Now Begins 2013

It's here and there's nothing you or I can do about it.  Another new year to face, whatever may come our way.  Lives of certain people will be torn to shreds, while others will face enormous fame, fortune and happiness.  I am holding my breath over certain situations around our world and the nation in which I live.  America, is not like by many other nations, and it's a scary situation, to live in a country that terrorists are trying to destroy.  I hope we can hold on and keep the faith.  The government needs a lot of help as well, so I've got my hopes strong for a turn around in the way things are being handled.

It Snowed

Christmas Day 2012 for most Texans looked like this.  It gave most what they often hope for, but I don't go for.  Today, it's still out there because of the low temps, and some of it is melting, which means slick streets again tomorrow.  I'm here at home and glad to be, because of the driving conditions.  Didn't have a Christmas with family, but that's okay, cause at least I'm safe and warm. 
We lost power 3 times, but it didn't stay off long, which was a plus.  I have tropical fish and they need oxygen to live.  I also don't want to loose the food I have in the freezer. 
Today, me and the cat are just trying to stay warm.  She doesn't understand why she can't go outside?  So, I put her out there for a couple of minutes, so she could find out for herself.  Right now she is up under the heat of the heater, trying to stay warm.

No Santa?

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.  I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said "and buy something for someone who needs it.  I'll wait for you in the car."  Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old.  I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous.  Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

Security Plan?

I wonder how the Security Plan, at the school, failed?  In light of the recent attack at this school, it makes me question how this could happen?  The control of the implemented plan, must have been lax, because the shooter forced his way in.  I can't see how the person handling the monitor, wasn't able to use discretion allowing this person in the door?  It's just my question and it makes me try to understand?

Beauty

 It's a new world and with it comes all types of equipment needed in this modern life.  Beauty tops one of the lists when you are making the scene.  Having the convenience of a  rolling makeup case with lights  can be very handy when you are on the run.  There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done.  This just helps you mingle some of the tasks.

Cowboy's Win

The team has managed to pull another last minute win out of their helmets.  They played this game with the sadness of loosing a team mate to a car accident.  The driver was also a team mate, which gave even further sadness to the situation.  Yet, they used the game to focus and down to the last few seconds made a field goal to win by one point.  Condolences to our team and the future they face.  Also we send up prayers for all involved.

It's Cold

You know that when cold weather sets in, you can still enjoy your swimming pool.  Yes, it's true and all you have to do is install a  raypak pool heater   to take care of the cold water.  Many people either cover their pools for the winter or drain them.  I think you would love to enjoy it year round and have your money's worth, while doing it.

Kate at Home

Britian has a new heir on the horizon and the mom is having "morning sickness", which comes the first few months into a pregnancy.  She spent a few days in the hospital and is now home resting and building her strength.  I'm sure the doctor's have instructed her to gain weight, considering the fact that she is 5'10" and weighs only 95 lbs.  Congrats to the Royal Family and we look forward to the coming new heir.  Oh no, not twins........lol

Pearl Harbor

KC Mourning

Sadness for Kansas City Royals today as one of their team ends his life.  Much of the information is still being sorted out about what happened.  Breaking news gives a report about Linebacker Jovan Belcher, 25, who shot a woman, then went to a team facility and committed suicide.  Reports have it that the woman involved was his girlfriend.
The Royal's are scheduled to play the Carolina Panther's on Sunday.  The Carolina Panther team has been told to report to the plane to make the trip to their game to be played tomorrow.