The Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

 

FOR TODAY, December 27th, 2018

Outside my window ...

It is already getting lighter out.  I was really late getting up this morning. It was already past 7 am, which is very late for me! I hope I didn't get lazy taking those few days off!

I am thinking ...

I know this is off date, but I couldn't let the year pass without one last Daybook entry. Next Tuesday will be January first! I can't believe how quickly this past year has flown by! I know that sounds very cliche!  It seems to be true however, this year has just evaporated!

Thankful for ...

My mother's call on Christmas day, my oldest son messaging me on christmas day and sending me a small video clip and some pictures, my middle son facetiming me with his family, my oldest daughter messaging me.  There was only two children I didn't hear from. Having the Missionaries over for Christmas Day and good friends over yesterday.  Our Christmas was amazingly full of people and love and light.

In the kitchen ...

 

Creamy Carrot Casserole.  A worthy holiday side, perhaps with your ham or whatever at New Years. No cream soup involved. 

On my "To Cook" list ... 

 

Goat's Cheese Cake with Red Onion Jam.  A worthy nibble for New Years from Great British Chef's by Simon Hullstone.  Simple and yet beautiful. 

Good to know ... 

The Health Benefits of Herbal Teas. 

I am creating ... 

Start Knitting, a stich sampler shawl.  Love this.  Free pattern.

 

Sally Giblin Rivendale on EBay.  A pattern for a pretty cushion. Not free, but not expensive either.  

 

LeeLee Knits.  Soft and cosy leg warmers. 

 

Julie Measures.  Free Owl Hat pattern. Cute! 

 

Knitted log rabbits by Claire Garland on Ravelry.  Cute!


Oh my goodness ... 

 

Tina brought the dessert yesterday and it was gorgeous.  Chocolate Christmas Tree Pinatas filled with chocolate brownie, caramel and little chocolate beads. None of us could finish.  Rich and decadent. 

I am reading ... 

 

The House Between Tides, by Sarah Maine

"Following the deaths of her last living relatives, Hetty Deveraux leaves her strained marriage behind in London and returns to her ancestral home, a crumbling estate in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, with the intention of renovating and reselling it as a hotel, much to the dismay of the locals. As she dives headfirst into the repairs, she discovers human remains beneath a rotting floorboard in the basement, with few physical clues to identify the body. Who was this person? And why the makeshift grave?

Hungry for answers, Hetty sets out to unravel the estate's secret--and those of its former inhabitants, including Beatrice Blake, a woman who moved there a century ago with her husband Theo, a famous painter who seemed to be more interested in Cameron, a young local man, than his own wife. Following whispered rumors and a handful of leads, Hetty soon discovers that no one knows exactly what happened to Beatrice, only that her actions have reverberated throughout history, affecting Hetty's present in startling ways"

I do love a good mystery!

Looking forward to ... 
Todd's niece might come for a visit in the New Year. It will be lovely to see her. Its been a few years now.

 Dreaming about ... 

 

Rose patterned quilts in pink and red  . . .  

  

Vintage Christmas brooches  . . . 

 

Bowls with Cherries  . . .   

 

Sigh  . . . . 

  

Double sigh  . . . 

Something to watch ... 

 

On Netflix  . . .  a fireplace  . . .  comfy and cosy . . . 

Makes me smile ... 

 

Mom and Dad on Christmas Day . . . . Love them both so much. 

A Quote for the day ... 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come,

whispering  "It will be Happier" . . . . 

~Alfred Lord Tennyson° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。 

Corners of my Kingdom ... 

 

The Houses of Parliament in the fog . . .  we had a foggy Christmas this year  . . . 

And that's my daybook for this week!



  ⋱ ⋮ ⋰
⋯ ◯ ⋯ Take time to enjoy the small *´¯`.¸¸.☆
  ⋰ ⋮ ⋱ blessings in life.*´¯`.¸¸.☆ 



✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.• ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥
░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ 

Have a beautiful day!  Don't forget!  

