tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80764026545418835902024-02-20T21:28:51.912-05:00JoulukalenteriA picture a day to celebrate the 2014 Christmas season.
Maybe some poetry, thoughts, prayers, and joy thrown in too.Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-1567121549703194272014-12-25T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-25T00:30:00.477-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and
the government shall be upon His shoulder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the mighty God, the everlasting Father, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the
Prince of Peace.<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Isaiah 9:6</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
My husband and I went into the city for dinner, and as we walked down the sidewalk, someone was broadcasting Christmas carols. It was snowing, the storefronts were all decorated, carols were playing, it was quite festive. Arm in arm with my honey, we walked to the restaurant. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After dinner Handel's "Messiah" was the song we heard on the sidewalk. Symphony performance only, no choral performers. I started singing, </div>
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<i>And the gov-er-ment shall be up-on his shou-ou-ou-ou-ou-ders</i>.</div>
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How do you know this song? He asks. I must have sung it with a choral group many years ago, because my brain was remembering alto harmonies. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, since that night Handel's "Messiah" has been stuck in my head.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>For unto us a Child is born </i></div>
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<i><b>Halleluiah</b>!</i></div>
</div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-47665144596923762742014-12-24T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-24T00:30:00.149-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqoAXKvme6WUN5Lwvqj_4WNHtoT47wcoU-VNp3NyYxslfkFAuWlzGZdumayLKzhqqTx8SpthcvxBoY3DHijZFeFlAxyhsiG52DesJpOyhdDUn-zXTPISx9Xlo8xe4788c5HfKdeZ63Lnr/s1600/DaddyMamaStocking_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqoAXKvme6WUN5Lwvqj_4WNHtoT47wcoU-VNp3NyYxslfkFAuWlzGZdumayLKzhqqTx8SpthcvxBoY3DHijZFeFlAxyhsiG52DesJpOyhdDUn-zXTPISx9Xlo8xe4788c5HfKdeZ63Lnr/s1600/DaddyMamaStocking_sm.jpg" height="400" width="355" /></a></div>
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<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;">
"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;">
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; </div>
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The children were nestled all snug in their beds; </div>
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While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; </div>
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And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, </div>
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Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap..."</div>
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by C. C. Moore</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;">
from</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>A Visit from St. Nicholas</i></div>
<br />
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-7323257384431279162014-12-23T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-23T00:30:02.001-05:00<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPMRXXGT0MTt1CZWa8g3ngRLeXVgxrYrCzGCJP5zxAriVQBDv0octxn6ItroNnHvJ0K6Q7JbT63BjLgPgLi2BejRfi1LCozR1lTV39DoVVSlC-_JVhbLgibzqU9dWFDhUDhi58jetGUrF/s1600/Aarikka_Sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPMRXXGT0MTt1CZWa8g3ngRLeXVgxrYrCzGCJP5zxAriVQBDv0octxn6ItroNnHvJ0K6Q7JbT63BjLgPgLi2BejRfi1LCozR1lTV39DoVVSlC-_JVhbLgibzqU9dWFDhUDhi58jetGUrF/s1600/Aarikka_Sheep.