smile as I look back on that first visit to NYC.

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My Grandmother’s Heart

My grandmother never had money to purchase “store bought” gifts.  But she always made us something special for Christmas.  I can remember one year when she made all us kids “stick horses”.  They were the best gift of the year.  This heart was the last hand-made gift that she made for me. During her last years, her special gift was a beautiful smile, a hug, and a Christmas kiss.  What could be better!  Her heart is always with me.

Over the years, I have followed her way and made many of my own gifts to family and friends.  The last several years, I have made just a few.  I will return to my old ways.  Thank you grandma for teaching me what gift-giving is all about.

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Only 3 Days to Christmas

It is only three days until Christmas. I think I need to add a little spirit to my postings.  Over the years we have collected Christmas ornaments during our various travels.  This one is from a kindle mart in Lubeck, Germany.  One evening after work, several of my German work associates and I went out for a “grog or two” in the town square.  The square was filled with little booths serving different libations and selling all sorts of Christmas gifts.  It was so packed that I could hardly walk.  Every one was jovial and full of Christmas spirit.  It was what I imagined an old-time Christmas season would be.  I found a little booth filled with wood ornaments and could not help buying a couple as I was downing my beverage.

Every time I look at this little bi-plane and angel, I think of my German friends and the special evening we had in the Lubeck town square.

 

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Not Every Sunrise is Bright

Misty Morning from My Backyard

The few days prior to this were beautiful orange and pink sunrises. The previous days in late November had been warm.  During the night, the temperature had dropped.  I was drinking my morning cup of coffee looking out over my back yard, waiting for another brilliant sunrise.  I was surprised as the sun creeped over the horizon exposing this misty view of the valley below.  Each morning has its unique beauty.

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A Mixture of Light

Seattle Japanese Gardens

My search for light continued.  This image jumped out at me when I was walking by.  Hard direct sunlight darted through branches above to highlight the leaves in the foreground.  Filtered soft light covered the background leaves.  Deep shadows hid the grass covered ground beneath the branches.  The combination provided an eye-catching scene.

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