Almost Christmas

Prettier in person.

It's been a teensy bit busier than usual, but then again, we're no-where as busy as some people.  We've answered the door several times to neighbors/friends bringing us small love offerings that we are so very grateful for.  Sunday I accompanied a couple musical numbers in Sacrament meeting and then taught Relief Society.  Then we went to dinner at some kids'.  All in all it was a fairly anxious day for me.  But it ended peacefully enough, and there weren't any huge faux pas that I know of so it's all good.

We've had the most amazing skies in the mornings and evenings.  Just enough clouds to make it a constant show of beauty.  I so love my morning walks.

The Christmas gifts are all wrapped and the ones requiring mailing have arrived at their destination.  We've sent some gift cards to grandchildren, I hope they get them, one never hears either way.  :)  We are much more low-key this year as I'm sure I've mentioned.

Even the park's bridge looks good.

The Husband spent some time on the phone this morning with the dr.'s office, trying to get a specialist referral.  She was kind enough, but underlying her questions and helpfulness was the message that if you're sick you come see this dr. (had already seen him and he was no help with this issue which has steadily gotten worse) and don't spend your money (or health insurance benefits) elsewhere.  There certainly has been evolution over the years.  It used to feel like a doctor was there to help you, provide medical expertise where you're lacking.  Now it just feels like a business.  We're just a "paycheck" to them.  I dislike how that has changed.  But we'll get to the bottom of The Husband's sinus issues. He shouldn't have to go through life suffering constant nose-bleeds and congestion that causes him some small distress.

We're off tonight to Hale and tomorrow to the symphony.  It'll be crazy downtown SLC with the holidays and lights at Temple Square and all the shopping and other events.  We were hoping to manage to get there in time to visit the Church's Light-The-World Campaign Vending Machines and perhaps make a small donation.  But somehow, I doubt that will happen, I hear the lines to the machines are often around the block and the building will be closed by the time we get out of the symphony.

Was reading the news this morning and came across this quote from the Pope:  "It will be Christmas, if, like Joseph, we make room for silence; if, like Mary, we tell God, "here I am"; if like Jesus we are close to those who are alone; if, like the shepherds, we leave our sheepfolds in order to be with Jesus."  I found the quote in this article that is well worth the time to read:  Christmas

I'm grateful today for health insurance (regardless of the kerfuffle we're still having with Medicare Part B and its associated fees), I'm grateful for beautifully stunning mornings and evenings, I'm grateful for hugs and smiles from those around me.  I'm grateful that we've still managed to buy a few gifts for our loved ones (and I really hope they like them) even though we've spent much less this year.  I'm grateful for enough to eat and a snug warm home where love lives.