“Always laugh when you can; it is cheap medicine. Merriment is a philosophy not well understood. It is the sunny side of existence.” ~ Lord Byron

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We cooked and cleaned and sampled yummy recipes, feasting joyfully with family and grandchildren. Later, Mr. G. pulled out the Christmas boxes from the basement and assembled our 9-ft. fir tree. Twenty-four hours later, our home had morphed into a cozy little holiday refuge adorned with soft twinkly lights, my favorite Nativities, berries and bows, red scented candles, and my homespun wreaths. With decorating behind us, I scurried to prepare for our annual Christmas Tea: banana-nut bread, tea cakes, finger sandwiches, and creamed artichoke soup. Whew! The weekend was busy but blessed. A fun time with all the girls here at the Gaines cottage.

Then early this morning my laptop died. After bemoaning this unfortunate loss, I now greet you via my trusty desktop - every writer’s blessing. Never mind that 3,000 spammers tried their level best to undo me in three short days. Akismet is a beautiful thing.

Thanks for your patience as I return to regular posting. This month let’s prepare our writing hearts for the greatest love story ever told: God’s gift of Christ to us. May He bless your week in unexpected ways.

More soon!