A Simple Woman's Daybook

From Mama Bear's Journal
FOR TODAY: Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Outside my window...cloudy,  54 °F,  (12 °C) and supposed to reach 65 degrees today with thunderstorms..no bird activity or even Squirrels at the moment....I can see yellow leaves on the young apple trees and the green needles of our pine trees as well as the bare branches of the maple...oh and there is the reflection of the lamps that are turned on inside the house..
I am thinking...it is time to pour that second cup of coffee and have some WW oatmeal cookies for breakfast...
I am thankful...for the first Christmas gift, given with unconditional love....that Honey Bear passed his state board and is enjoying his new job...that my family is healthy...that I don't have to go shopping for Christmas gifts at this late date...that I have special memories of Christmas with my parents to comfort me.....for God's peace that surpasses human understanding....for all of my followers and friends online who are like family
In the kitchen...dirty dishes from last night's dinner....lots of cookies....
I am wearing...Mickey Mouse pjs and a robe
I am creating...a few more pretty packages....menus....to-do lists....and maybe tracing some new stitchery...
I am going...to stay home today
I am reading...Children of the Mist (just started-not sure if I'm going to like it), and The Scarpetta Factor 
I am hoping...not to obsess or get stressed about all the chores on my to-do list between now and Saturday
I am looking forward to...Jesus' Birthday celebration
I am hearing...Smokey talking to me from the back of the sofa...Squirrels on the roof...
Around the house...its beginning to look a lot like Christmas....
I am pondering..."Winter is the season when people keep the house as warm as it was in summer when they complained about the heat"
One year ago today....I was getting ready for my annual Open House (which I'm not having this year)...it was the shortest day of the year...it was 48 degrees cloudy and wet (hard to believe we had snow 4 days later)..I was reading True Blue by David Baldacci....
One of my favorite things...fellowship with family and friends
A few plans for the rest of the week: prepare that to-do list of things that need to be done before the weekend....laundry...hopefully spend some time with the Princess this afternoon (she didn't come last week)....watch Christmas movies like Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas Shoes...give Honey Bear a hair cut....prep for Christmas dinner....deliver a gift to my friend, Rene...come by and visit you.
Here is a picture (or two) for thought I am sharing...

As usual, we're linking up with The Simple Woman.