Shelling

I love to go shelling, especially at low tide.  Great restraint was needed not to take many.  Why is it fun for me and many others?  Because it is free?....because of the surprise of it?...because you are out enjoying the weather?...because you are searching for the perfect specimen?...because it is easy to walk and talk at the same time?...because shells are beautiful?...perhaps all of these reasons...

Tigertail Beach, Marco Island, Florida - known for sand dollars - We found 9 whole ones in two days.

Yes, I really went.

Florida holds many happy memories from my childhood as well as being warm and in bloom right now.  This trip is the first time that I took "selfies."

 Everything is so bright!

With my brother on his boat...we are circling Marco Island on the the Gulf side.  Beautiful day!

&#*%

Enough of this...I am going to Florida.

Winners AGAIN

Hayward, Wisconsin again posted the state low at minus 26 below zero.  Case gets such a kick out of receiving this status.  Unfortunately, we seem to be the winners frequently.  I am still going in town today for a haircut, plus we are going to the gym for a workout.  We had a strong feeling that joining a gym this winter would be a good thing and we were right.  The last time it was this cold - two weeks ago - the schools shut down and many businesses as well.  Today everything is open.  It is amazing what one gets used to.

We had a taste of outdoors yesterday.  Our elderly neighbors got stuck in a snowbank.  Case and I got our shovels and buckets of sand.  They were out in less than an hour.  We had planned to go to the gym.  No need.

Kata and Friends

During Christmas week we had a lot of enjoyable "hanging out" time at Tad's house. Case, Tad holding his daughter and Jo

Message from Above

Religious classes are Wednesdays and the Youth Commission provides meals for the children as well as their families.  Otherwise, all the classrooms are filled with McDonalds bags.  It is my turn and I have spent much time preparing for serving 60 at church this evening.  Well, you know...the planning, the shopping, cutting up chicken and boiling eggs yesterday, arriving early afternoon to serve the first meal at 4:30.  There are others who are coming to assist, but I am the one in charge.  As all of this goes on, I try to keep a positive attitude.  I am human and a bit of resentment creeps in.  Then I read this morning's devotion from the Gospel of Mark.  Jesus preaches and heals all day, goes to Peter's house and cures his mother-in-law, eats and cures for the rest of the evening.    The writer of the reflection states "What does this mean for us who follow Jesus?  Do we recognize that time is given us not for our own needs, but for service of God and service of neighbor?  Rest if good, but the need is urgent."  That is what I needed to hear.  I will pack up and head to town with a smile on my face.

Indoor Activity

We finished this puzzle just about the time the temp got over zero.  I am particular about my puzzles - 500 pieces, landscape or a still life like this one.  No baskets of kittens.  No cardboards boxes of puppies.  It needs to be do-able and enjoyable.

Sorry, didn't turn the photo.  But sometimes I work the puzzle from the side or upsidedown to get a different prospective.