Winter Wonderland?

We drove all day the beginning of December to reach Bryan's house just as an ice storm descended and trapped us for about four days. Then on our way back to the Midwest we again found ourselves in a blizzard of about 8 inches of ice and snow. My preference is not to be on the roads during these times but thank the Lord we managed to travel without disaster. Along the way we took a few pictures.

My Mom's 81st Birthday is in Heaven

 Mom passed away about 9:30pm Sunday Dec 8th and was buried at 1pm Tuesday Dec 10th, just one day before her 81st birthday which was to be celebrated in heaven this year.
Here are a few pictures of her.

My Aunt Joyce

I took my dad to see his sister and my aunt Joyce for the last time in November. She was a very hospitable lady who loved family and welcomed us into her home. She will be missed by many. During her funeral, the pastor told of reading Psalms and praying with her the week before she died, and how she would agree with the prayers of faith. She suffered a lot at the end and is now at rest but her memory will continue to bring fondness to her family.

One thing I remember, is when talking of obstacles and struggles in life she would often say encouragingly, "That is no hill for a climber",  meaning "we can overcome this struggle".

November

We've been busy in November burning brush and logs and fixing things around the house.

Even after the drought and the many dead trees there are still many pretty ones remaining.

We made two trips to Illinois  and two trips to Indiana to visit my family, which was a lot of driving in the old Echo.

So we give thanks for the many blessings, the protection, the provision, and the presence of our Lord Jesus this November.

Fun with the Boys

Elijah was in wonderland doing boy things in the East Texas Woods. Here is a sampler.

Titus in Overalls but he wouldn't wear the boots...

Back in the Piney Woods

Andy and Elijah are down for a visit and here are a few photos of our recent hijinks.

The Fort

The Fire

Target practice

The Food

The Farm

The Fun

Learning Books and Slides

We took the opportunity to visit Bryan on his birthday, and watch Titus grow over the weekend.

Backyard Baby

Nothing like a backyard to bring out the best in a boy...

Titus Treat

We visited Denton in September just in time to catch a few Titus treats.

Gingerbread Unplugged

A delicious tale from 88

A Taste of Cornwall

Look to Zennors Head

From Gurnards Head

 Our taste of Cornwall began in Zennor on the Atlantic Coast where we spent a night on a dairy farm. From there we went to Penzance and Purthcurno, with a day on the Scilly Island of St. Marys. Lastly, we spent a night near Tavistock on the edge of Dartmoor, before viewing the moor and returning home. Spectacular countryside with beautiful weather!

Gurnard's Head and Us

Cornish Heather

Sunset on the Atlantic

Planted on the Rock

Zennor Pub

Dartmoor Ponies

Penzance Bay

Scilly Ferry

Tavistock Bridge

Sherlock and I at Dartmoor Prison