SADD? Not Me!

The days are getting longer here in the far northern regions. Not terribly noticeable by the human eye at this point, but any extra rays is a good thing. By the end of February we will be having 4:00 shadows at 2:00 instead of noon. March will bring a little warmth with that sunshine, but we'll still have single digit temps in the morning. April, ahhhh April! That is what we all live for...slush and gray everything, but it is spring!

During this time of year, many of us suffer from SADD, otherwise known as Seasonal something or other (I can never remember), one of the symptoms is loss of memory (joke), and depression. It seems we require a certain amount of sunshine to keep our serotonin levels up and of course that vitamin D thing is a necessity. However, quite often we Alaskans leave for work, school etc. while it is still dark and return home in the dark. We become sunshine deficient! We get lazy, grumpy, jumpy, hungry, and we have dreams of Hawaii, Mexico and Cruises. Ultra violet SADD lights are a source of help and they can be purchased at any department store and Costco carries them at times.

My husband thinks I have this disorder. Of course I assured him rather loudly that I am NOT SAAD and please leave me alone with my pillow, chips and electric blanket! Okay, I'm not that bad. I probably could even pass a SAAD test (is there such a thing?). Nevertheless, I am glad the days are longer and the sunshine is out today! Think spring, flowers and little baby ducks, spring is just around the next 8 to 10 corners.

How Many Books Can YOU Read In a Year?

A few years ago I started logging the books have read. I write them in a pretty journal given to me by my youngest son. I have been averaging about 40 books a year not counting the Bible. I have read health books, romance novels, poetry (good and bad), self help books and many genres to numerous to mention. I am becoming well rounded in my reading which is a comfort since I tend to be "well rounded" in other areas as well, thus my lifetime membership at the local weight loss club. However, my stacks of unread books continues to grow. Library sales, gifts, downloaded coupons that are to good to pass up, all contribute to my bookish addiction! My New Years Resolution will be to read all my new books before buying new...I'll never make it!

If you will notice, I have added a new page element to my blog (that was an accomplishment for me). I will be posting the books I am currently reading. I would love to know YOUR favorites and what you are reading also. It is a treat to find new authors, explore new genres and share favorites.

Hope your New Year brings you many happy hours of reading!

Merry Christmas

Today is Christmas Eve. I like Christmas Eve even better than Christmas Day. The expectation is still in the air, the spirit of giving is abundant, and I still get to look forward to all that wonderful food. Christmas Evening I will be picking up wrapping paper, making appointments to take kids for gift exchanging at the various stores, and feeling guilty and bloated after eating "the whole thing!" Yes, Christmas Eve is the best!

This Christmas is extra special since we have a new grand baby to spoil. He has the biggest and most gifts under the tree. No one begrudges him this special treat as we were all at one time the "youngest" and got the lion's share of the gifts. He also makes us remember how amazing it is that a little boy was born in a stable and laid in a manger. We do our best to make everything clean, warm and soft for Julian, but Jesus had meager comforts as a baby. Yet he had angels singing, shepherds shouting and wisemen kneeling. Amazing!

I hope your Christmas Eve evening is everything you hope for, your Christmas Day is a shining success and your New Year the best ever.

Pictures of the Little Prince

Here is little Prince Julian. He's already changed so much. He is bigger, rounder and sweeter than ever. Jordan and Jonae are so patient and good with him.

GRANDma

Oh, joy in the extreme! I am now a grandma! Who knew that I would find it so exciting? Probably all you other grandmas who have pictures in your purses and Christmas shopping lists that reach to the floor. I guess I heard that it would be bliss, but never really believed it until now.

My son Jordan and his lovely wife Jonae have a new baby boy, born the day before Thanksgiving. So appropriate since we are so thankful for him. His name is Julian and weighed in at 6 lbs, 7 oz. I wish I had a picture of him with me but alas I'm not where one is available. If I could just download an image from my heart you would know how perfect he is.

Thank you, Jordan and Jonae, for such a lovely gift. Thank you for being near enough for me to plan moments to be with the three of you during the years to come. It doesn't make me feel old, it makes me feel GRAND!

Phi Kappa Who?

I have never been a great scholar. I did finish high school, barely, and did about a years worth of college. I completed a three-year study program to receive my Ordination with the Assemblies of God; but that deep, long, all encompassing learning, I’ve never been a part of. Last night I had the most wonderful experience of watching my daughter, Jolene, be inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. I somehow felt the mixed feelings of pride and regret, as if I had been left behind.

We learned, from a white-haired, 72 year old professor, who is working on his 4th degree, that Phi Kappa Phi stands for the Latin motto: “Philosophía Krateíto Photôn.” This motto, being interpreted means: “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” This quote follows close on the heels of what Sally Brown (Charlie Brown’s little sister) had to say in regards to education, “I’m glad we live in a C- family,” with which I strongly identify!

The push for higher education ceased to exist on my side of the family somewhere between my grandmother Olive and my children, that is, until Jolene broke free and be came a Phi Kappa Phi inductee. No longer are we a “C- family.” We have been raised to new educational heights!!! Wahoo! Way to go, Jolene!

Seriously, I know the love of learning is not going to solve all of humanity’s problems. Nevertheless, I do wish I had studied that extra hour, aced a few more tests, and stuck it out during those college years. I believe it’s not to late for me to return to the halls of higher education, but it is definitely more complicated. My higher education may from this point, consist of radio trivia questions, Starbucks coffee cups and endless reading of books (the main book being the Bible of course!). My professors will consist of those who have walked the path of life experiences before me, and the babes whose innocent take on life teaches me endless truths.

Jolene,
Dad and I are so proud of you. You have accomplished what I have only dreamed.
I love you,
Mom.

LET IT SNOW!!!

It's October 31st and no snow! Hallelujah! I feel like I have had a real autumn. The leaves are past their crunchy golden prime and are rather soggy. The last of the flowers are gone and the lawns are beginning to turn brown. My pumpkin on the porch escaped major freezing so I can cook him and that will be the end of my lovely fall season.

November 1st will bring the winter season, I hope. I am now ready for snow! Big honkin' flakes that sit on fence posts and have to be shoveled, not swept off sidewalks and driveways will be a welcome sight. A snow day from school and work sounds delicious and I wouldn't complain about two. I am ready for the light the snow brings on my morning walks, the contrast of white snow and dark moose is a winter blessing!

I am thankful for the extra fall days, but am looking forward to that "winter wonder land" Alaska becomes! Yipee! LET IT SNOW!!!