RAMIREZ CHRISTMAS 2007

The family portrait before Danny, Lindsay, Christina, and Steve left this morning. Notice Guiness and Brewer (sitting) and Quintus (in Linda's arms).

We have had a blast celebrating the birth of Christ, the one who taught us all those principles we try to live our lives by every day. Lindsay and Danny trekked all the way from Eugene, Oregon to Sheridan, Wyoming to join us in the first part of our family reunion. We took them up to the Big Horn Mountains for a quick sight of frozen Sibley Lake at 8,300 ft of altitude. We then moved the celebration to our place in Montana where Danny, Christina and Steve were able to visit friends from high school and college. Megie, Christina's best friend joined us for Christmas dinner on the 22nd.

It feels odd to be "done" with our Christmas celebration on December 23rd, but we have inmensely enjoyed having been able to get our family together during this time of the year. As we reflect on our lives, we acknowledge the birth of Christ, and what he taught us during his life in this world as our guiding light. We are thankful for all the joy and love we share. We look forward to a happy and healthy 2008. JIR

VIOLETS ARE WHITE

Last Spring we decided to get ourselves back into growing African Violets. Horticulturists we are not, but we have always enjoyed house plants and have been succesful growing these beautiful plants in the past. Melissa Twins is a proliphic violet that has been flowering almost constantly since we brought it home. It always flowers in pairs, which explains its unusual name. This last flowering brought us 5 pairs of twin white flowers highlighted by a unique light purplish hue in the midle of each of the sections of each flower. Another one of Nature's wonders we are so blessed to be able to enjoy. JIR

Blankies, you never outgrow them

I was checking a group I belong to that makes homemade items to send to our military overseas, and knew they had a hospital in Afghanistan that needed some items (why the h--- does an American hospital in a war need sheets????), and was going to have my list handy, as I always do so if I saw something on sale, I could pick it up. One of the questions the group asked was if we could send homemade quilts or blankets, here was the contacts reply:

"I helped to prep a bunch of soldiers this morning that were headed to Landstuhl and they all had hand made quilts. The only thing they cared about and repeatedly checked was that they had their blanket! So please feel free to send hand made quilts and blankets it is truly something they enjoy."

For those that aren't aware, if they are being shipped to Landstuhl is an American military hospital in Germany where troops from Iraq and Afghanistan often go for further treatment.

I have much to do with Christmas happening early at our home this year, and at least one QOV to get right on, but I will then make some 'blankies'(quilts) to send to these brave men and women. I do think I might sent my senator a letter on the sheets though, that is appalling.