There is a time for everything. We never know when our time is up or what reason we are here. I have come to believe that everything falls into place, with or without our intervention. It has been awhile since I have written, but it is because I was very busy preparing with my siblings a party for our parents on their 50th wedding anniversary. It was perhaps the most important event we have planned in our lives. My siblings did an exceptional job. I have also been working to maintain good health since June 1st, working with a trainer three times per week. In the meantime, I have been busy doing craft fairs, ornament parties and staying with my parents since our kitchen is in the process of being remodeled. I guess I am a gypsy of sorts.
                     I have missed writing so I will share a few things that have happened. Recently I went up to visit Saccarappa Cemetery and found some stones which were completely vandalized. One stone belonging to Elmer Mitchell which is made of tin, was seemingly vandalized with a sledgehammer. It nauseates me that people could spend their time smashing the memorials of people who are long gone. The stones of many of Westbrook, Maine’s earliest residents are mostly shattered. Of course one cannot hurt the dead, but it sure casts sadness upon the survivors of the dead. 
                     I have been thinking about connections in my life. Recently I told my son, Mike, that he should check out www.winheldsworld.blogspot.com , a site written by a man with Muscular Dystrophy. Coincidently, later that afternoon I saw a post on my Face book page, that he had passed away. Previously, I had only checked his website maybe four or five times. Josh Winheld was an inspiration to many who knew him. If you check the comments after his brother posted the news of Josh’s death, it will break your heart to read a post written by a woman whom was very close to him. It made me cry to read her thoughts. Josh taught me that as parents, we sometimes place limitations on our kids… and that is not good. He taught me that my son could get a college education, could get work, and could find love. You have to admire people for just living their lives despite whatever obstacles they may face. I am thankful I knew about his blog. I am not sure he knew how valuable he was to his readers.
                     I wish you all good health, less stress, and the good fortune to still have a job and a roof over your head. Times are tough. It is time to get back to basics such as learning some new things.  This year I learned to make my own butter, plant a garden, and can jam and jelly. Sundays may be a good time to start getting together with family and friends to start a tradition. My own sisters and I have talked about working on crafts, or bake bread, or work on scrapbooking. It is always good to learn new skills.
 For several years, I have taken the day after Thanksgiving off from work, so that I could take part in the Bonny Eagle Craft Fair to make hand-lettered ornaments while people wait. Part of me was afraid I could not keep up with the orders, so I never acted upon my desire to be in the fair until this year. I sold my ornaments at three craft fairs and did pretty well. I was even asked if I could do an ornament party which I agreed to try, though it was something I had never done. So next year will be more exciting because I have new avenues I want to explore.
                     Today, it is snowing heavily in South Portland, Maine where I am located. It is beautiful outside and soon it will be time to get outside and snowshoe. Enjoy your day.