Turning Life Over To God

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace." Ezra Taft Benson 

Amen to this! A wonderful thought for the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016!

Christmas Stockings - Oranges & Coins

Throughout our childhood, oranges were usually in the toes of these stockings knit for us by our maternal grandmother. Can you believe this stocking has held up for 60++ years!!!!

Here's the connection between oranges and Christmas stockings - St. Nicholas was very rich man who devoted his life to helping others and giving away his money. Oranges symbolize gold St. Nicholas threw down the chimney of a poor man who couldn't provide dowries for his daughters. The gold landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry. Read more here, here, and here.

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When I was looking this up, I found a reference for another item frequently in our Christmas stockings - bags of gold-wrapped, chocolate "coins." They are connected to St. Nicholas too. That puzzled me because I thought the coins were Hanukkah Gelt. I always associate it with Mom's father. He would send it to us at Christmas for our stockings. Turns out they are associated with St. Nicholas also. This Wikipedia entry brings together the Christian and Jewish traditions. 

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We often put oranges and gold coins in our children's Christmas stockings - continuing the tradition. 

Early Mornings Around Town

These last few weeks I've been trying to get back into an early morning exercise routine. We gave away our treadmill when we moved, no room for it here, so I'm heading outside for exercise. There are numerous parks along the lake and wonderful neighborhoods to explore. I've found some long flights of very steep steps that will give my knees and lungs a workout. Here are photos from several early morning walks.

I'm amazed how many flowers are still blooming - at the end of December!

Even roses!

Kirkland is beautifully decorated for Christmas

above - the main downtown intersection. The lake is half a block to the right. 

Our building is on the left - just out of the picture. When people find out where we live, they sing the praises of the French Bakery which is in the middle of this picture. The library is behind me as I take this photo. 

 The city's Christmas tree is in Marina Park which is on Lake Washington

The Cow and Coyote are ready for Christmas. There was a bit of a stir this year when one couple complained that people were vandalizing this work of art by dressing it. They created such a scuffle that meetings were held and guidelines drawn up concerning what could be done to the public art in Kirkland. 

The transit center is next to the library. It's always full of activity early in the morning. 

One morning I walked my route clockwise instead of counterclockwise and discovered this wonderful mural on the wall of the Eagles Club building. I'd never noticed it before because I hadn't approached the building from this side. See what I've been missing? The mural was painted by local artists. This experience was a good reminder of the importance of varying my route. 

This nondescript and "unsigned" building is not far from us. That's our grocery store in the back to the left. Not long after we moved here we were told that this was headquarters for Microsoft's Halo developers. I'd never heard about this game, but was told it is a big deal. There are no signs on the building; just the labeled parking spots indicate Microsoft has something to do with what's going on here. We've been around long enough that we can often spot the Halo workers when they are out and about for lunch. Interesting how they have a certain look about them :) One morning I noticed moving trucks at the building. That confirmed reports that the team is being moved back to Microsoft offices in Redmond. This whole area is undergoing major redevelopment. 

Sometimes the early morning light illuminates just a part of Seattle

The Puddle Jumper children appear to be literally jumping into a puddle

This beloved artwork almost didn't get to stay in Kirkland. Read more here. 

 I love this statue. These children exhibit the joy and enthusiasm we feel for this wonderful community. 

Here & There

Nearby Parkplace is undergoing redevelopment & will become Kirkland Urban

Fortunately the grocery will be open during construction. 

Are Cheetos any better for you if you mix them with Trader Joe's baked green peas?

Interesting what I keep to remind me of Mom & Dad. This green folder was in Mom's desk after she died. It's one of my favorite colors. I use it every week. Mom was an avid reader. One day this book ended up on top of the folder - sweet reminders of Mom. 

Interesting patterns - in the carwash

(Click on photo for larger image)

Are any of you old enough to remember these date due slips in library books? They came after the card put in a pocket pasted to the book and before bar codes. 

Grits - Dad frequently made grits for breakfast. I never could understand the appeal. They can be rather tasteless as a cereal. The most he ever did was add some butter and maybe a bit of sugar on top. Now, add cheese and eggs and bake it and you've got something very tasty. Click here. Grits are very popular in The Bahamas. When we were  missionaries in The Bahamas, a Bahamian friend cooked us a memorable and delicious breakfast dish of grits, onions, sardines, and avocados. 

Any Downton Abbey fans? You might enjoy this spoof. 

A Night Out

This was our first visit to Wyraqocha Peruvian Kitchen in downtown Kirkland.

We started with empanadas - baked pastry turnovers 

filled with chicken or beef - we had one of each. 

This stir fry had beef tenderloin, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (cut like French fries)

Alfajores box - shortbread cookies with caramel filling

Everything was delicious!

Ready for Christmas

25 Days of Christmas - Days 1-25

Matthew 1: 18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise. 

Luke 1: 26-27

The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

 to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; 

and the virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 1: 28-30 

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. 

Luke 1: 31-33

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, 

and shalt call his name JESUS.

Luke 1: 32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: 

and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Matthew 1: 20-21

But while he thought on these things, behold, 

the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream.

Luke 1: 41-42

When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,

 the babe leaped in her womb.

Luke 2: 1

There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus 

that all the world should be taxed.

Luke 2: 3

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city

Luke 2: 4-5

And Joseph also went up from Galilee...unto the city of David, 

which is called Bethlehem...

to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 

Luke 2: 7

There was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2: 6

And so it was, that, while they were there, 

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 

Matthew 2: 2

We have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Luke 2:8

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, 

keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:9

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, 

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: 

and they were sore afraid.

Luke 2:10

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring

you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

Luke 2:13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel 

a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, 

and saying, Glory to God in the highest, 

and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Matthew 2:9-10

And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them.

Luke 2:7

She brought forth her firstborn son, 

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes.

Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:16

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, 

and the babe lying in a manger.

Luke 2:15

The shepherds said one to another, 

let us now go even unto Bethlehem, 

and see this thing which is come to pass.

Matthew 2:1

There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

Matthew 2:11

And when they had opened their treasures, 

they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called 

Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.