Remembering Sundays

Growing up in Gig Harbor our mother would take us to church most every Sunday mornings. Dad would help us get ready putting on our Sunday’s best however he did not go to church. We went to St. John’s Episcopal Church which mother still attends today.

Like most kids I am sure I did not get a whole lot out of church except hearing stories about Jesus along with David and Goliath. I am sure we heard about Moses as well in Sunday school.

Mother told me about an occasion at church and I am sure I was around eight years old when my brothers Dick and Jack along with me we sat up near the front of the church. She told me she had to take a year off from singing in the choir because Father John the minister at the time was not very happy with us. The thing was that we interrupted his sermon. I am sure he had something really profound to say. Anyway I was sitting in the middle of my brothers. You see we sat according to our ages and since I was the middle child I was in the middle. At that age I was restless so I could not stay still for very long. You see that irritated Dick so he started shoving me so I would stop being restless. Of course it was not part of my DNA to stop. Under the circumstance Father John stopped in his sermon and scolded us. This is the reason mother spent the rest of the year sitting with the three of us. Mom told me if she had to do it over again she would have had Jack sit in the middle so Dick and I would be separated. Knowing myself especially at that age I am sure it would not have worked either. Somehow Dick and I would have found some way to push with Jack being in the middle. I am sure we were not the only kids that did that in church at one time or another.

When I was in about sixth grade Dick, Jack, and I decided we would start walking home from church because we did not want to stick around church while mother had coffee and talking with other adults. Mother would pick us up somewhere along the route home. We knew how much talking she did depending on where we were picked up. For Jack and I we really did not walk because Dick was taller than either of us so we really ran to keep up with him. Dick had long legs and he would walk at a pretty good pace as well. Jack and I certainly got our exercise every Sunday for sure. Also, the first half mile or so was downhill as well. It was flat when we reached the harbor. I am sure we did not walk when it was raining hard though.

When we were in high school Dick, Jack, and I all joined the church choir. There were not very many men in the choir so they needed all the help they could have. There was one man who was about ten years or so older than me in the choir named Dennis. He told the choir director that I should have been given a tryout instead of automatically been put in the choir. The choir director told Dennis that I was in my high school choir and that it was good enough for her and besides he can sing better than you Dennis. Of course, that did not make Dennis a very good camper. After a little while he accepted me in the choir. He continued asking the choir director if he could sing a solo. This happened probably about a year after I joined the choir. After asking so many times to do a solo the director decided to let Dennis sing a solo. He did only one solo because he did such a bad job and forgot the words. I am sure he felt very embarrassed by the whole thing. I thought he sort of deserved it since he had been on my case in joining the choir and asking so many times to sing a solo. I do not remember how long it was before he left the choir and the church. It did not really have anything to do with the solo he took a job somewhere else. I wonder what ever happened to Dennis.

My fifth grade teacher Mrs. Eaton at school attended St. John’s Episcopal Church as well. I don’t think I had her as a Sunday school teacher too. She was one of my favorite teachers. What I liked most about her is that even into high school and beyond she always asked how I was doing. She has been died now for many years but I have very fond memories of her. She made me feel like I could accomplish anything.

So you see memories of Sunday’s are a very good thing. Usually after church we would have a nice lunch and play around the yard depending on the weather. Sunday I consider a family day so it was quite special.

Let’s Go!

Hi everyone it is the weekend so let’s go. I see for a lot of people though they look forward to the weekend they do many of the same things that they do during the week. Other words they do some kind of work instead of relaxing. Most likely they are working on an ongoing project which I think is a good idea to some degree however it should not be done during the whole weekend.

I know people who go to church on Sunday morning which is a good thing but then they off and on the go again. Like I say it is a good idea to some degree as long it is something they enjoy doing however I think to it is a good idea at least once a week to go off on a min-vacation. Get away and relax somewhere. The place only has to be a couple hours away but the point is that you are relaxing and doing something enjoyable that you like that you would not do the rest of the year. If you have a family take them with you or at the very least your partner. You can call it your monthly date. In the winter time going skiing or sledding during the time or hiking in the summer. The most important thing to do is relax.