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-2-8" id="en-NIV-24982">And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-9" id="en-NIV-24983">An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-NIV-24984">But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-NIV-24985">Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-NIV-24986">This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-NIV-24986"><span style="font-size: small;">Luke 2:8-12</span></span></div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-48594341408181182612014-12-22T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-22T00:30:00.456-05:00<dl><dd><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEjnxA3ConWhsfW3GTme6oc6uAwR-icao3mng7HSj3zZjvWu-ZI9In3qC41ZGChp3__LLApMXrA4BwXaKAeyVcEje9mKWoxVABTRUHKUOyVT7rro0c4RQ54gbWA9UJRrRGBDU6pSSFdkf/s1600/HollyIce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEjnxA3ConWhsfW3GTme6oc6uAwR-icao3mng7HSj3zZjvWu-ZI9In3qC41ZGChp3__LLApMXrA4BwXaKAeyVcEje9mKWoxVABTRUHKUOyVT7rro0c4RQ54gbWA9UJRrRGBDU6pSSFdkf/s1600/HollyIce.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
</dd><dd style="text-align: center;"> The holly shrub covered in winter ice.</dd><dd style="text-align: center;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: center;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: center;"></dd><dd style="text-align: center;">"... The holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower,</dd><dd style="text-align: center;">And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our sweet saviour..."<br />
</dd><dd style="text-align: center;">from the carol: <i>The Holly and the Ivy</i></dd></dl>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-64546877589384856452014-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:002014-12-21T00:00:02.691-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYESUr5D0fwKQQ3psI340Sr8H_9uG9ABic0PNQlX7UyNJmREY5XaDYnha08wCXSMVLmRVMzRl4xYXdDrMDtAtNpeHPqhEOE1D2B8qliB6ate8dNudwXDLI7hKKQTwnM4D1WBt6GASO6PV/s1600/FireSky_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYESUr5D0fwKQQ3psI340Sr8H_9uG9ABic0PNQlX7UyNJmREY5XaDYnha08wCXSMVLmRVMzRl4xYXdDrMDtAtNpeHPqhEOE1D2B8qliB6ate8dNudwXDLI7hKKQTwnM4D1WBt6GASO6PV/s1600/FireSky_sm.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Winter Solstice</div>
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the shortest day</div>
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the longest night</div>
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<br /></div>
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In many cultures, people burn fires all through the night</div>
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to encourage the sun to return. </div>
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<br />
<br />
God Jul<br />
Glædelig Jul<br />
Rõõmsaid Jõulupühi <br />
Hyvää Joulua<br />
<table cellspacing="5" class="simple" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;" summary="Different languages, flags in left col, translations in right col."><tbody>
<tr><td><br /></td>
<td>Gleðileg jól</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Blithe Yule</div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-80967768259420116112014-12-20T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-20T00:30:01.423-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFncSasnWpgAb1AWAgvauKTwbBz1C4bwAuGqWuifFOx0toHd7JVVE1svTTt0FlhdE05jDHnVusQaTBuTGLYDbo6By_Ip6QtYW5hPLcHt9B4y25a5elebcgzzVNtsWl_VbDNmVy6TAZprH/s1600/BlackOrnamentBall_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFncSasnWpgAb1AWAgvauKTwbBz1C4bwAuGqWuifFOx0toHd7JVVE1svTTt0FlhdE05jDHnVusQaTBuTGLYDbo6By_Ip6QtYW5hPLcHt9B4y25a5elebcgzzVNtsWl_VbDNmVy6TAZprH/s1600/BlackOrnamentBall_sm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
A very simple ornament to decorate and make your own. <br />
materials:<br />
clear glass or plastic sphere ornaments<br />
acrylic craft paints in an assortment of colors<br />
small paper cups<br />
<br />
