Snow, Snow

Snow, Snow go away, come back another day. I know anyone who lives in a snowy area is getting tired of it by the time they get to February. For us this only means another month or so. I say "or so" because we could get snow as late as April or May, but the stuff that stays on the ground will start melting in mid to late March. This shot is from our front door looking toward the street. I thought it was interesting how the flash in this night shot caught the snowflakes. In summer the arch has clematis growing over it and the sidewalk is surrounded with flowers. Ahemm (sigh, longing for spring).

Comments and Following

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Trail Mix, Ukrainian Style

Nuts just go with the holidays so while Jeff and Leah were doing a puzzle I made some for snacking on. They are especially good for the holiday puzzle times.

This is the real "guardian at the gate." Her name is Gracie and she is a 7 year old Staffordshire Terrier. She loves to fetch, she's great with kids, but she has a fierce-some bark. She's a good watch dog, trained professionally, so you wouldn't want to come in the gate uninvited.

Practicing a Grateful Spirit

Winter is rapidly approaching and we decide to change the heating system. I did mention doing it last summer, but...... The man who is installing it said we would be at least 4 days without heat. We've been two days so far and all radiators are in but the kitchen. No pipes are run to them as yet. We are upgrading from an old Soviet era dinosaur to a French/German model that is waaayyy more economical and will also heat our water. That means no more hot water tank that ran all the time. Jeff thinks it will pay out in as little as 5 years. Plus we will eventually have an indoor thermostat so I don't have to go to the cold garage at 2 a.m. to regulate the temperature. Am I grateful? Yes, thank you Lord for your provision. Did we ever adapt to the old system after central heat in America? Yes, the the beauty of having to do without something or difficulties is that when they are overcome, they make you so grateful. Try heating with wood and coal as we did our first three years. We had the experience of our great grandparents. That made us so grateful for any gas heat. Now after 15 years in Ukraine we will be up to western standards in our heating system. Thank you Lord for small steps and large, for your wonderful care for us. Help me to remember you are working in my soul and character each time we have troubles. May the difficulties bring me a grateful spirit. Amen.

The View from My Window

Our home is placed on the front part of our lot which makes it closer to the road than I often like. There are, though, some advantages, like a big back yard and easy view of what or who drives by. This morning I was pleased to see a couple in their horse-drawn wagon. Our dirt road runs parallel to a nearby highway so this couple we see now and then. It reminds me of the simpler life in Ukraine that is rapidly passing away. When we arrived 15 years ago, such sights were not at all uncommon. I remember one farmer bragging about his horse didn't need gasoline and it didn't break down. For some in the coutry villages though, life continues in a manner much like it was 50-75 years ago. They plant a garden in spring, they store and can their harvest in fall. Some raise a pig for meat in winter. Some have a cow for milk and/or chickens for eggs and eating. This life is more similar to life in America maybe 100 years ago or more. Some have jobs out, but others make their living from what they can raise and sell some on the side. It is an interesting life here in Ukraine. We are grateful God has given us a small part in bringing hope to people here through training Jeff does of pastors and my work with ladies and children. When joy comes into their lives, it is an exciting moment. Thank you for taking time to read what I write. May your day be blessed.

Winter In Ukraine

As I sit in the warmth of home, I can look out and see the cold, yet be rather untouched by it. Since I tend to be rather a cold-natured person, that's how I like it, although it doesn't mean I don't venture out. These are days of winter when I prepare for different events and look for inspiration to create in my upstairs studio. I have been so blessed to have this space. It was a big empty attic when we purchased this home in Ukraine 11 years ago. Now it is like a knotty pine cabin with all its wood. I look out and see pine trees that far exceed the top of our high-pitched roof. Still, civilization is encroaching with more and more homes being built around us. Ok, so enough perambulations around my house. Time to get to work. Hope you like the picture.