I find that so many people are so busy almost all the time they do not know how to relax or what to do with their free time. I know some guys who get up an hour early and pray each day which I think is a very good idea. I would add meditation to that list as well. It could be during the hour of pray or right after praying. Spend a few minutes meditating on good things or thoughts. We hear or see so many negative or bad things going on all day so getting our minds back in a good frame will help us out. Another thing would be to take a few minutes and not think about anything at all. Also I would call it not thinking at all. I know it is a strange concept because we spend all our waking hours thinking. The problem is most of the thinking is either negative or non-productive depending on our jobs. Not thinking will take an adjustment for sure but I think it is a good idea for at least a minute or two beginning with and if we are lucky we can make it to five or ten minutes down the road.

Another idea I have concerning hearing bad news is when we see a friend to ask them what is good going on in their lives. So often we ask them how things are going and they say OK or tell us the negative things especially the older we get. At an older age they will tell you what is wrong with their health and we will respond by telling them what is wrong with us as well. I know a group of older gentlemen who meet almost every day over coffee. After a little while they realize that all they talk about is negative things they stop and start talking about positive things. If we start off asking how good your day is we are off to a good start. The state of our country and world there is plenty of bad news so hearing some good news is a good approach. Meditating is a really good way to get ourselves going for the day. Another avenue would be to meditate after taking a nap. I remember as a kid I hated taking naps because I felt like I was being punished. Now I look forward to a nap everyday even if it only fifteen minutes long. Since we have relaxed and ready to get going again meditating is a good way to get our batteries recharged.

So if you find your weekend is not much different than the weekdays do something to make the going a lot different so when we say “Let’s go” it is a positive thing. Enjoy your weekend and let’s go.

What to Write!

When it comes to writing I usually pick the title first and that is what I write about. I am not sure that is what most writers do though. I am sure many write their story and then pick the title.

I know this case the title is a bit different then what I have chosen in the past however this is where I am at. I decided to write about the overall picture and that is why I choose what to write as the title. I know that sounds weird however when I finish here we all the idea what I am saying. As a writer the most important thing is to write a story, and in my case I not only want to be a story I want others to be encouraged as well.

I write a lot about myself growing up as well as what interest me today. I want it to be interested to the reader which I believe is true or no one would be reading this blog. In fact, I appreciate every one that does read this blog. Not only do I believe the stories to be interesting but that many of us have things in common no matter where we live and come from regardless of culture and religion. I am a Christian however I know to that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others read this as well as those from many different countries. I believe the experiences that I have gone through that most people have regardless of their religion and country. Other words we have a lot in common as well as differences. This is in the same way as that I grew up and I have lived in a small town all of my life. I don’t think there is that much difference living in a small town compared to living in a big town or large city. I believe the difference is that in the larger cities what is called a neighborhood is like living in a small town. I know that might sound weird however I think it is true as well. No matter the size of the city growing up we live with our families along with having friends; the large city the children may have a bigger group to pick from then the smaller cities or towns. Growing up I had about twenty friends in my neighborhood and a few hundred in the town because everyone knew each other. Of course, we knew some more than others because of our neighborhood and schools along with who we hung out with but we knew each other’s name. There were about a dozen children that I went to kindergarten and around forty in first grade that I went all the way through school with. All though most of them I do not see very often these days I do keep in contact with some through social media. It is nice to see what they have become throughout the years and now that they have children and grandchildren. I find though I have other friends now that I have more contact with there is nothing more special than those I grew up with. They are like my cousins nothing is like them though I do not seem them often. When I do see them my heart leaps for joy.

Growing up times was not always easy for instance I had to deal with bullies like many have had to do today. I have written about that subject before and given encouragement that if you have a child today who deals with bullying it is very important that they stand up for themselves. I do not mean they have to beat the crap out of the bully however they must let the bully know that they will if the opportunity happens. We must all stand up for ourselves. Another area I think is sad that is somewhat related to bullying is suicide. I have heard so often even in my small town of Gig Harbor teenagers killing themselves. I know in some cases it is related to bullying and in other cases it has to do with being bipolar. Regardless of what is happening in their lives they need to know that being a teenager is a small time of their lives and they will make it if they just make it through those difficult years. The importance is that all of us adults let them realize this is true. I remember though when I was going through those times I felt there was no one to speak to however I have to say I was strong though even during weak times. Today there are more people they can talk to they just have to be willing to find someone to talk to.

