SCENIC BEAUTY

This is a view of Mt Shasta at sunset. It was almost too dark, but the setting sun was reflecting off the snow, and we were able to get a decent photo. We took it from I-5 traveling North.

TRADITIONS

Once a year we decorate Christmas cookies. Lin makes them ahead of time, so by the time everyone arrives all she has to do is mix up the colors of frosting. Some family members are very artistic. Gitta made a Christmas tree, complete with framed walls (toothpicks). Erin designed an angel with a mustashe and announced it was me. I have a tendency to apply the frosting with less care, and then eat it if I don't like the results. What traditions do you enjoy?

WINTER PEACEFULNESS

Household pets love winter. All they do is lay around with the fire blazing brightly. If you disturb them, they look up as if to say, "Is there a problem?" Their visits outside through the animal door become much less frequent than during warmer weather. They don't like the cold, and they definitely don't like the rain. When you put cold and rain together our cat and dog both get a sarcastic view of going outside. "You expect me to do what out there? You don't do it outside. Why should I?" Fortunately, I am bigger, and I am the boss, so if someone needs to do their business, I gently but firmly take control. I don't really know when they need to go out, but there is an internal alarm in my head that begins quietly and increases in intensity if neither animal has made a move for the door after three hours. Speaking of taking control, I feel much more an authority in my house since the last human child departed. The only other voice is Lin, and she usually agrees with me.

BAGGAGE

Sometimes carrying a backpack is a good thing. Other times it is better left behind. I had a dream about mine. Tell me what you think it means:

My friend and I were standing outside behind the house. It was dark, but the porch light was on. The light reflected partially across the backyard. The snow was about 18 inches deep, but where we were standing under the eve there was just a skiff. We were going to head for a large tree at the back of the lot. There was a trail already in the snow which began at our feet and curved around to the left. I reached behind me and took my coat and pack off the hook and said, "I'll try it first." The air was cold. The first part of the trail was well worn, and easy to navigate. As I reached the point where the trail curved back toward the tree, the path became progressively less traveled, until finally there was only one set of footprints in the deep snow. I found I could stay on the path if I placed my feet in those tracks, because the snow was almost up to my knees. It was also getting harder, and I was beginning to feel the weight of the pack. Finally I had a revelation. I quickly ran back toward the house, and when I arrived I hung my coat and pack on the wall and told my friend, "There is only one set of tracks, leave all your stuff and just go for it." Without waiting for his reply, I turned and quickly retraced my steps. This time when I got to the deep snow, it was easy to follow those same tracks, but I did it running instead of laboriously walking. As I approached the tree's canopy I felt an intense presence of God, and since I was already running, I jumped the last six feet. Instead of landing, I awoke.