Pour a little paint in a paper cup, add an equal amount of water, mix. Pinch the rim of the cup to form a spout. <br />
Do for each color of paint you are using.<br />
Remove the top of the ornament, be careful not to break the ornament if it is glass.<br />
Pour a little paint of one color into the ornament, rotate it so the paint makes trails inside. Add another color, rotate again, repeat if you desire. <br />
"Less is more" applies here; two colors can be striking, four colors can be too much and muddy.<br />
It is nice to leave some parts unpainted, so that light shines through.<br />
Turn the ornament up side down, on top of a cup, and let excess paint drip out. Leave for a while.<br />
Replace the top of the ornament carefully<br />
Enjoy. <br />
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-21606660887070703492014-12-19T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-19T00:30:00.620-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUy-87sj-JmkO9z-Gu649aCgXrXs4IjfhymY2xVSTWyn61Xjh9xmclRAjnl8bJIyYuZWkDZc-996hkXny1UMdM1hkO_EqMxcKaYI9u0x9MSg4fzop6mNUXcri8ci46swiLsnWfTHrQhfz/s1600/WreathOnBricks_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUy-87sj-JmkO9z-Gu649aCgXrXs4IjfhymY2xVSTWyn61Xjh9xmclRAjnl8bJIyYuZWkDZc-996hkXny1UMdM1hkO_EqMxcKaYI9u0x9MSg4fzop6mNUXcri8ci46swiLsnWfTHrQhfz/s1600/WreathOnBricks_sm.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a></div>
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<br />
We pass by this brick building everyday, yet we do not see it. Now that it has put on its Christmas cheer, we are again reminded how beautiful the building really is. Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-88600772006591230142014-12-18T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-18T00:30:01.565-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbSqEEbTAaKfULlPOg19RWzyqpJfcZpurbmU_SGystuZo9GdTkSgyAymuF_TrYk7zyw5pmtTttERbfWoaHMPYDvQzZXPP2nTri_K3LZTu5VzxdarHaKYcjYknE5o_ayMlMx6fhEFf5M9Z/s1600/granitePost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbSqEEbTAaKfULlPOg19RWzyqpJfcZpurbmU_SGystuZo9GdTkSgyAymuF_TrYk7zyw5pmtTttERbfWoaHMPYDvQzZXPP2nTri_K3LZTu5VzxdarHaKYcjYknE5o_ayMlMx6fhEFf5M9Z/s1600/granitePost.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Old granite gate post.</div>
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-23617020738332877462014-12-17T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-17T00:30:01.767-05:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxauOgpzeQ7-LQCPbEEUr4DJRmeieiCn_Jb9Y6C4tcvgQogNHsyc_k1tianT-2LKTBympwJxfnJI_1UDBL5F_OL4nvevI3YkNiLPFU2gKu8TCNlQqDXSRefDw0IFMzGjtg0Au_nKWJd0LR/s1600/ShelfOfTonttu_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxauOgpzeQ7-LQCPbEEUr4DJRmeieiCn_Jb9Y6C4tcvgQogNHsyc_k1tianT-2LKTBympwJxfnJI_1UDBL5F_OL4nvevI3YkNiLPFU2gKu8TCNlQqDXSRefDw0IFMzGjtg0Au_nKWJd0LR/s1600/ShelfOfTonttu_sm.jpg" height="191" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A shelf of joulutonttut</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They keep showing up this Christmas season. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They bring their friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are invading my house.</div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-57258095827345892562014-12-16T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-19T09:53:51.784-05:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTTmzu293w9U3aL5rr7ND2HlrykJ408fUn2C7esb84r2Mz8WOPEqsksUM1GhVBUrIWZixv9sJpGeyleJUgm-CjA8fvUMaUHq5ayQ0ph65ak9-5i9Ai5aHOstIN8-gDcADuuUV2fua52us/s1600/GlassStarII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTTmzu293w9U3aL5rr7ND2HlrykJ408fUn2C7esb84r2Mz8WOPEqsksUM1GhVBUrIWZixv9sJpGeyleJUgm-CjA8fvUMaUHq5ayQ0ph65ak9-5i9Ai5aHOstIN8-gDcADuuUV2fua52us/s1600/GlassStarII.