Even this time I hope you enjoyed what I wrote. I look forward to continue writing about what is going on in the world and to encourage everyone. Have yourself a wonderful weekend and enjoy your family and friends.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Sister

What I consider one of the big days of the year beyond my birthday. The birthdays of all my family are the most important days besides Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 So I wish my older sister Barb a happy birthday today Jan. 7. She actually is my only sister as well. There is nothing like having an older sister. She is eight and half years older than me so I don’t remember her until she was a teenager and primarily when she went off to college. Most of my life I have known her as an adult so in some ways she is like a second mother. She used to take my two brothers and me when we were young to movies. I can’t imagine taking younger siblings to movies when you are a teenager but she did. I am sure we were trouble for her in those times.

When I was about four years old I was cooking eggs on the stove and my pajamas caught on fire. She was in the same room and called out for our mother to come and put the fire out. Barb was the one who saved my life that day. I am not sure what would have happened to me she was not there. I was in the hospital for six weeks and when Barb got home from school each day she took care of my two brothers while our mother would go into the hospital to spend time with me along with our dad. Barb sacrificed a lot in those years for my brothers and me. I don’t remember the fire experience at all however you ask Barb about that day tears will come to her eyes.

She went to college at the University of Oregon in Eugene Oregon. It must have been very interesting times since it was in the 60s. We made trips to visit her number of times to see her and our dad enjoyed doing some sail boat racing on the lake near Eugene.

Her first job out of college that I remember anyway was at a record store in Portland. What I remember was that she came home with the Beatles album “Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. I asked her how I could become a member. I would say now it is funny that I said that though I was somewhat serious at the time.

Barb went on to go after her master’s degree at University of Puget Sound in nearby Tacoma Washington. It is where she met her beloved husband Bob. They were married a couple months before I graduated from high school.

Barb and Bob have two sons Ken and Connor. In fact Connor’s birthday is tomorrow Jan. 8 so I wish him a happy birthday as well and Ken’s birthday is Jan. 18.;so very easy to remember their birthdays. Barb, Ken, and Connor lost Bob five and half years ago. You could see from the beginning of their relationship that they fit right together.  Many of the insecurities Barb had before meeting Bob were taken away when she met him. Barb did not finish her master’s degree and they moved to British Columbia and then onto Quebec a few years after their wedding. Both Ken and Connor were born in Vancouver. Bob was born and raised in Canada. His father Ken was in the Canadian Air Force. When we met Bob his parents at that point were living in Lakewood, Washington so we would spend holidays with them.  It was not hard for Barb to go to Canada because mother was born and raised in Canada. Barb was born in Seattle, Washington however spent some quality time with grandparents in Canada in her early years so she always felt very comfortable in Canada. So when her and Bob moved to Canada it was an easy transition for her. She comes for visits to Gig Harbor about once a year or so however Quebec is has been home for her many years.

So you can see how important family is for me and how it should be for us all. Again Barb happy birthday!   

Pressing Forward to the Mark

In the Bible there are many scriptures or verses you may call them that you can live by whether you are a Christian or not. One of the verses is Philippians 3:14 which begin with pressing forward to the mark or prize. It speaks about Christ and making it to heaven however those who are runners understand what it means as well.

So I see that whatever we want out of life we must set our mark toward the goal to receive the prize that we want. As a Christian my goal is to be like Christ. Part of the goal is to let other people know what Christ has done in my life and what he can do for them as well. I not only tell people about Christ and how he put his life down so others can live. He paid the ultimate prize for our sins so we can reconcile with God our Heavenly Father. Besides telling people for me to live a life that others will want to live as well. In our world we all live to some degree or another to live a life of selfishness. We may live that way in our actions including through family and friends. We can live though selflessness in the same manner for our family and friends. Often we call selfishness love however the greatest love is through selflessness.

