How do you explain beautiful roses in December?

Look what I discovered in December 
at the shore house--
My rose bush still had many flowers on it!

There were buds and full blossoms on the plant.
I feel like the bush waited for me to enjoy it
one last time before it went to sleep for the winter!
Thanks Laura!

The holidays are very hard on those

who have lost loved ones.

We often remember going shopping for them

and spending the holidays with them.

This is the perfect time to ask them to give us a

"without a doubt sign" so we know

without a doubt they are with us.

I knew "without a doubt" my daughter

was with me when I saw the roses.

January 1st--fun in the snow

Mom went to the mall with my sister and uncle. I stayed here with Aunt Claudia and we played in the snow. My mom says Aunt Claudia has to give up her "girl card" because she hates shopping. That is fine with me because I hate shopping too!



We got really cold after playing in the snow for two hours.  I wore a pair of Aunt Laura's socks on my hands to keep them warm but after a while our hands were freezing.There was no way Aunt Claudia was getting me in the house though; I was playing King of the Hill. We forgot to take pictures of our snow seal we made and all the large, heavy snowballs. We just kept rolling them along and the more we rolled the larger they grew. Eventually I gave in when Aunt Claudia offered me hot chocolate and by that time I was ready to call it a day.

Winter's Garden

This photo captures the cold of winter with the yearning of spring.

Photo by Terry C 2008

The snow is still on the ground but the pond is defrosting and welcoming the ducks back.

Before long the pond will be filled once again with ducks, herons, turtles, and fish.

Homeward Bound