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-2-2" id="en-NIV-23172">Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-2-2" id="en-NIV-23172">We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-2-2" id="en-NIV-23172">Matthew 2:2</span></div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-5711415745960700512014-12-15T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-15T00:30:02.646-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopXEZrM19kQ3tYcFp3ajI0LvNeZA1eXhvqtYTV_6poRZKLx11gAvOrt01CPDVf0AVZu4ELxgxBhrjNrAjPeRtdV2yCGeaO0Qpu4K7CIJpBskupE68wIaSQalpvHjiYR80DainY0FF_jfg/s1600/Angels_New_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopXEZrM19kQ3tYcFp3ajI0LvNeZA1eXhvqtYTV_6poRZKLx11gAvOrt01CPDVf0AVZu4ELxgxBhrjNrAjPeRtdV2yCGeaO0Qpu4K7CIJpBskupE68wIaSQalpvHjiYR80DainY0FF_jfg/s1600/Angels_New_sm.jpg" height="275" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Messenger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watcher</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guide</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Announcer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Herald</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-81206870512311702782014-12-14T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-14T11:09:22.671-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EpfVtHjza5hKiEoNyPLhNff4GklPBvG7RQAudgLbh4rfcdjY2_GMiO9psa7qeba8OIYxt4ZVxSEdcxkKG50bYHaeVPolL66_C-5iku4NqHHkfN6KFvW2TG1vQtatjLBQVTsDKEQ5b5eN/s1600/TwinkleTreePineStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EpfVtHjza5hKiEoNyPLhNff4GklPBvG7RQAudgLbh4rfcdjY2_GMiO9psa7qeba8OIYxt4ZVxSEdcxkKG50bYHaeVPolL66_C-5iku4NqHHkfN6KFvW2TG1vQtatjLBQVTsDKEQ5b5eN/s1600/TwinkleTreePineStreet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river and through the woods, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
down a narrow dirt road, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one very cold night, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I came upon this lighted tree, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all alone in the forest. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Rejoice Rejoice" it said. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You are not alone in the darkness. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am here."</div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-47370663215906539792014-12-13T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-14T11:09:04.115-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0cqpsa0ISb8sNbjbVtGYy0mgU6_YS8mvdcwMxVbxvRtil-qH1H9zgHwiVKFi3le4XFxdBBEhAnxWaUcKh4Z2kIk46To33vFntDDqxyTUop37IBOU4cL-B9WENC_yWtt8Y6rFdgSPlILM/s1600/BlueStocking_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0cqpsa0ISb8sNbjbVtGYy0mgU6_YS8mvdcwMxVbxvRtil-qH1H9zgHwiVKFi3le4XFxdBBEhAnxWaUcKh4Z2kIk46To33vFntDDqxyTUop37IBOU4cL-B9WENC_yWtt8Y6rFdgSPlILM/s1600/BlueStocking_sm.jpg" height="400" width="235" /></a></div>
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">A new Christmas stocking for a new member of our family.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">Such joy and blessings. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">"When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies." J. M. Barrie, <i>Peter Pan</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;">Listen, my children,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="13"></a> to your father's<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14"></a> instruction </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;">and do not forsake your mother's teaching. </span><span class="versetext" id="pr1-8" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">Proverbs 1:8</span> </span></div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-23346686510188332452014-12-12T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-12T14:36:11.299-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3636InjjWkL6LXxoOVXWoAfvqd0f71fWQWZZSCgOH7qQnbCaBYEffh_tGoD3J823F-8yM4HfbB_UF16vGGHoYMXowigCeQEnznP6F4SBlkoxWoxPPWyIxJ6zZfE9NIqNqJ8BN4Y_JIZP/s1600/RocksonSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3636InjjWkL6LXxoOVXWoAfvqd0f71fWQWZZSCgOH7qQnbCaBYEffh_tGoD3J823F-8yM4HfbB_UF16vGGHoYMXowigCeQEnznP6F4SBlkoxWoxPPWyIxJ6zZfE9NIqNqJ8BN4Y_JIZP/s1600/RocksonSnow.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Piled rocks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A cairn, a trail marker, a stack of stones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We all need something to point the way. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Magi used the stars, what do you use?</div>
