STILL WINTER

The groundhog lied!  He predicted an early Spring and Winter continues on.  I think I speak for the majority when I say that we are so tired of cold weather!  Thank goodness March is merely days away and that has to mean we're finally nearing the finish line for winter days.  

Kentucky basketball took a huge blow this month at our game against Florida at the "O" Dome.  Nerlens Noel went down with a torn ACL.  Our team had not consistently shown their full potential and I'm afraid without our block party guy in the middle, we were in a heap of trouble.  I had just read in our recent Bible study about how we, many times in our lives, excel, not despite adversity, but because of it.....so, I was hoping this was the scenario these young players needed to really cause them to grow into the team they needed to be.  The first game following Nerlens' ugly fall was at Tennessee and that did not go so well, as we were defeated, mercifully, by only thirty points.  Calipari was right when he stated, it should have been more.  I, and I'm sure many others, had been praying for these young men.  They're just kids, after all, and I know these had to be really tough days for them.  Thankfully, some growing up did take place and by the last ten minutes of the first half of the "must win" home game against the Missouri Tigers, these young men showed some real maturity.  The second half took us to an overtime finish that left the Big Blue Nation feeling a bit better, finally.  Tonight's game against MSU should be interesting as our team is hopefully hitting it's stride and the Bulldogs have been coming apart at the seams.  But, you just never know.

It was fun last night seeing Tubby Smith get one of his biggest wins ever against #1 Indiana and the Hoosiers.  

As always, I watched the Academy Awards.  Even though I don't usually see many of the nominated movies, I usually know what they're all about and who's nominated for what.  I did get the opportunity to see Lincoln.  Last year I went with my High School senior English teacher to see War Horse.  This year we went to see Lincoln.  It was a wonderful outing, except for the part where I got us to the wrong theater for the matinee showing and the trip to the right theater took long enough that we missed the first ten minutes of the movie .  Mrs. Roseberry said that she felt like she was on one of those city tours as we made our way around Lexington on Man O' War Drive.  I know we were both pleased to see Daniel Day Lewis win the oscar for his performance of Lincoln.

Our Esther Bible study is coming along, but I have to admit it was difficult leading the discussion through the material this past Sunday as my glasses fell out of my purse and under the passenger seat on my way to church.  Thankfully, our class forgives me my many shortcomings as a teacher, or as I remind them, a facilitator.  

The bluebirds have been hanging around their house out front and I'm hoping there are no hindrances to their having a full house of little ones on the way soon.  I constantly am looking for signs of Spring and was delighted to see a yard full of purple crocus across the street from my parents' house.  In my own garden I see the hyacinth, daffodils and tulips are all busy pushing up through the soil.  We're having an early Easter this year, so I'll be listening to my Jesus Christ Superstar in the coming days.

I had hoped to give up some things for Lent, but found that morning tea without sweetener or creamer can actually plunge me into a depression, so after a week, I asked for forgiveness and gave up on that.  I hope you are preparing yourself for the celebration that tops all celebrations at the end of March.  It still boggles my mind when I think about what He did for us, what He did for me.  

Have a great day and stay safe.  luv, Susan 

By George, I Think I've Got It

Okay, I have had a smart phone now for almost a month and I think I'm ready to try to do this.  I almost feel like someone who is seeing their priest for a confession.  It has been over two weeks since my last confession, make that blog posting.  I'm not sure exactly what all I have done since then.  We are already well into the first week of February and I did get to meet with my former classmates last night.  It was fun, as usual.  It is true, old friends are golden.

Our weather has been all over the map.  I can remember taking my dogs for a walk that day when my neighbors saved me and it was beautiful.  Then we got into the deep freeze and it was painfully cold outside for days and days.  Snow fell and we accumulated over four inches that just seemed to stick around.  Country churches were cancelled this past Sunday and we were hunkered down for several days as the roads kept refreezing each morning.  I actually got caught up on some things I had recorded weeks earlier from various news programs.

I also finished my book about Andre Agassi.  This was really timed perfectly because the Australian Open had been going on at this time and the Tennis Channel actually aired a special documentary about his life and career.  It was so much fun watching all the highlights of his years in the sport, after having just read about all his ups and downs.  Even though i always loved watching him professionally, I knew he was more than just a celebrity athlete.  He has used his privileged position in life to change the lives of so many others.  If you get the chance to read Open, I think you'll be surprised to learn his real story. It was fun knowing he was to present the trophy at the Australian Open
although I never actually saw the ceremony because of the topsy turvy time difference that made keeping up with the tournament difficult to say the least.
 
 Also during these past weeks, we had plenty of downtime to enjoy the Super Bowl.  I did enjoy it because I was wearing purple and black.  It's been a long time since I've been able to root for my favorite color.  How about going to my first football game that I can ever remember, the Texas Christian University, horned frogs around 1962?  I remember that and also fighting with my sister, Pam, because she kept stealing my first purple possession, a scarf, which was also her school's colors, the Paschal panthers.  Anyway, I was glad to see the Ravens win, although I did enjoy the uplifting story of the 49er's quarterback.

We are continuing to make plans for Christina and Joe's wedding in Maine.  We don't have to worry too much about decorations or flowers because the Maine seacoast will provide all the natural beauty needed for the backdrop.  Our biggest concern will be helping with lodging of all the family and friends who don't usually make this particular trek up to Vinalhaven Island and the food for the reception.  It should be a fun time for family and friends alike.

Today I hope to get out and visit some of my friends and neighbors as we have received our delivery of Beth Moore Esther books for our Bible study.  Thankfully, all the ladies live in my general vicinity.  We have been patiently waiting for God to let us know when we could really get started.  When He's telling you to slow down and not get ahead of Him, it's best to just take the time to let Him show you His timing.

I'm looking forward to Spring and warmer weather, but I'm not going to let these colder, darker days deter me from doing the things that I know God is wanting me to do.  I am so thankful for all the ways that he has made it possible for me to share how He works in my life.

The doggies and I have a lot to get accomplished today.  I hope you are having a great start to your 2013.  Take care and stay safe.  luv, Susan