A Curious Christmas

Well, here it is, Christmas Day. And it really is a different kind of Christmas. For one thing, it is warm, very warm for Christmas (no complaints here!). Gotta love South Carolina in December. Secondly, no kids. Sad, really, that they are so far away. But it helps to know that they are having a good day, a really good day, opening gifts and enjoying all that Christmas has to offer in the eyes of a child. No worries for them about the economy, or having to go back to work, nothing that would diminish the excitement of the day. No gifts under the tree. We had decided last month that some cosmetic work to the kitchen would be our gift to each other, we both complied...no gifts. Sort of sad, really. Quiet day, laid back, kind of nice, but something missing. But then I begin, in the quiet, to think about the real, I mean the REAL, meaning of Christmas and enjoy the ability to think about what I really do have that all of the hustle and bustle of the "normal" Christmas would have taken away. I have the simplicity of knowing that I have the greatest gift of all. I have the presence of an almighty God that came to earth as one of us....I can almost hear the clip-clop of camels, smell the fragrance of the gifts, feel the rough surface of the manger, hear Mary softly singing a lullaby. There is something to be said for such a curious Christmas. One that takes me to the Word and to the Christmas story. I will soon be seeing the kids, sharing their excitement and complaining about the cold weather. I love Christmas and all that it brings, but I

give thanks this year, to God, that is is just Him and me, unwrapping the Greatest Gift of All...

More Pictures of Mepkin Abbey-Enjoy!

Cook Wins Idol!

I knew it all along, from the very first show..that Cook was the man to win! It was a great Season 7 of Idol, and the competition was fierce right up to the very end. David Archuletta has a wonderful voice, but let's face it, he's a kid and has a long time to make his mark in music. I have CLOTHES much older than him! The music this season was great, I especially liked the Beatles shows...but these kids probably were not even familiar with their music...talk about making me feel old. Anyway, I can't wait until the first Cook CD......I will be rockin! In the midst of all of the awful and crazy things we are exposed to on TV, Idol is a refreshing relief from all of the bad news and takes us to a fun place on Tues. and Wed. nights. I will really miss it!

The "Granny" Bike

Yes, I have finally graduated to a Granny Bike! In an undying effort to take off a few (well, maybe more than a few) pounds, I thought that biking would be just the thing. However, I am finding that in my Golden Years, leaning over the handlebars is not for the aging! The toll on my arms and wrists is not worth the 1/2 ounce that I may take off of my "other" parts! I love to bike and feel safe and secure on my Wal-Mart special! All I need are some tassels for the handlebars, a basket and a horn! Toot-toot-here comes Grandma!

A Place of Quiet and Rest

No, I am not talking about the living room sofa! The most peaceful and tranquil place I have ever visited is Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, SC. From the time you turn off the dirt road into the tree-lined driveway into the abbey, nothing is the same. The peace and quiet overtakes you and the only sound you hear is the singing of the birds. The welcome center greets you with a cozy bookstore, many hand made crafts, and fresh eggs from the farm run by the monks.
You can stroll the gardens, or take guided tours to the monastery. There is not a more beautiful spot short of Heaven. The grounds were once a plantation owned by Henry and Clair Boothe Luce, who are buried on the grounds. You can walk, sit, read, meditate, walk a labrynth, or even take a weekend retreat. For a sneak preview of Heaven, this is the place to go!