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-73660814592780120162014-12-11T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-11T00:30:00.394-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-Nq7ugBYv665AZQ1JPOr0DnTEwIJOBvG7WLicclhCM87hsSQx1bd8od52N2X3PKe-wcBfPDrqYm44qg4SDM46nrwZsOB982Swlii7eAzmz0bLe1Bn02vMKhmdeWp4AesM3nDQvmNKMWK/s1600/NineDeerApril8_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-Nq7ugBYv665AZQ1JPOr0DnTEwIJOBvG7WLicclhCM87hsSQx1bd8od52N2X3PKe-wcBfPDrqYm44qg4SDM46nrwZsOB982Swlii7eAzmz0bLe1Bn02vMKhmdeWp4AesM3nDQvmNKMWK/s1600/NineDeerApril8_14.jpg" height="216" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!<br />
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!" *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These might not be Santa's reindeer, but these eight were seen nibbling their way across the meadow.<br />
<br />
<br />
* from "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. MooreMariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-55014851607207900972014-12-10T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-12T14:36:50.021-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzC0C_flf4dNfeC3IqCjpof69-lRfEbWJUpP_htbw9Buiepykb8clRJDv3lF_As04VyP4LTmVpWfq45VJJrIXeXYUHPlYseD50xjJg90x8F5OPjQb8JjUJZCRNN5YNiGK4vdDrdDlii-m/s1600/pei_tonttu_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzC0C_flf4dNfeC3IqCjpof69-lRfEbWJUpP_htbw9Buiepykb8clRJDv3lF_As04VyP4LTmVpWfq45VJJrIXeXYUHPlYseD50xjJg90x8F5OPjQb8JjUJZCRNN5YNiGK4vdDrdDlii-m/s1600/pei_tonttu_sm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joulutonttu</div>
The Christmas Elf is minding the fireplace, and watching over all the holiday preparations. <br />
This little tonttu was a gift, he is made from handwoven wool fabric, and is as cute as can be. <br />
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-10477143047525260692014-12-09T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-12T14:37:13.471-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVbIWNyu7mTzXZL30i3_tKezJavQWwgkp2vkgI8DaIBPaene-0Q5Mek00fbP8xdnm9tyHLMx0wQENObsXNpv6t6y5fWnKQrRpJ6Zp0DCKLiLhBC9epkxrh-XZ5alzel2tR2sN6FF41bp0/s1600/Wreath_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVbIWNyu7mTzXZL30i3_tKezJavQWwgkp2vkgI8DaIBPaene-0Q5Mek00fbP8xdnm9tyHLMx0wQENObsXNpv6t6y5fWnKQrRpJ6Zp0DCKLiLhBC9epkxrh-XZ5alzel2tR2sN6FF41bp0/s1600/Wreath_sm.jpg" height="640" width="515" /></a></div>
This wreath is exactly what I hoped it would be. It is about five feet in diameter, made with assorted pine branches, cones from a white-pine, and clusters of wild rose hips. It took a bit of effort to hang it above the mantle, the tall ladder and the tall husband. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Christmas Wreath </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
evergreen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eternal life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the hope of spring in the dead of winter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the circle of life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a crown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the king.</div>
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-39058900496917563162014-12-08T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-12T14:37:52.436-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhvtJW2cMju8hG_ANp_XAil42s4hOY8LAwqMyB_c3MmAr_T3bl3LyL33GW56GCKfPhAoXa3exuuHfwK15TwknPMKYQjSbqcHa_J8hF_hX_wnUcLsqFt1qmCWncxItWAVl0UDhWyjgC3Hb/s1600/CookieCutters_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhvtJW2cMju8hG_ANp_XAil42s4hOY8LAwqMyB_c3MmAr_T3bl3LyL33GW56GCKfPhAoXa3exuuHfwK15TwknPMKYQjSbqcHa_J8hF_hX_wnUcLsqFt1qmCWncxItWAVl0UDhWyjgC3Hb/s1600/CookieCutters_sm.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yummy Sugar Cookies<br />
