Planning a Caring Christmas

As people rush about buying things and wrapping their gifts or choosing gift cards or heaven forbid Cash I suppose they are seeking that wonderful feeling that we have when we can give something to a loved one that makes them smile, and feel loved, and feel understood, and feel cared about.

I love that feeling – and make it a practice all year long to be looking for some way to affirm others, to understand who they are, and to do what I can to contribute to them in a way that touches the spirit as it meets physical needs.

Sometimes I really fail at this and let my ego run the little program of blaming, labeling, condemning, and judging others. I find I fail most often with those who are closest to me – who love me so much that I know they will not turn away, in spite of the abuse.

I am engaged in the process of letting go of these material attachments so that the ego state will be noticed and stop thinking we are separate or different, or better, or worse than someone else. If I can notice the thoughts of separation and smile – I can return to the Love Center that is really me – that I am a part of – that brings joy and opportunity to spread the Love Energy to everyone I meet. This is a moment by moment process that teaches Presence in the moment – which is where we all live.

Ron and I are hosting a family gathering in the middle of December and have requested that our guests not bring us a gift and not expect a gift from us, but instead for each couple who is able to do so, bring a maximum cash gift of $25.00. We have selected the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service to receive a donation of the cash we receive.

My Son called this morning to say he and his wife have chosen the Humane Society to receive their donations – and reported that other family members have joined the cause to make this Christmas an example of Caring for Each Other. Instead of spending our time together opening gifts – we will spend our time together playing games – singing songs we love – sharing finger foods – and our heart felt Love for one another – no matter how different we think, no matter how different our life styles, and Celebrating the fact that in this Wonderful Life – We are all One – in the Spirit of Love.

Wishing you all a Joyous Christmas Season!

Thankful

The Viking Celebrates 70!

It seems like a good time to reflect on all the good things in life – since it feel like my cup overflows! What a great year Ron & I have experienced.


Ron is so much more healthy now – his heart is working very well – allowing him to have diabetic meds that make his average blood sugar within the good range!

I am feeling really good and back to water aerobics 3 to 4 times a week. I feel so much better when I can do that. I will be loosing one of my precious front teeth because of a bone disease – but hopefully not until next year! I want another Christmas with my TWO Front Teeth!

                                         Celebrating Valentines Day - with Gift Dinner from Cynthia & Mike

We had such a really great vacation – 3 weeks – in Idaho with my brother and family – in Yellowstone – and at my 50 year class reunion. I have kept in e-mail contact with several of my good girl friends since the reunion and it is great!

                           Alyce was and is a best friend.  She sends the best articles and e-mails.  Thanks Alyce.

                                   Ann - Elizabeth and I had lunch together every day during my Junior Year.

                            The house Tim came home to from the hospital - he was born when Debbie was 3

My wonderful daughter calls every evening, and my son Tim calls often in the mornings when he has a moment free. Grandson Jesse calls at least once a week and keeps us informed about things in Moses Lake. Eli shows up now and then just to see what needs to be done – like cleaning the roof and gutters or watering the garden.

Our home is so beautiful. It has kept us safe and warm since August of 1975. Ron & I both love it like a family member and plan to always be here – for as long as we all survive – us and our house.

                                           Hydranges dried, spray painted and sparkled add to my fall mantel.
The fall color has piled up knee deep all over our property. Ron & I spent the morning playing in the leaves – sending them flying over the hill so we can start again in the spring.

We are thankful for 3 loyal tenants who take care of us as well as we take care of them.

New friends show up – with love in their hearts and together we find ways to "pay it forward" for the less fortunate – who are also a gift in our lives – because they show us courage and strength and determination that lifts our spirits to another challenge.

We are thankful for you, friends, who send us e-mails – jokes – funny articles and inspiring stories. We are grateful to have you in our lives.

We are Thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Ron and Betty

Playing Hooky

Back to Life in Salem. It has been raining a lot – so when we saw a forecast of two rain free days – and warm weather Ron & I conspired to play hooky and head for the coast!

You must understand – for us – playing hooky is such a far out venture that the decision in itself made us giddy. Ron cancelled appointments and we took off – for a day off!



First through the Basket Refuge where we saw deer feeding on a hillside, a mature eagle sitting in a tree, two swans among thousands of geese and other water foul.



Then on to the Spirit Mountain Casino – where I read for an hour while Ron made an investment of $10.00 and returned with $94.00! That will pay for a nice lunch and gas!



The further South we went the more fog we saw on the Ocean – but we saw it – the Pacific Ocean! I love to visit the Ocean in the fall and I missed it this year due to our trip to Idaho.



South of Lincoln City we stopped for a wonderful sea food lunch at the famous "Mo's".



Then on to Newport to the Yaquina Head with lots of fog – pelicans and other sea creatures. Harbor Seals at the Head – and then once on the water front of Newport – California Sea Lions barking away.



Ron took a stroll onto the dock and bought two live crabs to take home with us.



Then it was home through Kings Valley with the beautiful fall colors – and a feast of Crab Louie!



Yesterday I painted my dried hydrangeas for Christmas decorations. Red and White with gold and silver sparkles promise a creative swag for my fire-place mantel.
Wish I had pictures to share but it appears I erased them!! Computers and Operators - Oh Well.



Happy Thanks Giving to all of our American friends and Love to all.