Having a Father in heaven and a Good Shepherd who looks after me and our family.
My wife, family, and pets
A satisfying job and great employer
Nearness to nature
Learning to enjoy what I have, rather than getting what I want.
This year, Todd was able to spend a week with us, away from a pretty hectic job in Nashville. We saved some more complex outdoor lighting efforts for him.
Todd and Suz work on outside Christmas lights.
Our daughter Amy and her family joined us on Wednesday with their 3 grandchildren, 2 dogs Zoey and Holly, and new kitten Marcel. We played Oh Hell (a bridge-like card game)and enjoyed a couple of decent movies at home.
Zoey, Emily, and Todd relax around the fire after a movie.
We attend mass on Thursday morning. I think of my father who passed away earlier this year. It seems odd not to be making the almost daily trips with family to see him around the holidays. Gregg disappears Thanksgiving afternoon to watch the Packers play. They continue their unbeaten streak; he emerges from the TV room in a good mood.
Connor enjoyed splitting wood by hand the hard way and with the mechanical splitter. Emily and Catrina like to hike along the trail and IN the creek. They call it "creeking." Great fun, especially for me to see the excitement in their eyes as they see an animal track, recall a previous creek adventure, or explore a new branch of the creek.
Catrina proudly celebrates slippery climb up side of waterfall ledge.
Several family members set out on Black Friday shopping missions. I managed to dodge participating without seeming to be a grinch.
God's handiwork along the Buckeye Trail. Thank you, Lord.
The visitors left on Saturday. The house suddenly seems empty and quiet...yet it is nice to have the place back to ourselves. Our two dogs, Gabbie and Tess, rest up around the hearth. I run the vacuum; Suz cleans floors and bathrooms. Life is good. In a few weeks we'll do it all again at Christmas.
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