<br />
1 cup butter (2 sticks)<br />
8 oz cream cheese (brick style)<br />
3/4 cup white granulated sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon almond extract<br />
2 1/2 cup all purpose flour<br />
<br />
Let butter and cream cheese soften to room temperature.<br />
In a large bowl cream together the sugar and fats, add extract.<br />
Sift flour, add to mix and combine well.<br />
Wrap dough in waxed paper and chill overnight.<br />
Preheat oven to 375'F.<br />
Roll dough to 1/8" thick.<br />
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.<br />
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 6 minutes.<br />
Cool on a wire rack.Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-21846674432709795372014-12-07T08:13:00.000-05:002014-12-07T08:17:28.746-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGbfoz7-bqP2lysVTNbSEqOjierobJ2E2NTRzosdgAyWNxynSTc4hHy5J2IN2vEnhSaERWNGAJ8G2U5WBLUfIfyh1M0zkEMtb_CcH5Tg3u7y1luMjfvk25GgY_nZypvp_z3weIaaGVgzL/s1600/glass+sphere.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGbfoz7-bqP2lysVTNbSEqOjierobJ2E2NTRzosdgAyWNxynSTc4hHy5J2IN2vEnhSaERWNGAJ8G2U5WBLUfIfyh1M0zkEMtb_CcH5Tg3u7y1luMjfvk25GgY_nZypvp_z3weIaaGVgzL/s1600/glass+sphere.JPG" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just like the earth; round, fragile, and beautiful.</div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-2207624128606729662014-12-06T08:29:00.000-05:002014-12-06T08:29:38.549-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XYvwsPF5FT4zco3sVO2D_xJ9i8lwU5mNClXz3NBxEA5LSUQwpXPQKIw6aB-aF1LJjUIYhDLjDvfcLAbGsqjdLt0AOzxHfkMkZMeMJSjj95bZ_Py2JpOm1S2JGM4z4ydimQDN3VuPaZ9D/s1600/ChristmasCactusCroppedx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XYvwsPF5FT4zco3sVO2D_xJ9i8lwU5mNClXz3NBxEA5LSUQwpXPQKIw6aB-aF1LJjUIYhDLjDvfcLAbGsqjdLt0AOzxHfkMkZMeMJSjj95bZ_Py2JpOm1S2JGM4z4ydimQDN3VuPaZ9D/s1600/ChristmasCactusCroppedx.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
So they call this a Christmas Cactus. It has nothing to do with the holiday except it blooms this time of the year. I consider it a welcome sight as now the days are dark and cold; all the plants outside are bare and dormant; and this little plant decides it's the right time to blossom. There is hope, life goes on, the darkness will not prevail. Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-44764110956300070142014-12-05T07:15:00.000-05:002014-12-05T07:15:27.465-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVBXzPpB07KhdixRcUG7tUjKkQm945bB0dBsHskWESeQLbIVS3NyUECnC2gaZrY3SiDx3ATKsSW-1DqfoAVdmlyY0D9akXNHW6kcUc2fACN2gEPrEQTyREB4WpDewHByrQkcrq3U51GwE/s1600/SwagOnHouse_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVBXzPpB07KhdixRcUG7tUjKkQm945bB0dBsHskWESeQLbIVS3NyUECnC2gaZrY3SiDx3ATKsSW-1DqfoAVdmlyY0D9akXNHW6kcUc2fACN2gEPrEQTyREB4WpDewHByrQkcrq3U51GwE/s1600/SwagOnHouse_sm.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
Starting to decorate for Christmas. A swag of assorted pine branches, rose hips, and one large cone. <br />
<br />Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-40907938794473614102014-12-04T07:47:00.000-05:002014-12-04T07:47:14.992-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ETtGlOUSxvdxKpVdxCoPvXD5_spl6v6vpZx57K8FyKvbY-BbazmMDYmib5GbesKaY92fcxD_EML-cytEvlGwaE0dIuQGcGCmRKU7ZCYzqUGfXCBmVMcK6DhGmrIlop7Bp0Jf1P_STCDw/s1600/kotitonttu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ETtGlOUSxvdxKpVdxCoPvXD5_spl6v6vpZx57K8FyKvbY-BbazmMDYmib5GbesKaY92fcxD_EML-cytEvlGwaE0dIuQGcGCmRKU7ZCYzqUGfXCBmVMcK6DhGmrIlop7Bp0Jf1P_STCDw/s1600/kotitonttu.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My kotitonttu.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A kitchen tonttu. A kitchen elf.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He oversees the baking of the pepparkakor.