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Bird Watching & A Sunset

This guy keeps my suet feeder empty.

Or either he has friends who look just like him.

The other day I was watching this European starling at another suet feeder.

He noticed me and flew up into the dogwood tree.

Then it came back, keeping a watchful eye on me.

Then I captured this strange picture.

It must have been shaking its head when I snapped the photo. I did not touch it up with photoshop – other than crop it so you can see it close up.

A cold, cloudy evening created a pretty sunset.

It was an interesting day.

Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important.

1 Timothy 4:8 (New Life Version)

A Red Sky At Night

A Sailor’s Delight

I don’t know if this saying holds true, but I thought of it at sunset on December 12 when I saw this sky.

Your faithful love is higher
than the highest clouds in the sky!

Psalm 57:10 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere.

James 3:17 (Contemporary English Version)

Holiday Concert

Fifth and Sixth Grade – Band, Orchestra and Chorus

Tuesday, December 11

When I got there Chris said she was surprised that it was so full when she arrived at 6:30 that we had to sit on the balcony.

I was glad that I had my long lens (55 – 300) along.

I was also quite pleased with my new Nikon D7000. These photos were all taken without flash.

When taking pictures of the Jazz Rock Band, I was surprised to see my brother’s grandson Andrew (royal blue).

This is why I was there – to see our granddaughter Gloria (in pink) singing in the chorus.

The girls are smiling because…

…the boys were doing turkey movements when singing Turkeys United.

I liked the shadows as the Jazz Rock Band played while the chorus left the room and the band came on stage.

While using my camera as binoculars, I found Charlotte (left) daughter of friends from our church – Jerry and Jenny.

Then I found Elsie in percussion (red & black dress) daughter of friends Kraig and Janet – also from our church.

The Christmas Stomp was a cute song played on upside down trash cans…

…and the lids.

There was also lots of clapping.

 The directors – Sara (chorus), Shenna (orchestra – yes, she is pregnant), and James (band).

Time for photos of Gloria – these by her mom.

Our pretty Gloria

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Thanks for inviting us, Gloria

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Above all,

you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

Philippians 1:27 (New Living Translation)

A Delightful Dinner

At Cafe 24 Hundred

This annual evening of relaxation with our Pennsylvania daughter and daughters-in-law is always a highlight for us. Days and months and years are filled with routine and stress, so I treasure this time of talk and laughter.

I especially treasure it tonight as I listen to the memorial service in Connecticut. Good relationships are something to treasure and nurture.

When we saw peppadews on the menu, each of us wondered what they were, so I asked our waiter if we could have a serving to share.

I think each of us liked them except Debbie. They were a combination of sweet and hot. I will be looking for them in a supermarket.

Kristen ordered this meal – I think it was the Tenderloin Tip Sandwich.

Deb’s French Onion Soup and Pretzel Bread.

Chris’ 24 Hundred Market Salad…

…and french fries.

My Tomato Bruschetta…

…and Roasted Mushroom Soup.

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Each of us commented on how delicious everything was. 

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We had a waiter who was helpful and quite fun, which added to our refreshing evening.

Kristen, Debbie, and I chose ceme brulee for dessert…

…and Chris chose her favorite – chocolate lava cake.

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Remembering the evening make me smile.

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The Lord Almighty is my strength.
He makes my feet like those of a deer.
He makes me walk on the mountains.

Habakkuk 3:19 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

Pampering Our Feet

Monday Evening, December 10

On Monday evening I took “my girls” Deb, Kristen, and Chris out for our annual night of pampering.

We started by putting our feet in a regular pedicure water bath.

When the first part of our pedicures were finished we were asked to dip our feet in hot paraffin – three times.

Next our feet were put in baggies.

Then this amazing scrub was put on our legs.

Then our legs were wrapped in hot towels.

This is the most amazing time of the evening’s pampering.

Removing the paraffin always comes too quickly.

Then it’s time for the hot rock massage.

Happy Feet

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Join us tomorrow night for a delightful dinner.

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Pursue those things which bring peace and which are good for each other.

Romans 14:19 (GOD’S WORD Translation)