Our goal should be to press on toward the mark so we can be as selfless as possible. We won’t totally fulfill it because selfishness is part of as well. In some ways selflessness may bring out the selfishness in us. I know that may sound strange saying that however it is true. Just think about the acts you may have done over your life so far. The actions you have taken that appear to be selfless if you think more about it you have done with a selfish attitude. Doing good deeds is a good thing however we often do it with the wrong motive. I know that I do those deeds sometimes that others will think I am a great guy and not just doing a good deed. We all have a desire to be accepted by others.

I am not here to judge others of their actions or deeds. In fact most of the time I do not even think of others actions or deeds just my own. Other words if you give me something that I will enjoy I will thank you for it and not think of your deed.

I am saying all this for us to become better people whether a Christian or otherwise. Let us all press on so we can receive the prize we desire. A good goal for 2016.

Hello January

Now that we have had said Happy New Year’s to our family, friends, strangers and acquaintances it is time to say hello to January. We are now done with Christmas, New Year’s and the holiday season it is important that we recognize and acknowledge January.

I know like many others I am still trying to fight off a cold that I have had just before Christmas. It does seem to be coming to a close however I wish it was done. On Sunday here in Gig Harbor we got our first taste of snow though it was not very much and only lasted a few hours. I hope we do get some more snow this winter. January is considered the rainiest month of the year so we will have some this week at least and probably longer. I can’t imagine though it could rain more than it did in December. We had over eleven inches of rain in December which is the second longest on record. We were very close in breaking that record, and January the average rainfall is ten inches.

I spent most of the weekend staying in doors to get over this cold of mine. I watched primarily football though most of the games were wipeouts. The most interesting and disappointing was the Oregon Ducks losing to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. The Ducks were ahead 31-0 at half time; however, they lost their starting quarterback and center in the second quarter. In the second half the Ducks forgot how to play defense and the backup center did not know how to hike the ball. The final score was 47-41 in two overtimes. The Ducks did have a chance to win or at least tie the game however the center had another poor snap of the ball on third down and an incomplete pass on fourth down to end the game. Certainly a game I won’t forget and I am not a Ducks fan.

Besides watching football on Saturday I saw the Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp on television. Though he did a good job playing Tonto the movie was very corny and I am glad that I did not see it in the movie theatre when it first came out. Speaking of movies unlike many people including yourself I expect I still have not seen the new Star Wars. I have heard mixed views about it however most enjoyed seeing it. I figure go see it in a couple weeks when the theatre is a bit thinner. Like I said it rains a lot in January so a good time to see a movie. Oh by the way January I am not going to hold it against you. For one thing my sister’s birthday and her two sons are both coming up in January. Her birthday and youngest son are both this week and the oldest is in a couple weeks. Since we are a distance a part I can only wish them a happy birthday on line or over the phone. Our mother always sends them a check where they can go out for a fancy dinner together.

So getting back to this being a new year instead of setting a new year’s resolution to get rid of something maybe a good idea is to add something as well. I really haven’t thought about it yet but I do think it is a good idea. I will let you know if I do come up with something.

January since it plans to be another wet month lets plan something we can do together. I hope it would be OK to have a friend join us as well. We can see a movie or play cards. How about it? I know you don’t have many friends so this year I am going to make an exception and have you joined in. I will not ignore you this year like I have in the past. Since there are only twelve months in a year might enjoy each one for what they are. We could think we are in Hawaii, South Africa or Australia which it is summer right now. Of course, there is South America as well. Though I plan no trips right now I can imagine I am living in a warm climate. It could be a good idea for all of us who live where truly winter actually lives. Oh by the way snow you can come back to visit this month as well. I am sure January would love the company. Anyway everyone have yourself a wonderful January even if you are back to your routines. Like I said maybe add something on.

Happy New Years!

 I am going to start off by saying Happy New Years to everyone. Personally I don’t think it is a big deal and I know it has been going on for centuries. Every country and culture celebrates the New Years in their own way.

I think it is a good excuse for people to have another day to party. In some countries like the USA it is a good excuse to drink. I am sure other places they may be doing a eating as well as drinking.

