Post Christmas

Well, Christmas is finally in the rear view mirror. Too much singing, also lots of joy. Minimal presents this year - we're giving our present money to the food shelf. And my amazing employer will match our contribution $ for $. THANK YOU Thrivent Financial! I believe naps are in order for Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

We had an unusual December thaw after nearly a week of often subzero temps! I made lovely ice candle holders - one melted into a pool of water yesterday. The birds are feeding like crazy. I added a suet cake and thistle feeder to the array of feeders in the back yard. The finches are all over the thistle and two woodpeckers (one downy, one red-capped) are enjoying the suet. I think I may have finally foiled the squirrels. They sit atop the dome-shaped baffle and try to hang over toward the cylinder feeder, but so far no luck! The clever (and fat) one will probably succeed before long.

I'm so hopeful about 2009 for many, many reasons. A new and enlightened President will take office, and I believe the economy will start the slow march toward recovery. The turbulent times in which we've been living have, I think, caused people to care more about friends and family, and those who are marginalized. I hear about more people donating time and money to foodshelf and other social service organizations. That's a very good thing!

Happy New Year! May it be peaceful and meaningful.