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════  

And I do too!    

   

 

A Christmas Story . . .

 

And so it came to pass that early on a mild morning of December, in spite of the dark months behind them, their hearts woke now to the delights of a journey and the new sweet intimacy that enfolded them.  When the sun rose over a sky of pink and gold, Mary laughed with pleasure.

"It is more beautiful than I have words to say," she murmured.  And at night through all the darkness, Joseph kept watch beside his beloved.

The second day was more filled with interest than the first.  They glimpsed the mountains of Gilbon where  King Saul had perished; they saw the rich pastures of Dothan where Joseph had found his brethren so many, many years before.  And at evening the winding road brought them into Samaria.  They rested the night in a little shelter beside Jacob's well on the outskirts of Sychar, eating the food from the knap sack and drinking spring water.

When they entered Judea on the third day their voices held a note of reverence.  It was a hallowed country over which they moved.  At Shillah, Mary caught Joseph's arm.  "This is the place where Hannah prayed to the Lord for a son.  I think I know what she felt.  Sometimes when I think of the child that is to be born, I feel a sword piercing my own heart, also.  It seems to come from the far, far years . . . "

 Joseph did not turn to look at her, but it was when they were in the shadow of mishap's lonely height that a sound from Mary made Joseph turn quickly to her.

"What is it?" he begged, "Mary, tell me."

When she raised her head, even the lips were drained white.  "How far is it yet to Bethlehem?  Can we reach there tonight?"

"By steady going; if we make no stops, we can get there late this evening instead of tomorrow, but Mary, you can go no farther.  In the next town we shall stop and stay until . . . "

But Mary shook her head.  "I must go on," she said softly.  "A few more miles at the end of so many can surely be borne.  Support me with your arm Joseph, and let us not delay."

And so the miles began once more with a man's love and a woman's faith to conquer them.

 

Sometimes through the darkness Joseph heard a stifled moan of pain, then his  clasp tightened.  Ridge after ridge, valley after valley and then at last the hill to which their journey was bringing them.  Bethlehem, with it's sweeping terraces and its hanging vines.  It was at this last steep ascent that Mary again cried out, for the little animal stumbled on the slippery gray limestone and all but fell.

"It is not safe to ride her at times," Joseph spoke anxiously.  "I have often heard so."

Mary suddenly wept with pain and fear.  "What shall I do?  I am so wretched I cannot walk, Joseph."  But Joseph was already placing his knapsack on the back of the ass.  Then he lifted Mary to his arms.

"I shall carry you," he said.  And Mary was too weak to protest.  Her hand crept around his neck.  Slowly, carefully, they moved on and up, the little animal following behind.  Joseph's great muscles strained to the task.  He set his teeth, and prayed, for Mary's life. 

It had been Joseph's innocent, untraveled thought that, of course, the house of his cousin Matthieas, would give them shelter.  It stood only a square from the city gate, the watchman told him.  So with a great relief he made his way there and called.  It was only a few minutes until Matthieas emerged with a light.  He was surprised and delighted to see his kinsmen, but he shook his head sorrowfully over his failure to take him in.

"You don't seem to realize, Joseph, that Bethlehem is full.  You and I are but two out of the thousands that trace their lineage to David.  My house is packed to the farthest corner.  And your wife . . . "

"She must have shelter and privacy.  Her need is desperate."

Matthieas turned the light towards the drooping figure of Mary, again , sitting on the ass.  His face was all pity as he turned to Joseph.  "Come," he said.  "I will go with you and see that you are housed.  At least I know the city."

The Innkeeper, coming out to the courtyard, merely looked at the travelers and waved them brusquely aside.  "No room."  he shouted and turned to re-enter the door.  But Joseph was quicker.  His huge bulk barred the way.  "I must have shelter." he said grimly, "and I must have it here.  I am a peaceful man, but desperate needs require desperate actions.  Where can I take my wife." he said.