I look at New Years as a time to reflect and see what changes can happen in the year ahead. Some may call it New Year’s Resolution while I call it more into self-improvement. The problem though is many of us fall flat on our backs to improve. One area I would like to improve in is dieting where I can lose fifty pounds this coming year. Other words if I can lose one pound a week it will be good. Whether I can accomplish it I will see. In fact throughout the year I will let you know how I am doing. I plan to do some additional exercising to help lose the weight. I do some walking however 2015 showed me that I have to do more than walk to lose the weight. I believe it begins with strong will to do so and that is not an easy thing to do. In the United States we have so many different places we can go to keep the pounds on. I will spend less time at those places this year. I go to the coffee shop almost every day so I am looking at drinking more tea or soda like sprite or seven-up. They are both good when you have a problem with kidney stones like I do.

In a week my church looks to go on a fast for week. It can be more than just food. It may include spending less time on the internet and the social media along with the television. The purpose is to spend a week on more spiritual things to find out what will happen for the year. This is actually another thing I want to do is spend more time spiritual things throughout the year. What I hope for is to be more enlightened that I can share with others including this blog.

I am not sure how this blog will be this year; however, I do want to see some changes or maybe improvements this year. I am not going to change it enough that this blog will be a lot different. The basics will stay the same and the style I expect as well. I hope that when 2016 comes to an end we will all be better people.

A friend on one of my social media sites says that she wants 2016 to be a year where we met and have more friends. I find that to be something good for all of us. What I want most though is that every day we can have more of a smile on our face than the day before. Also, I like us to be able to be less stressful and feel real healthy. I lost several classmates in 2015 and I hope not so many in 2016. Hopefully health will keep us all in fine condition.

Not only will I continue to write about my hometown of Gig Harbor some of the time I plan to write more of the cities in surrounding area of Washington State. We have so much to offer for people to see whether to visit or live. Also, I want to continue writing about encouraging each other over the year as well. I would like to write about news stories that are uplifting too. May write about towns that could use encouragement as well; whatever the case 2016 we can make it into a better year. So when we say Happy New Year let’s make it really happen everyone. Yes if we really can we can make a difference in this world. So let it begin today and everyday forward.

What’s Next?

Now that we are coming to the end of 2015 and moving into 2016 we have to ask ourselves what next going to happen in our lives.

For many they decide to have a new year’s resolution where they decide to diet or exercise. Most of them are done with the resolution before February. Instead we all need to decide what we want to do in 2016. Besides diet or exercise it maybe volunteering or going on a trip that you have thought about before but never did. Also, it could be something you may thought about doing in 2015 or before and never got around to it. If you are retiring you have decided this is the year I am going to do all the things I had wanted to do for many years. Whatever the case it is a good idea to put the plan into action. You do not have to do it right away; however, it would be nice to set a date to do so.

I know that in January 2015 my plan was to make the year an adventure. I believe I did so to some point; however, I plan to expand the adventure. I still have to think about what that expansion will be but I do want it to happen in 2016. My mother is now ninety-five years old and I look after her right now so I do have a limitation of what I can do. It is hard to know how much time left she has. Just before Christmas she cracked her head and was sent to emergency where they put in twelve stitches in. They may be taken out today. In other words I do have plans when she is no longer around but they maybe several years away to being done the ways things are going. Of course, I do not want to implement those plans until she is gone so the time could be down the road I hope.

When someone goes into a job interview usually the employer ask where the employee plans to be in five years. A five year plan should be applied to your personal life as well as your job life especially if you plan to retire within the five years. It is another problem when you reach your 50s and 60s the employer usually does not look to hire someone in that age because they figure the employee likely will not be there long term. The problem I see in this thinking is often the younger people most likely won’t be there in five years either depending on the type of job is. We now know that people not only changes jobs at least five times during their life but they change careers as well. In fact I believe a young person most likely will change their career within the first five years of employment. On the other hand the employer may feel a younger person is easier to find to replace. Depending on the industry the older employer will likely be replaced because the cost is less for a younger employee. I found that here in Washington State where the Boeing Company when they hire a new employee they do not get the same benefits the older ones have had for years. This happened recently where a local newspaper replaced an older employee with a younger one because the cost would be less. The older employee was given a buy out for six months of pay. Still saves the employee money with the younger employee who has more skills for technology as well.

