HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The new year finds us in different surroundings, out of our routine, and facing challenges.

We're in North Carolina where the overnight temperatures are dropping to the teens and the daily highs are in the thirties - BRRR! Praise the Lord though for a good heating system and warm coats and cars.

As for our routine, we're trying to adapt to Ron's parents' routine and help them recover from a month of illnesses. I've learned to wash dishes by hand again and even conquered Catherine's slow-to-drain sink. We're learning flexibility as we do things their way and in their time. 92 & 94 year olds don't move as fast as they used to move.

The challenges include getting them to accept help and to consider moving to something safer and more convenient. We're taking baby steps and don't expect a lot to be accomplished on this visit but we're preparing the way for future visits if health issues make a move necessary. God is so good!!! He has given us good health and the strength to carry on each day as well as the ability to leave our home and routine to help here. He's also given us wonderful children to cover the bases in Texas - thanks especially to Jennifer & Kevin for checking our mail daily and taking care of business in Texas.

If you're reading this, please excuse my rambling. These notes are like a journal for me now - I'll get back to my babbling about quilting and grandkids as soon as I can. I plan to dig out my dinosaurs (another name for ufo's according to Pat Parks) and make some lists with quilting goals for 2010.

Thanks to all of our friends and family who are praying for us, especially this week. We love you and look forward to seeing you soon.