Jingle Rail Christmas Collage

What fun we had yesterday at The Eitelljorg Museum in Indianapolis.  It is home to the holiday exhibit for Jingle Rails.

"The railroad changed the face of the West forever and Jingle Rails brings that story to life. The exhibit is a series of trestles, bridges, tunnels and trains that wind through detailed replicas of both the city of Indianapolis and Western landmarks. Eight trains wind through the elaborate landscape, including lighted passenger trains, trains with vintage posters and advertisements on their sides and freight trains."

Ron and Ainsley, Lindsey and Daniel had a grand time.  Well, so did I...The exhibit is made entirely of natural woods except, of course, for the rails and trains. There was the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mt. Rushmore, and Aspen ski resort.  There was even the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.  And who could leave out the city of Indianapolis and the State Fair Grounds.  All in all it was quite an experience.

  

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After lunch at Sanatorini's, a Greek restaurant in Indianapolis, we bid the kids and grandkids adieu and returned home last evening.  It was, indeed a wonderful holiday experience.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

Joy In Completion

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the treasures in
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!        

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I just completed two prayer shawls.  There is such joy in finishing project.  There were times when prayer was more for me, because of a mistake I made several rows back, than for someone in need.  When you have finished there is also the anticipation of beginning anew.  And so today I begin again.

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Stitches of understanding
Rows of compassion
Prayer shawl made with love

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Gift Tags

I have paper and bags, tape and scissors.  All is ready to begin The Ceremony of the Wrapping of the Gifts.  All, that is, but gift tags.  I have boxes and boxes of wrapping paper.  Bags full of gift bags.  Tissue paper and scotch tape are in abundance, but not one single GIFT TAG!!!  Now I have to stop and go to the store and get them...What happened to all of them!?!

No, it wasn't the Elf on the Shelf.  He's too cute to be so devilish!  I guess I just used them all last year.  That is a first!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

It's My Birthday

Today I am 68.  Yes, I claim it.  It is mine.  I just retired after nursing for 46 years in different environments.  I have been privileged to serve many beautiful, wonderful people.  I have a wonderful husband, five remarkable children and children-in-law (is that a word?) and 12 delightful grandchildren.  

Life is good!!! Revel in it!!!  

And so this I pray.

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.  I do not see the road ahead of me.  I cannot know for certain where it will end.  Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.  And I hope I have the desire in all that I am doing.  Hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.  And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.  I will not fear, for  you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."  Thomas Merton

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Christmas Shakers

I don't have many Christmas salt and pepper shakers...Thought about collecting them at one time but decided I didn't need ANOTHER collection so I stopped after these four sets.  Just the right amount to set a table.  

Wishing all a good week as we continue to prepare for that very special celebration, Christmas Day!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.