Hodge Podge Warm thoughts by June McInnes

I love Christmas, not for anything I might get but for the feeling it brings, the smiles from random strangers the bright lights and pretty decorations, the feeling of warmth and friendliness that bounces around the place.

I also love to give, I work hard on home made gifts through the year, I listen to what my family tells me they’d like then go away and make it in secret if I can. I’ve got a little stash of things, each made specifically for a certain person and I hope they’ll like it. Certainly, each item was individually crafted by hand and was made with love, to give with love.

I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my family, especially my husband, who works so hard and I appreciate everything he does for us as a family and me personally. I would not be the woman I am today without him, he is my whole world, my rock, my soulmate. We’ve not always had it easy in life, but at least when the chips are down, I know I can totally count on him and him on me, we pull together, not apart. I am very lucky to have what I do have.

Our children are fledging fast, we’re down to only two out of ten. It’s strange to not have to cook such big meals anymore (and cheaper) also strange not have so many of us sat to the table at meal times. It’s gratifying to see them grow and mature, we have quite a few grandchildren now and that’s wonderful. I love them all. It’s nice to see them succeed.

It’s snowing today, and it looks like winter is finally here. I don’t mind the snow, especially if I don’t have to go out in it all the time, this make me grateful to the people that do, that help to keep the roads open and the hospitals manned, the police that govern our streets all day and late at night, shop workers, drivers everywhere, tow trucks that get you out of a jam, everyone. I thank you. I’ve done my fair share of night shifts they suck, so it’s even nicer to step back and let someone else take over.

The next thing around here will be the sorting of the Christmas decorations and the traditional untangling of the Christmas lights, checking each bulb and all the plugs for signs of wear and then painstakingly putting them up. There won’t be hundreds, but it will still look lovely. And add much needed light to the yard.

The hardest part about Christmas is keeping the cat, only one out of three, away from the Christmas tree, he goes crazy over the shiny things and baubles, trying to catch them all and give them the death bite, it’s hilarious. So, I’m looking forward to that a great deal.

Time for me to cook lunch, and as always...be nice to one another.