POETRY AND A PHOTO

ASSEMBLY

It is said the sense of smell
Remembers longest and best.
So when we catch cinnamon aromas,
Scents of pumpkin pie and roast turkey
We grow all sentimental
For holiday and home.

Or when we are reminded of the darkened gym,
The lighted stage, the cardboard stable
And the glitter glue star;
Or sing shepherd songs of angels in the silent night.
Again we feel the childish anticipation
No matter what our age.

But houses, churches and lighted halls
Would be hollow, empty and even disquieting
Without the warmth of folks we love and know.
Whether dressed in plaid bathrobes and towel turbans
Or just standing near to touch and share.
Our fellow people are
What is our home.

Photo and poetry by me

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

It has been difficult to get the feeling of Christmas with only the two of us, plus our giant black cat, in the house. We really miss the joy spread by youngsters as they help with decorations and cooking. However, we were able to witness a special Christmas pageant the other night that really warmed our hearts. A group of twenty or so children gathered on the warmly lit stage to sing, “This is the season beloved of the year.” By the next verse they were joined on stage by three little girls dressed in white and one in a glittery gold star costume. They gathered around the hand-held microphone and, with huge smiles, sang their part, “This is the new star, shining so bright, Lighting the world on that first Christmas night. These are the angels proclaiming the birth, Singing ‘Hosanna!’ And ‘Peace on the Earth!’” Mary and Joseph entered dressed in bathrobes with scarves on their heads and laid their Baby Jesus doll in the manger. Next came the shepherds also in their little robes and carrying their grandpa’s canes. Finally, on hands and knees, followed a three-or-four year old dressed in a wooly lamb costume. “These are the shepherds, humble and mild, Hast’ning to worship the heavenly child.” Mary and Joseph stepped center stage. “See the sweet mother, Mary so fair, Joseph who guided the donkey with care.” While they were thus occupied the lamb rose up on its knees, put its front “hooves” over the edge of the manger and peered at the child; then gathered the “baby” up and cuddled him while Mary, Joseph and the rest of the children finished the song.

Merry Christmas!

Children are an heritage of the Lord--Psalms 127

BLAME CANADA

Ice on the eves of our house

Almost every year at around this time we experience what is called THE ALBERTA CLIPPER. So named because Arctic weather drops down out of the Canadian Province, Alberta, and sends the temperatures below zero (-17C). Sometimes the thermometer readings continue to drop until -40F equals -40C. And things usually stay that way for days and even weeks. School does not close unless it gets down to -20 because the buses won’t run and it is dangerous for anyone to stand around outside in those conditions. According to The Weather Channel, Montana and the Dakotas are getting the icebox weather plus a big snow. New England is recovering from an ice storm that took out the electricity, among other things. Hubby had our snow thrower all primed and ready to go so he was able to move the big ridge of snow left across the driveway by the snow plow last night. Our house is so snug we can’t hear the wind blow thanks to the hours and hours spent in the attic installing insulation last October. We send best wishes to those who have to travel on icy roads and put another log on the fire.