We have had one snowstorm after another, until our long drive is completely impassable. There is more than 2 feet of snow in some places. We've been snowbound for about four or five days. I thought we would have to stay home for Christmas day.

Christmas eve was really sweet. It was just the two of us, playing Mannheim Steamroller and eating our Belgian chocolates and talking about everything. We read a devotional from a booklet Ellen Pherigo gave me about Mary and Joseph.

We don't worry too much about being snowbound. We still have enough gas for the generator for a few days, and I guess we could siphon some from the car if necessary. There's enough food for two years! Our firewood will last awhile, and there's more Jim could split if necessary. But we didn't want to miss Christmas dinner with our daughter, son-in-law and friend. They came and got us! They have a jeep with 4-wheel drive, and even then they barely made it. Then they took us to their home, switched to their car, and went to Ed's to get him. Ed is in a wheelchair, and he couldn't have gotten into their jeep, although he swore nothing would keep him from a good ham dinner. Don't think he can sprout wings, though. We had wonderful conversation and exchanged gifts. Lisa showed me pictures of my new great-grandbaby in Boise while Jim and Forrest went after Ed. All in all, it was pleasant. Then they took us all home. I thought I would have a heart attack when Forrest did a 360 degree spin in front of their house (just to scare me - it worked!) I got some beef out of the freezer we keep at Ed's. The driveway was scary going back, too. It had frozen more, but you wouldn't want to use it more than necessary.

At home we just ate a light supper of creamed tuna over biscuits because we were still full of ham and pecan pie. I started crocheting another oval rug. This one is for the kitchen, in front of the sink where we've worn through the top layer of vinyl flooring. It was a grand evening.

But all night long we listened to the whistling and roaring of the wind. Now and then the entire roof would vibrate. Jim said it was probably snow falling off, but it sounded like the wind catching it to me. It was 4 above this morning, but the wind has mellowed some and the world is filled with white diamonds and red frostbitten apples still hanging on the tree by our woodshed.

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For several years I haven't been in the mood for a tree, but this year Christmas means a lot more to me, and I am feeling much better. So a few nights ago I did the deed.

We use an artificial tree that looks quite natural. We bought it about five years ago for $35.00. We have boxes and boxes of ornaments, and they all bring back memories. I think that there are three on there that were purchased new. All the rest are homemade or thrift store finds.

Some of the balls are losing paint, but I just turn that side so it can't be seen. There's a sweet green felt heart that one daughter made when she was 16, embroidered with the word "Love." There are styrofoam eggs covered with beads and sequins. A pair of silver and white crocheted angels was a gift from a dear friend for our 25th anniversary. We have lots of glass balls and elongated shapes, garlands of tinsel, pearl and beads and even a blue rosary from a very special memorial service for a young soldier who died in the Desert Storm conflict. The fanciest garland is made of green styrofoam peanuts strung on dental floss, believe it or not.

There is a bread dough blue dove, balls made like geodesic domes out of old Christmas cards, and two cows from an old quilt that was past using. Some of the angels are from clothespins, muslin and ribbon roses. Some are tiny stuffed dolls with wings. One is almost all lace.

The store bought decorations include a beaded garland, an exquisite Jack Frost holding a snowflake that Jim bought me the first year we were married, and some glass balls bought at Target for almost nothing after Christmas.

The lights are all the tiny white ones. Two strings just about does the job, but I have several more strings just in case.

There are wreaths made of painted puzzle pieces, One brass frame holds a baby picture of our grandson who is now a Marine.

That tree is covered! It looks as nice as any designer tree at our Christmas Tree festivals, and it has tons of memories for us. Maybe this year I'll get around to making a skirt so we won't have to use an old sheet.

We have to run the lights with our generator, but otherwise you'd never know we don't have electricity. There is a crystal on the TV that changes colors, and it runs on batteries. We have a cute snowman wall hanging with a battery and six little golden lights.

With the radio on playing wonderful Christmas music, and a few goodies to munch on (Costco's Belgian chocolates) we thought we were in heaven last night.

I wish you  joyful Christmas as well!

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