It's Friday night, and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around our house...
Well, the tree is standing, and it has lights on it! Thanks to the kids coming over yesterday and bringing in the many boxes from the sheds, and they even set up the tree for us and then left the rest for us to finish...
Oh, I want you to see just what a wonderful daughter in law we have...while the guys were in the shed doing "something", who knows what, she loaded up all those boxes in the truck all by herself! Then they drove them over to our steps (no pictures of that) and yes, Benton and John did help unload them and bring them into the house. But I just wanted you to see our super woman Rose at work!!!
Yes! She's definitely a "keeper".
If' you've known me very long, you know I have this euphemistic dream of living in a log cabin, and since I don't think it's ever going to happen in real life, I can dream...and that becomes my "theme" for some of the Christmas decor...
Skating on the pond in front of the cabin...(at least that pond has some water/ice in it! LOL)
Sitting by the fire enjoying the view...
Oh, maybe my "real cabin" would look something like this...
Or this...
Or this...
But right now it's more like this...
Complete with a tree house, another one of my childhood dreams...I always told my daddy I wanted a tree house, but he was never able to build one in our tall skinny pine trees in our back yard, so one year for Christmas after I was an adult and married with my own family, he gave me this tree house for Christmas! I will always treasure it!
I think that little snowman needs some sled driving lessons! Or maybe the deer ran out in front of him and caused him to run into the cabin! Maybe the owl can tell us "whoooooo" did what!! LOL.
Speaking of water in the pond...the weather forecast says we are supposed to start getting some rain tonight around 9:00 p.m., and then we are supposed to have rain for the next three days! Please pray that this forecast is correct!! That could help break the dry spell and begin the restoration of Still Waters Pond.
This is how is looked tonight when the Sand Hill Cranes and White Egret were out there hunting for some supper...
The clouds were building up in the western sky at sunset...
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Blackie was following me around while I was taking pictures of the clouds. He's doing fine, but I know he's lonely since Sunshine left us. He stays close to home and tries to get inside every chance he gets...
And today I received this very nice pet carrier for him from our neighbor's daughter across the street. This is from the home where Blackie and Sunshine were originally being fed, but the lady has since been moved to a Rehab/nursing home, and it's looking more and more like she will not be able to come back home to her house to live. I met her daughter there today, and she gave me this carrier so I will have it when/if I need to take Blackie to the vet. I am very appreciative of this!! Blackie probably won't like it, but still it's wonderful to have this available if needed.
Okay, back to the Christmas decorations...I finally was able to get to the box with the Nativity inside...
I always look forward to setting this up first, but I had to take things as I could get to them in the stacks. This is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas, and without Jesus at the center of our home, there would be no reason to celebrate at all...
Hark the Herald Angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"...
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled...
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing! Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin's womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th'incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
[Refrain]
Hark the Herald Angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
"Hark the Herald angels sing! Glory to the Newborn King!"
(Last night's full moon. Tonight it's too cloudy, praise God!)
Well, friends, I think I will leave it here for tonight. There's more to show, but I'll save that for another day. I've been working a little bit at a time, and still resting in between. Today I have felt better than I have in over a week, so I am very very thankful that the medicine is doing its job and God is doing His work of healing in my body day by day. Thank you for your kind words and prayers on my behalf.
I will close with these verses from our Advent readings from yesterday morning: (12/4/2025)
Jeremiah 33:14-16 NKJV
14 ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah:
15 ‘In those days and at that time
I will cause to grow up to David
A Branch of righteousness;
He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.
16 In those days Judah will be saved,
And Jerusalem will dwell safely.
And this is the name by which she will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’
Our blogging friend Mary at Visits With Mary posted this wonderful list of Advent Readings for the 24 days of Christmas on her blog on December 1st. You can click on that link to go to her page and see the list and perhaps you may want to follow it for your own Advent devotional readings each day. It's not too late to catch up!
However you may choose to celebrate the Christmas season, my prayer is that you and yours will celebrate the true "reason for the season"....the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord and Coming King! Amen.
Your tree looks so pretty through the window. Rose is such a blessing! I know she's happy to have married into such a great family too.
ReplyDeleteI hope that rain comes for you. I'll be looking forward to seeing pics of Still Waters pond getting filled!
I want a clone of Rose, please please please... wow is she a worker.. and she COOKS.. that is even better. I checked the radar this morning and it says you are getting rain but it looks light rain to me. I was hoping for a 2 inch dump in your pond. we got nothing.