Joseph's great hands shook him with quick frenzy.  The innkeeper tried to free himself, sneering up into Joseph's face.  "I know of no place but the stable." he said.

 "The stable.  How dare you insult her so!  She must have . . . " another voice broke in,  It was the voice of Mary.  And the gentle tones seemed all at once to still the striving men.

"I think I should like the stable, Joseph.  It will be quiet there.  The oxen will be asleep.  And with a little blanket on the clean sweet hay, we can make a cradle in the manger." And then the innkeeper looked at Mary's face, patient and piteous in her pain, shining white and spent between the waves of golden hair.  He looked and bowed before her.  "It is true as I said, my lady, that there is no room in the inn; but I shall give you all the comfort that I can, and may God be with you."

"He is with me," Mary answered.

And so, laden with the pallet and blankets which the innkeeper brought out to him and carrying one of the lanterns, Joseph led the little ass through the courtyard and on to where the stable awaited them.  As they stopped before it, he felt Mary's hand on his shoulder.  Her voice was full of awe.

"L:isten Joseph, do you not hear it?  There is music ringing through the air.  Angels voices, unearthly sweet, drifting down from the stars."

"Glory, glory, they are singing.  Glory, glory to God in the Highest.  Oh, Joseph, do you not hear it?"

"I hear the voice of an angel," he said gently.

 "But look," Mary cried, trembling.  "Look, there to the south, where the sky seems to brood over the hills.  I can see the angels in a path of light.  Winging, swinging . . . Oh, the beauty and the radiance of it"  You do see them, don't you Joseph?  You must see the heavenly wonder of it."

"I see the face of  . . . an angel." Joseph said again softly.

And Mary turned toward him, her hands outstretched.  "Oh, you have heard the music.  You have seen the angels.  Then at last, at last, you will believe all that I have told you.  Tell me you believe."

There was no sound for a long moment.  No sound but their heart-beats in the darkness.  And Joseph found words.

"I believe." he said slowly, his voice breaking with love.  "I believe that what is born of you will be holy." 

And with that Mary sighed with a great contentment.

"Lift me down, Joseph, and let us hasten to prepare the manger. For now whatever the night may bring . . . my heart is at rest."

And with misty eyes, Joseph carried his wife into the stable.

There was no light within, except the dim lantern.  But high overhead, one great golden star kept watch. 

And here we are on the last Sabbath day before Christmas.  Wherever you go, whatever you do on this day, may you feel blessed for doing so.  I hope you find peace and joy.  May you be ever mindful of the reason for the season.

 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  A Traditional English Trifle.  So yummy!! 

I probably won't be posting anything now until the 27th or so.  I wish for you a very Merry Christmas.  May it be filled with love and family and light!  Don't forget! 

 ═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════

And I do too!

Come to the manger . . .

 

"Small busy flames play through the flesh-laid coals and their faint cracklings o'er our silence creep like whispers of the household gods that keep a gentle empire o'er fraternal souls. . . . Many such eves of gently whispering noise may we together pass."
 ~Keats, to his brothers

Yesterda we stood . . . on the shortest day of the year. For a few days, at least the sun appears to halt at it's Winter solstice . . . having reached the lowest point in the downward curve of it's journey around the earth.  Night can never be longer or darker than it is on this day.  Minute by minute from tomorrow on the days will begin to slowly lengthen as the earth, in it's annual course around the sun, journies towards the vernal equinox.

I can't help thinking that on this, the beginning of the Winter Solstice, when the sun appears to be standing still . . . the earth is actually nearer to the sun than it is on a midsummer day.  There is some sort of parabolic meaning in this . . . as it is also true that we seem to be nearer to the Sun of the soul in the deep winter of our greatest griefs . . .

