SNOW!!!!

SNOW FINALLY ARRIVED!!!

We woke up to a very light dusting, which melted away with our expectations while we ate breakfast, and opened our Valentine's to each other.

Lo and Behold! It began to snow big fat flakes, which we promptly went out to catch with our tongues, in jammies and bare feet. The flakes were sticking, and soon, we had an even better dusting of snow and it kept coming. It was a great surprise for the Day of Love!

We leashed Sammy and headed out the door to walk around our neighborhood and to the nearby park to play and enjoy the cold, white stuff. (It's the home school advantage, you see - spontaneity!) Sammy was having a great time, prancing around, jumping up into the air catching flakes in his snapping jaws. Very cute.

It's a pathetic showing, I know, to you people who get serious snow, but here in the Banana Belt, we take what we can get. And we are happy.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Relax....

"If I worry, will the future change?" ~~~Caine, from the old 'Kung Fu' TV show

Tom discovered this little lizard basking in the sun in the Grand Canyon. Isn't he cute? Tom held him for a little while and during that time people gathered around us to take a peek at the tiny creature. There were many oooo's and ahhhh's as well as friendly comments in several languages. The smiles were universal. This little creature made a space for some curious humans to gather around and share a moment of wonder at one of God's little critters. Little Lizard was gently placed back in a friendly area to resume his sun bathing.

Some kind folks have asked where we get the photos for our blog, if we take them or borrow them from the internet. The pictures on this blog were all taken by our family. The one of Sam, our beagle, was taken by our daughters. Precious, isn't he!

Thanks for the cheerful feedback!

Words

Ah, the power of words......sometimes I think we forget the affect our words have on others. Words can hurt, and words can heal. I think there's even a campaign with a name something like that. It's a good idea, to teach kids to be immaculate with their words, thoughtful, realizing the power for good or harm. We can all put a little more thought into how we use our words, don't you suppose?

And then there's blame. You've heard the story about the man who was yelled at by his boss? Well, he went home and yelled at his wife, who yelled at her son, who yelled at his little sister, who kicked the dog, who chased the cat, who hunted the mouse. Blame. Seems to me it's best if we just handle what's dished out to us, you know, take responsibility when we goof up, instead of trying to pass it on to innocent people. Boy, it hurts when you are the one attacked for someone else's failing.

But it feels so good when someone uses words to make you feel better when you've been falsely accused. The comparison between the one who is hasty and hurtful, and the one who is kind and understanding is a good lesson to observe, feel, and learn from. And emulate.

Because someone spoke with harsh accusations to me today, my afternoon was dampened by upset.

Because someone kindly comforted me with words this evening, my sleep will be peaceful tonight.

Words. Sweet, kind, understanding, compassionate words.