I have to say these are a good reasons to make plans especially if you are in the retirement age; however, plans should be made regardless of how old you are. Life seems to be so stressful these days so there are some individuals who are dying younger. I believe it is good to make plans that will make your life less stressful over the long term. So again ask the question to yourself what is next?

 

Winter Means Snow?

I always look forward to winter because there is a chance that I will see snow in my hometown of Gig Harbor. Actually we do not get as much snow as people may think from other places. On Sunday we did have a little snow mixed in with the rain for a little while. The snow never did stick; however, some places nearby had around half an inch of snow or a little more. There was at least enough for the kids to get out and enjoy themselves. This was the first look of any snow this winter and I hope we do get some in the next few weeks.

I know that some may think it is just a story; however, we used to get a lot more snow when I was growing up. It was not like we were getting snow on a regular basis but at least we were able to play in the snow at least once a year.  I know I was always excited when school was let out because of the snow.

This year we have had twice as much rain then for a normal year so I have not been able to walk as much as I am accustomed to unless I do so indoors. Right now I have a cold so it is even harder to walk. So with this much rain our mountains are having a real good year of snow. Last year we had a very down year for snow so good to have a lot this year.

You see Gig Harbor is right in the middle of our two mountain ranges the Cascades and the Olympics. It is one of the reasons we do not have as much snow. For example, Portland Oregon usually has more snow though they are two and half hours south of Gig Harbor because they only have the Cascades to deal with and not the Olympics.

At least we can see snow from a distance on a regular basis since we see Mt. Rainier. The Cascades and Olympics we can drive in about two hours so some people do go skiing on a regular basis. When I was a kid our family would take at least one trip to Mt. Rainier a year to play in the snow and go sledding. The area we went to is called Paradise and it made for a lot of sledding. They do have some ski lifts but most of skiing is by some other ski resorts nearby. I recommend that you go to Paradise when you come to a visit to Mt. Rainer with small children. There is a visiting center that you can go into as well. Paradise has the best view of Mt. Rainier. Besides sledding they do have several areas where you can go on daily hikes. One year when my brothers and sister in-law were home for Christmas we went snow shoeing. It was a grand time especially I had never had snow shoed before. We had to watch our steps though because my brother Dick and I both got stuck where we were up to our waist. We were lucky where we did not get stuck at the same time so my other brother Jack along with either Dick or me got each other out. I enjoyed every bit of the experience.

Though Mt. Rainer does not have many ski lifts there are several ski resorts that are very popular to ski at. Most people I know ski at Crystal Mountain which is the largest in Washington state. My brother Jack and sister Barb did some skiing at Crystal Mountain. I never got into skiing because I enjoyed playing basketball and only a few of my friends skied. One year while I was in high school Jack saw a friend from elementary school Mike who was skiing at Crystal Mountain. He asked to bring me along some time however I declined because of basketball. You see one year Jack broke his leg and I did not want the same thing happening. Now looking back at it I should have gone who knows I may have been good at skiing. Even if I was not skiing one time would have been a nice experience. Maybe I should put in on my bucket list to try.

If you are in an area that snow does come down during winter or you have the chance to go visit I would enjoy the snow to the fullest. Anyway continue to have a wonderful holiday this week.

Merry Christmas Everyone

I know that not everyone celebrates December 25 as Christmas for various reasons however I still want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas anyway.

Whatever you are doing today whether celebrating Christmas or not I want you to know that I am thinking of you and that you have a really great day.

Here in Gig Harbor, Washington and the surrounding area December has been a wet month. In fact it is the wettest on record we have had over ten inches of rain this month compared to the average just over five inches. So if you know anything about math it means that we have had more than double the normal rainfall for the month with a week remaining. It is quite amazing to see the rain come down so hard. You see though we do have rain usually it drizzles or only rains part of the day unlike it has this month. Now we above the normal rainfall for the year as well; it is something because February through September we had unusual amount of sunshine and lack of rain. In fact so much that the governor of our fine state declared we were in a drought and needed federal assistance. Now we have so much rain that a drought will not be mentioned in 2016 at all.