Mary and Joseph would have already been preparing to leave Galilee and journey up to Judea for the census, but three others would have also begun their journey.  The three wise men of the East would have seen the Star of Prophecy and set out in faith on that long journey towards Bethlehem.  Had they doubted or delayed even for one moment . . . they would have arrived too late to see the newborn King.

In just a few days now, we too . . . must be at the manger with our gifts of praise and adoration.  Spiritually we should have already begun the journey and be on our way . . . for there will be many things between now and then to waylay and detain us.  There will be costly and elaborate preparations to entertain ourselves and our friends . . . but how much do we spend in preparing to meet our King???

Think of the man in the crowd, journeying on up to Bethlehem, for the census . . . saw he the young woman on a donkey, a young woman from his own village, Mary of Nazareth.  There must have been many who knew who they were, this Mary and Joseph, having come from the same beginnings on this journey.  Were they to know that this was the handmaid of the Lord?

 Think too on the stranger tethering his beast at the Inn . . . looking across the courtyard and witnessing glow of lantern in the stable, amidst the lowing of beast.  How was he to know that this was a Throne Room?

A beggar at a gate sees a child being carried into the Temple for the ceremonial offering of two turtle doves and two young pigeons.  He sees an ordinary Jewish baby . . . how was he to know that it was the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah?

They weren't to know any of these things . . . but we know.   As we ponder the scriptures during this most holy of seasons, may we linger on the meaning of these words.  May be, too, take the journey into Bethlehem and witness the birth of a King . . . may we, like the three wise men of the East, not tarry on our journey to the manger.  May we spend these next few days in preparation to meet our King.  Amidst the hustle and bustle that is the modern holiday season . . . may we find a few moments of solitude to ponder these things in our heart, and give thanks for this most precious gift we were given . . .  oh so long ago.

Come to the manger . . . but come prepared for a most miraculous journey, as you travel from darkness into light.   This is life changing.  This is love.  This is the greatest gift of all  . . .

 

We went out for a little bit yesterday morning.  I said to Todd, I hardly go anywhere these days.  We went to pick up our Prescriptions at the Chemist and then we went to the Parade, which is a series of shops near where we used to live when I first moved over here.  I would walk there just about every day to pick up something like milk or whatever.  There was a green grocers, a cornershop, a petstore, a butcher,  a chemist, a post office,  chippie, bakeshop, newsagent, etc.  It has changed a lot since then. The butchers, green-grocers and cornershops are all gone now.  There are two charity shops, a hair dressers, etc.  The bakeshop has been taken over by a new company and they have a nice little cafe.  We popped in to have hot chocolates . . .  

 

Their glass display cabinets were filled with an assortment of baked goodies . . .  all quite over-priced I might add, but lovely to look at. I was tempted by a few that were very pretty, but did not yield! 

After our hot chocolates we walked down to the charity shop and had a boo around. I spent £5 or thereabouts.  I picked up a really sweet and delicate china cream and sugar dish . . . small but very pretty, one of those teacup/plate thingies and the cutest little teapot.  It looks like a thatched cottage. How could I resist! 

My meat for Christmas arrives today.  I already have a turkey crown in the fridge that I am cooking for Doreen. I hope there is enough room in the refrigerator. I bought a Prime Rib Roast for Boxing Day when Tina and Tony are coming over.  I already have a gammon in there to roast for Christmas Day but am now thinking I probably should have gotten turkey for the Missionaries.  The gammon will be nice however.  I will glaze it and serve it with some scrumptious sides and make a trifle for dessert.  Trifle is always nice and people always enjoy it.

And with that I best leave you with a thought for the day  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *The glitter of the season

should never dim our sight

and prevent us from truly seeing

the Prince of Peace in His Majesty.

~Dieter F Uchtdorf  •。★★ 。* 。 

 

In the kitchen today  . . .  Leona's Peanut Butter Balls.  A holiday tradition in my home for about forty years! 

Have a great Saturday.  Try not to rush around to much.  Be blessed and don't forget! 

 ═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════

And I do too!