Monday Meanderings - Dec 28

We thoroughly enjoyed our quiet Christmas day - especially in light of the chaos thousands experienced with  storm-disrupted travels. We are blessed. We did find that eating all three meals at home felt really strange, however. And that just points out there is a real benefit in getting up and going to Fran's for breakfast - you don't spend the day in your PJs.

We had our annual Christmas eve service at church. It's sort of a strange mix between kid-oriented Jingle Bells and some really nice Christmas worship music. Becky Orick sang "Breath of Heaven" (Mary's Song) to keyboard and guitar accompaniment (gasp!). She has an incredible voice. And I got to add a lot of reverb - don't often get to do that.

At the moment we are being besieged by House Finches at the bird feeder. They are sparrow-like birds, except the males have red coloring on the head and breast and they all have a mottled front. Currently feeding sunflower seed to attract the song birds and the finches can empty the feeder in about three days. Also seeing more Goldfinches these days.

I mentioned my award for 250 hours of volunteering at RFB&D. I noticed on the newsletter that at the same award ceremony a woman I work with was cited for more than 11,500 hours of service! That's... well never mind. That's a lot.

Rob mentioned aluminum Christmas trees and my sister commented that Mom and Pop's tree was still in use as part of John and Joann's decorations. Here are some pictures she sent. Very nice.