With the rainfall means that our mountain passes are filled with a good amount of snow as well. You see last year we had below snow level for the winter season and the ski resorts were not open very long. This year the ski resorts were open on time so plenty of skiing can happen as long as you can get there anyway. This week Snoqualmie Pass that Interstate 90 runs through and many travel between western and eastern Washington was either closed or chains were required. In fact the pass was closed on the 23^rd and 24^th for avalanche warnings. The state department of transportation felt too dangerous to drive. So drivers had to make a choice to wait or find an alternate route which would take like nine or ten hours to drive depending where you were going. Anyway those that got up to the passes got to experience a White Christmas. You see here in Gig Harbor we continue to dream of a White Christmas. Maybe someday it will come true if we are lucky.

The main purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of the Christ child Jesus. Most believe this is not really the time he was born however the Christian church picked the day about 400 A.D.  You see prior to that time Christians celebrated the death of Jesus which we call Easter only because that was the reason he came to die for the sins of the whole world. So the most important to celebrate Christmas is to remember his birth because he came for us because God loves us so much.

So whatever the case is whether you celebrate Christmas or not have a great and merry day. Love is very important not just today however every day of the year.

Things Do Happen This Time of the Year

 Sometimes things happen that we don’t expect or hope will not happen. This year is no exception to it.

Growing up I often got a cold for a good week or longer during the Christmas season. I hated it because I wanted to enjoy the good times that happen. At least it happen more when I was in high school then the early years of grade school. I don’t remember all the good times however when I see pictures in those early years there is always a smile on my face. It showed me very much how this time of the year was special to me. Most of the time was spent with family and there is nothing else we can cherish is our family. Some of them are gone but not forgotten by those of us that are left behind. They are in my heart every day but I remember them especially during the Christmas season. I am sure everyone has that in their hearts about those close to them that are no longer around.

Right now I have a cold like I did back in high school. My mind because of the cold is in a weird place where I am having a hard time thinking at all. It is OK though because I do know that soon I will remember once again. What is so nice about this that I can share these thoughts with everyone who reads this and I hope that you remember those that made a big difference in your life especially this time of the year that no longer roams the earth. It can be sad in many ways however we can have joy in our hearts as well. This is what the Christmas season is all about peace and joy along with a whole lot of love.

This morning I woke up with my mother screaming because she fell over and hit her head in the bathroom. Without hesitation I moved her a few feet into her bathroom and I saw blood on the bathroom floor. I realized at that moment I could not and should not lift her up. This should be done by real professions. I did not know how much the fall affected her though she was conscience. So I called 911 to get the medics over and have her rushed to the hospital. I followed in my car to the hospital so she would have a ride hope later. Before leaving the place I called my brother Jack to let him know what had happened and I would update him later.

A couple hours later when I talked with him that she looked like she was going to be OK though she had twelve stitches planted in her head. Also, I text message some of my closest friends to pray for my mother. Also, I asked Jack to call our sister Barb to let her know what happened with mother. The whole thing is mother is now ninety-five years old and though she gets along pretty good for her age she does have to watch her balance when she gets around. She still is involved in bridge at least twice a week and goes to her church every Sunday morning. Also, she is involved in a couple other groups to so for someone her age she has a full life. With us living together helps her out to have this full and independent life. Before she was released five hours later there was a care professional from the hospital that came in to ask questions about her living situation. You see not every elderly person is lucky to have someone who loves and cares for her while she still lives in her apartment. This is the reason many are living in assistant living or nursing homes. I am not putting on any guilt trip however it is important that family take care of their love ones that are elderly if possible at all. I know sometimes this is impossible but if you can it important to do so. You see someday we may be put into the same situation and I know that I would not want to be forgotten especially those very close.

So this year Christmas will be a little different however I enjoy the fact that mother is still around. You see in our family she is the only remaining from her generation and we do not know how much longer we will have her.  In fact we do not know how much time any of us have to live. Enjoy those precious people that are close to us. I don’t feel too well right now because of the cold however I know what should be important to us. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Look at 2015

 Now with Christmas and the holidays it is important to think about how 2015 was for us going now into the New Year. I know that for us all we have had good times and some not so good. It is important to look back on the year so we can see what is ahead for us in the coming year as well.

