Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year's Eve


Hello, my friends. I was able to get some grocery shopping done this morning and (with the help of a quick nap) did some more decluttering. This bug still has a hold on me but I'm now treating it with a little more respect than I did before. That is... I'm resting and taking life slower for a few days. I thought I was just having trouble getting over the cold but now I'm positive we are all dealing with a flu virus.

There is always a lot of illness going around this time of year but it definitely seems there are more than usual this December. We've been trying to get together with my sister, Bonnie, and her husband for weeks. She had to call and cancel this morning, saying she was now ill. Hmmm... time to up the Vitamin C!

It felt strange to turn down work at the bookstore for the beginning of the semester. However, given all the germs going around... it was the wisest thing to do. I could turn into Monk. :)

Christopher plans to spend this evening with his friends. The older generation in the house may watch an old movie on TV. I did purchase a favorite Italian sandwich at the grocery store deli, one that is heated at home. That and packaged tossed salad will be our dinner this evening. I hope to cook a special meal for the guys tomorrow.

I'll write more ponderings about the new year tomorrow or Friday. However, I want to thank you so much for your friendship, comments, e-mails (some of which I still need to return lately), etc. With nearly 2 1/2 years of blogging and way over 1,000 posts behind me... the nicest thing about blogs and blogging is meeting... you.

Most of us share the same Christian beliefs but some of us don't. We all share a desire to live life on purpose, caring for family and friends, knowing what we give is what we also receive... creating and enjoying beauty on a budget, the love of books, tea from dainty cups and coffee from huge mugs, and I'm hearing more of you are sharing my passion for "deepening the pantry".

It has been interesting to see numbers go slightly up and down on my rss feeds (and what can make them go down a bit). However, there has been an upward trend since the beginning... which amazes me that I can sit here and share ponderings and people actually READ them. Thank you. :)

Added: I just couldn't help the colorful late-Spring header. Once Christmas is past, I am so ready for Spring.

Picture: The Warmth of Autumn, Susan Rios; Pierside gallery

16 comments:

Sue said...

Happy New Year, Brenda! Glad you are feeling better, day by day.

Stop over at my blog if you get a chance...would love to hear your comments on my "Goodbye 2008" post!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Hi Brenda,

I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. It takes time to recover from illness and it's hard not to jump back into the thick of things once you start feeling a bit better.

I just wanted to tell you I went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast today! We were out of town and just got back an hour ago but I had to let you know that I finally made it. It was delish - I really liked the biscuits (not so much the grits or the gravy) but the friend apples were sooo good. I found the cutest little acorn tea set at 70% off for next fall. What a cute store - I could have bought tons of stuff if I was granted a wild shopping spree there!!

Anyway, dear, a very Happy New Year to you and your family!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Brenda. I wish you one full of blessings!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, my friend. Continue feeling better!

Nita in South Carolina said...

Happy New Year Brenda!

Vee said...

A flu? Yucky. In that case, it really did work out that you didn't take the work at the bookstore this time.

May the time for meeting up with your sister and bil be soon, once everyone is on the mend.

Oh, it's terribly easy to read your ponderings...always warm and gracious and welcoming here. A very Happy New Year to you and yours!

Anonymous said...

I am so ready for spring too!
We have colds going around here. Today it became obvious that now I have it. No wonder I've been so tired....at least I'm happy to discover it wasn't my adrenals after all!
Happy New Year dear Brenda! My family is at a basketball game at the kid's school so I'm taking it easy watching "I Love Lucy" and will probably be in bed soon.
Talk to you next year!
joanna :)

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Happy New Year, Brenda! Hope you are feeling better. You were so wise to turn down the work--it would not have been worth it! God can provide for you. Although I do not subscribe to the "prosperity gospel", I do believe that He does want to lavish us with His grace and sometimes those little treasures we find at the thrift shop! Never feel guilty for that--they are the little gifts of beauty that bring joy to our souls--especially in bleak winter now that the holiday decorations must be packed away! I'm going to do that this weekend--I was late in getting them up!

Abounding Treasures said...

Hope you're feeling better soon and glad that you are taking care of yourself :o)

A very Happy New Year to you and yours ....

Unknown said...

Brenda - Happy New Year - I have enjoyed your post since I found it several months ago. Thank you for sharing! In Jesus, Nancy

Anonymous said...

We are having a quiet New Year here too. Just the two of us and each with a blogger friend on the screen sharing thoughts with us! ;-) I'd rather be here quiet and secure than out and about. Happy New Year to you Brenda and thank you agan for sharing your love of life and your faith and knowledge with us. I am looking forward to another year with you!! Jody

Anita said...

Happy New Year, Brenda! God bless...

Trish said...

Dear Brenda,

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate you. You are a true Titus 2 woman, and your writings have both encouraged and strengthened me.

My husband left his job of 18+ years back in Feb. of 2008 to begin his own business. He has been blessed with clients, but our income is nowhere near what it was when he left.

We are now faced with some serious questions. We sat down together and looked at our 2009 budget and quickly realized changes had to be made...major changes.

This next week we will be putting our house on the market to see if we can sell it and purchase a smaller home we have found. It is on three acres and we could put in a vegetable garden, dry clothes on a clothes line and look at numerous other money saving endeavors.

We are leaving behind a very comfortable, prosperous life to begin a new chapter...one that will have its ups and downs to be sure!

Many comforts abound for me...the Lord, His Word, godly friends and YOU dear Brenda. You are an inspiration, a help and a friend. I am so very grateful to God that you are here.

Much love in Christ,
Trish

Laurie said...

Happy New Year to you and your family! I always enjoy reading your blog, and I am the same way...once Christmas is over I am ready for Spring too!

DebD said...

Happy New Year. I hope you have continued to get stronger today.

Take care.

Just Me said...

Brenda I just love your blog - regardless of the numbers!

I am glad you are feeling better.

Happy New Year, Dear!