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pepparkakor</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 pound butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cup white granulated sugar </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tablespoon maple syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 large eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 teaspoons ground ginger</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 teaspoons ground clove</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 teaspoons baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 cups all purpose flour </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cream together softened butter and sugar. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Add eggs and syrup. Stir to combine. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sift together dry ingredients. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Add to butter mixture, mix well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wrap dough in wax paper and refrigerate overnight. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 375'F. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cut off a chunk of the dough, leaving the remainder wrapped in the 'fridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Roll out dough <u>very</u> thinly, using a minimum amount of flour. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cut with cookie cutters. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bake on a buttered cookie sheet for 4 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cool cookies on a wire rack. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Store cookies in a covered tin. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our traditional cookie shapes: snowflake, tonttu, pig, camel, elephant, heart, boy and girl, mitten, candy-cane, Christmas tree, and stars.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="fn" itemprop="name">
</h1>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-36472661722658586302014-12-03T00:28:00.000-05:002014-12-03T00:28:30.662-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XYvwsPF5FT4zco3sVO2D_xJ9i8lwU5mNClXz3NBxEA5LSUQwpXPQKIw6aB-aF1LJjUIYhDLjDvfcLAbGsqjdLt0AOzxHfkMkZMeMJSjj95bZ_Py2JpOm1S2JGM4z4ydimQDN3VuPaZ9D/s1600/ChristmasCactusCroppedx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51RHOSEpT3eJK8u533zJydjlNQh15MBX1zlLlg41-y7AnCQdAtlwuDcJuUM62CNHfwPIubTP6EHlrbeDkkOj7h2WIqwsL4o9Jc6Gzdr5jbeAPzcPx-vJ5aJG63jcw2oijpQEWHw0xObsh/s1600/Rooster_aug10x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51RHOSEpT3eJK8u533zJydjlNQh15MBX1zlLlg41-y7AnCQdAtlwuDcJuUM62CNHfwPIubTP6EHlrbeDkkOj7h2WIqwsL4o9Jc6Gzdr5jbeAPzcPx-vJ5aJG63jcw2oijpQEWHw0xObsh/s1600/Rooster_aug10x2.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please consider the good works of <b><a href="http://heifer.org/">Heifer International. </a></b></div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-26400786891295864112014-12-02T07:37:00.000-05:002014-12-15T08:12:39.144-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02xA2L59z18jXz0y-GkjIxu9TB2UqzXnWib6OhG57NE79CChBlMHHCTY-N6TQYWPZxdgbptmllqzBAv9FsTIAtm2YuE73eXuXQUFitieOU1gg44atdcklS9vL_S5Vjso1O7FSlcyx4MZ-/s1600/winterberries_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02xA2L59z18jXz0y-GkjIxu9TB2UqzXnWib6OhG57NE79CChBlMHHCTY-N6TQYWPZxdgbptmllqzBAv9FsTIAtm2YuE73eXuXQUFitieOU1gg44atdcklS9vL_S5Vjso1O7FSlcyx4MZ-/s1600/winterberries_sm.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
red and white</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ilex verticillata and Betula papyrifera</div>
Mariarosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16589817796858099823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076402654541883590.post-58110247502141830132014-12-01T00:58:00.002-05:002014-12-01T01:00:47.877-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Happiness is a warm puppy." Charles M. Schulz</div>
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