Since this is our life we all likely have lost or known someone who died this year. The important thing is to remember them always in our hearts especially this time of the year. Some of these people likely were in our lives this time of the year and we are missing them now. Though we may be sad or still grieving for them in the future we will think of them in a good way this time of the year.

For some people they may have lost a job where they are still looking or have gone into a new job. I know by experience it is different not to see the same people we have been used to see on a regular basis and they became friends as well as co-workers. Hopefully for some the relationships will continue.

I find that in 2015 that my health has improved over the year. My heart is in better condition and I am in a good place as far as kidney stones go. It is possible some new ones could come along however I am feeling much better.

What I like most about 2015 is gaining new friends either meeting at the coffee shop or at church. I find them to be very special to me and I look forward to getting more acquainted in 2016. Also, I want to meet additional new friends along with doing more things in 2016.

In 2015 my brother and his family visited in early August. His middle son Ian and his girlfriend Helen moved to Seattle so I met her for the first time. In September they announced that they are engaged and will marry in August 2016. Look forward to meet her family along with seeing my brother’s family again. Plan on going to the wedding as long as my mother’s health continues to be OK; that is something else to hope for in 2016 that mother continues to be in good health in the coming year. She had some issues with her legs in early 2015; however, they are doing much better now.

My sister Barb came to Gig Harbor during Halloween. We had a good time including going to Seattle for a day and seeing my cousin Jennifer who happens to be moving soon to Oregon. Though she can retire Barb continues to work and enjoys her job very much. She has several close friends that she works with as well. She looks in really good shape as well. We hope to see her two sons Ken and Connor in 2016 as well.

Though life is not perfect I have to say things go along just fine and I look forward to 2016 to see how things go. I desire that each one of us will enjoy the New Year like no other we have in the past. We recognize our purpose and that our destiny becomes clearer. Enjoy the rest of your holiday season.

The Week Before Christmas

It quite amazing to think that we have a week until Christmas; like many say time goes by faster the older we get and it seems very true.

I am sure some people are all set for Christmas while others still have work to do when it comes to getting Christmas presents. I know I still have some work to do.

There are some who prepare for Christmas away ahead of time while others wait until the last moment. Usually I get my presents done a couple weeks before Christmas; however, this year I am taking more time. Actually I don’t have many presents to get this year is part of the deal.

My mother has a friend that gets her presents in February because of sales. Even though it may be a good time to so I have no idea what someone would want that far ahead of time. Of course, it would depend on those who you are shopping for. If I were to buy presents in February it would be for a small percentage of people that is for sure. I have to say young children would be good to wait on especially buying clothes since many change sizes throughout the year depending on their age. For young children I may buy a boy a train set in February or a girl a doll; however, often things come in and out of style very quickly. I am sure if I were to buy something that is related to the new Star Wars getting it in February would have not made any sense.  I am not sure they would have been available last February. Buying presents would make more sense in February for adults I would say. I am sure most of us will disregard the advice to shop that early. Most likely if I shopped early it would be in September at the earliest.

Another area I am sure most have completed the task is for the Christmas Dinner. Like I have said before most people make Christmas a tradition so they know exactly what they will have this year. My mother and I will be spending Christmas dinner at friends of hers so our tradition will be different this year for sure. I look forward to see what will be served for Christmas this year.

Mom and I will be going out for what we think anyway is more of a tradition dinner at a restaurant the day after Christmas better known in Canada and England as Boxing Day. For many years my mother used to have friends over on Boxing Day for dinner. Usually she had a total of ten people since the dinner room table only held that many people. She put on quite a dinner every year; however she stopped doing it about four years ago because she is now in her 90s and she is not up to it any longer. I recommended to her when she decided to stop that she would invite people to bring their favorite dishes; however she felt it was her own thing. So another tradition that ended. My brother and sister live on the East Coast so we don’t see them at Christmas any longer. They have started their own traditions.

Whatever the traditions you have at Christmas the most important thing is to remember what Christmas is really about the birth of baby Jesus who God brought into this world to bring light into a very dark world. So enjoy the next week while you prepare for a wonderful and Merry Christmas.