ReplyDeleteyour angels are beautiful and you don't even need ornaments on that gorgeous tree, just the tree without lights is gorgeous. and the view from outside is my favorite.
I wonder if you could find a way to let Blackie use the carrier to sleep in, that way if needed she would be used to it. I know nothing about cats so not sure about that idea. that is what all of our dogs liked to do, spend daily time in the crate. of course they were inside. poor Blackie, I am wishing for her a new buddy. I have always desired to live in a real log cabin, the one in your painting, not the one on the TV. I want it small and warm and cozy. your home is ready for the holidays.
Rose is most definitely a keeper, smiles. I did not set out my villages this year...however, I see Dave has many other items to set out instead, lol. Wishing you a lovely day my friend.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks beautiful all dressed up for Christmas. It's such a great season. It was so nice of your neighbor to give you the crate for Blackie, some people are so thoughtful. As always, your blog blesses me♥
ReplyDeleteRain, rain, DON'T go away! I sure hope you get enough of it to fill up Still Waters Pond, Pamela. Your home is beautiful with all its Christmas glories; I really appreciated your photos giving us a peek into your cozy place. Oh, and Rose is definitely a trooper and a keeper! Glad you are feeling better, too, my friend. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy cat, Susie loves her carrier. I keep it in my craft room and she naps in it at times, during the day. When it time to go to the Vet, I bring it out, and she gets in. Then she purs all the way to the vet. I think she just enjoys the adventure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better. Rose is a real gem for sure! Your tree is beautiful. I enjoyed your photos and hope you get the rain you need.
Enjoy your weekend.
You have a wonderful DIL. Sweet. I hope it rains for you and fills up the pond. You home is beautiful. I watch the same scenes and music you do on the television - so pretty, but yours is too!
ReplyDeleteOh Pam, I absolutely love everything about this post. Your little scenes are so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI got a lump in my throat when I saw the Tree House from your Dad. What a precious memory !
I'm so glad you are feeling better. Please take it slow and easy though.
Bless your sweet daughter in law..she definitely is a keeper !
Sue
How pretty your home looks with all of the special spots of joy!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying that the rain has begun and is continuing. Your post is beautiful. I told Dennis just a few days ago that I hope that my "mansion" in Heaven is a log cabin. I've always wanted one too. Rose is definitely a keeper. She's a hard worker, that's for sure. Your nativity is beautiful. I hope to find a nearby church in London where we can walk for a service or two while we're visiting. Many, many churches have been closed there and are now just used as "community access centers". It's so sad but we were told that in the last days it would be like this. I have to keep reminding myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're feeling better but try not to do too much.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
I have been busy with things of late and have not had the time to keep up with the blogs of my fav people, as a result I don't know what happened to Sunshine? Has she decided to venture from home without prior explanation or word of when she will return?
ReplyDeleteYes, we are forecasted for rain. Like you, I hope it really comes about. It is sorely needed!
And the treehouse -- what a delight! It is so fun to daytime with things like that. I enjoyed all of your pictures today.
I'm so glad you're feeling better. What a praise that is!!
Hi Barbara, apparently you missed this post about Sunshine: https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2025/11/all-creatures-of-our-god-and-king.html Yes, sadly he has ventured far far away from home, over the rainbow bridge and not expected to return to this life. It was very sad, but at least he went very peacefully and didn't leave me wondering where he was. I am thankful for that much. I am thankful for the time we had to enjoy him as he was a sweet sweet kitty. Blackie is missing him and so are we, and we are thankful to still have Blackie to keep us on our toes. He is definitely a "scamp" and tries his best to move right in. Time will tell. Thank you for visiting, and yes, we are anxiously awaiting that rain. Hopefully it will start overnight tonight and last for two days as they have predicted. We sure do need it.
DeleteThe decorations are so pretty. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! You really have good taste.
ReplyDeleteIt's rained for two days straight now. Thank you for praying. This is such a blessing! Prayers that y'all get rain too. ❤️
Your tree is very pretty and I love your Christmas decorations. Beautiful moon too!
ReplyDeleteWell, if you can't wiggle your nose and make a log cabin magically appear, this recreation is the next best thing! Your decorations -- not too much, not too little ... just right. Sparky's right, you have good taste!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're practicing self-care, Pam. It's been cold and rainy here the last 48 hours, but I hope the wet stuff heads your direction. Soon!
I adore your Christmas decorations . . . God bless you and Merry Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got help with your Christmas decorations. Your tree is so pretty! I sure hope you get some rain. We need it too. Have a nice week and enjoy your Christmas home!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you this morning. Hope you’re feeling better.
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