Baby! It's COLD Outside!

 

Winter Bird stitched around 2020

No, I'm not complaining about the weather, but rather keeping in mind this declaration:

"This is the day the Lord has made; 

we will rejoice and be glad in it." 

Psalm 118:24

And also this advice: 

"...Do not grumble among yourselves..." 

John 6:43

In this hemisphere, it's winter, even in Central Florida. This is how it's supposed to be (although we are having unusually cold temps right now). 

My family that lives a few hours north of here got some snow, but not enough to shovel. 

by Happy Gardens

While in my area we don't need snow brushes, ice scrapers or boots, we have had to cover several of our bushes for protection from the hard freezes.

Our back yard

Early this morning I realized I had forgot to bring in that gorgeous Poinsettia featured in one of my recent posts:

R.I.P.

Fortunately I did not overdraw my bank account when I bought it....😕 It's a goner for sure.

Manatees @ 3 Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida
Photo by Greg Dee

All of the 1,000+ natural springs in Florida maintain a constant temperature of about 72 degrees. In the cold of winter, the manatees seek that warm water. 

My guess is that this photo was taken from a drone because I know from experience that we can't see the manatees as well when standing on that bridge beside the pool of water.

Iguanas

Then there is the matter of Iguanas freezing up and falling from tree branches in South Florida. They're not dead, just too frozen to move. They thaw out and get on with life.

Thankfully, we don't face that where I live (North of Mickey Mouse and the other amusement parks). They aren't as prevalent here as the small geckos are (and they just hide when it's cold). 

But it's a thing. Google this: 

"iguanas falling out of trees in the cold article"

Since I've brought up the subject of the animal kingdom, here is the latest from Sister. She lives up north where snow is always a part of winter.

(left to right) Maggie and Daisy

Her Basset hounds are wearing their sweaters, because it was eleven degrees outside when this picture was taken. I am told that after "taking care of business," they said to her, "We've had enough of that. We're comin' back in!"

(left to right) Daisy and Maggie

So, from the warmth and comfort of our living room, I'm sharing some homey observations while wearing knee socks, ankle-length jeans, and long sleeves over a camisole. 

me 'n Sister walk her neighborhood
on a cold afternoon ~ 2022

When packing to move to Florida from Colorado in 2017, I donated a lot of my wintery wardrobe, saving just enough for any trips to the frozen North, should that be necessary. We told our family that unless somebody is dying, we won't be traveling their way in the winter months. 

Gary on a chilly morning
 even farther North 

Of course, those words spoken so glibly have had to be retracted. We've been up north for a death and a wedding, and to meet new family members (newborn great grandchildren). Now that we have record-breaking temps here in Florida, I'm glad I kept the cold weather threads that I have!!

our dining room

Along the lines of glib proclamations, I had implied a few weeks ago that the Christmas table runner would remain on our dining table until Valentine season. I changed my mind (we can do that, you know) but kept with red while the poinsettias were packed away for next December. 

The decision to put away Christmas decor came about while I was riding my bicycle, pedaling past a neighbor's nativity scene, still in the yard even past Epiphany. I understand it is the custom of some to leave out their Christmas decor until after the Wise Men have arrived, and I'm fine with that. 

But now with each passing day, I think to myself that a note should be put on the neighbor's door suggesting Mary and Joseph need to "leave for Egypt." Although this neighbor need not fear King Herod, there is the Home Owners' Association to appease.

[Please excuse my religious humor here. If you are not a student of the Bible, you may not know that after the Wise Men came to worship the newborn King of the Jews, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to move his family to Egypt for a time. The wicked King Herod was jealous and wanted to kill the baby Jesus.]

recent US mail received

I've got one more thing to share while I'm humorously walking the edge of scriptural matters ..... this letter was in our mailbox a few days ago. I've smudged out our address for reasons of privacy but this was clearly addressed to Gary's late wife, who was ushered into Heaven nearly 5 years ago. Upon opening the envelope, Gary saw it was an advertisement for replacement windows and doors.

Of course, both Gary and I are used to getting mail for our late spouses but this one was a bit unnerving with its pressing message of "Trying to get in touch with you!" 

Yeah. Good luck with that! 🙄 On to other things.....

source

While I don't refrain from writing about my faith on this blog, I do not say much about politics because I just don't want to "get into it" with the comments and such. However, we are in such a serious place regarding so many matters that I do urge us all to be in honest prayer for our country. It is not a wasted effort.

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, 

intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

for kings and all those in authority, 

that we may live peaceful and 

quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I Timothy 2:1-2

Exactly what should we pray for or about? Start with this:

Peaceful lives

Godly conduct

God's will

Protection and guidance

I love this quote by J. Sidlow Baxter:

Men may spurn our appeals,

reject our message,

oppose our arguments,

despise our persons, but

they are helpless against our prayers.

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

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