IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

It is another frigid, snow covered day in Central Kentucky. Even though we don't expect any additional precipitation today, the four or so inches out there will probably stick around, as we continue to be in the deep freeze. Schools in the area are canceled and our little country church hasn't had services for two weeks. But, it is beautiful and I've been able to do a little catching up due to the fact that I am unable to do my usual trips to town. Yes, I even put away the Thanksgiving decorations yesterday, as well as the Halloween stuff that never left the big "fall decorations" box. I really look forward to arranging some of my nativities today in their various locations about the house.

I didn't expect to venture out yesterday beyond the mailbox by the road, however, the dogs had different ideas. Because the gate was left wide open yesterday morning, it was too much of a temptation for our newest dog to do some holiday visiting. I really wasn't in a mood to share Christmas cheer with the neighbors, but I did venture out, always keeping Pudge in sight. We managed to leave our footsteps in the snow across several yards before I convinced him to stop long enough to swoop him into my arms. Riff and Roy, also decided to make their way down the road, and we all ventured back home together. The four horses were having their breakfast across the road and kept a close eye on us as we paraded up then back down the road.

I'd like to say that lessons were learned from that early morning outing, but, I actually got in an extra workout when Pudge decided to head out again later in the afternoon. I'm happy to say that Riff and Roy were safely snug in the basement this second time. I don't expect any repeats today, our hill, going up and down repeatedly, became quite the challenge. Like I said, I did, indeed, get a good workout.

Kentucky played one of it's most storied rivals Saturday. If you've spent most of your days in Central Kentucky, you have no idea what the rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky means. Because we lived 21 years in a community on the Ohio River, we got to experience the IU/UK feud first hand. This borderline battle was made even more fierce because of the personality of the biggest bully of all college sports, Bobby Knight. I find it quite amusing that we now have our own Knight, and Bobby has been out of the picture for this duel for quite sometime now. It was a good game, it had a really nice ending for us Wildcat faithful. It was especially fun, knowing that I had family at the game. Unlike football, it's a rarity for us to make it to the basketball games.

So, I have finally begun to chip away at my Christmas activity list. I've finished my cards and have even started my shopping. I can't fault my family for wanting to give so many gifts for Christmas. After all, that's what Christmas is all about. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I hope you have a wonderful, warm and safe day today. luv, Susan