The other day my husband and I had a heated argument. We weren’t finding any resolution, probably because we’ve had the same argument, in different forms, for 39 years! No matter how hard we try, no matter how much we age, we can not change one another. We are who we are, warts and all!

I decided to drive by myself, to a tiny-run-down town, to shoot some pictures. Its aging storefronts, with shattered windows and dislocated roofs, symbolized how I felt that day. Shooting storefront pictures was not only fun, but also zapped my stress. By the time I got home, Mike felt better, too. He asked me to please go to dinner with him. He didn’t have to ask twice and not just because I was hungry.

Isn’t it funny how we marry someone and have a “picture perfect” image in our minds about who they are and how they’ll act? The truth is, everybody’s flawed. We all bring “baggage” to marriage. It’s like buying a surprise box at an auction; you don’t know what you’ve bought until you get home and open it up. Life’s baggage contains fun stuff and not so fun stuff. Sorting through it is a marriage-long process. I find it almost humorous the challenges that come with “becoming one” through marriage. It’s well worth it, but sometimes it’s tough.

I figured out that we both feel the same way when we argue. He thinks I have nothing but bad opinions about him and I think he thinks the worst of me. It isn’t true. What is true is the need to stay focused on one issue and resolve it, so it doesn’t have to keep popping up again and again.

As always, we’ve forgiven one another. I hope next time this same argument pops up, we’ll do better. If not, I’ll ask him if he’ll please drive with me, to a tiny-run-down town, to shoot some pictures.

“Do not let the sun go down when you are angry.” Ephesians 4:26

©2011 BLN

I’m sitting here with no place to go. Our area had almost a foot of snow, which is unusual. It closed down the city. My husband loves the free days off. I’m enjoying his free time, as well, but this snow doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon. We live over a mountain, so the hubs may be home bound a couple more days. I predict a bout of cabin fever!

It makes me wonder what retirement will be like. 24/7 is a lot of quality time. What’s the old saying? “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I find the older I get, the more territorial I get. I need my space and my routine. So does he. We’ve always liked the days we’re both home “puttering” separately, but could get a hug or share a sandwich at our leisure. That’s the delight of a long friendship/marriage.

What a month December was. Our Christmas felt like “It’s a Wonderful Life.” We always ring in Christmas a week before with my husband’s birthday. This year he celebrated his 60th with a 60′s Rock Star Party. We all dressed up like 60′s rock stars (or at least we tried!) and sang many great oldies from our youth. Who doesn’t love 60′s music? Mike loved both the music and the party, and so did we.

Our daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters were home for Christmas. We celebrated Christmas Eve outside with our church family. We sang hymns in the frosty weather, listened to the Christmas story, and watched an awesome fireworks display. When we looked out the window Christmas morning, everything had turned white, due to an unexpected snow. Big, beautiful snowflakes fell softly all Christmas day. It felt magical, like we were part of an amazing snow globe.

The happy events were just what we needed following December’s rantings and ravings from Congress and the many negative news reports from around the world. Life shouldn’t be this chaotic and cruel. Christmas reminded us that there’s still beauty in the world, and lots of good, decent people who love God and our country. We are blessed, in America, no matter the circumstances.

“Do not be afraid!  Stand firm; you will see deliverance. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”

I trust the Lord. How about you?

©2011 BLN

My husband and I decided to turn our old house into an investment property instead of selling right now. The housing market in our area isn’t depressed, but it’s slow. Real estate professionals advise us to hold off selling for a year or two. We figure we’ll need the equity more down the line. The rental income is helpful, too, in increasing retirement income. Our 1st couple is moving in this weekend! We are very happy to have them and sure hope it works out well for all of us. It’ll be great to put all our attention on our new house for awhile. It’s like a bare canvas! There’s so much we want to do to make it even prettier than it is now.

My downfall is window treatments. We have the standard faux-wood blinds, but want to dress up the windows. I have looked, a bit, but haven’t taken the jump to buy anything. So many styles and colors, and so many price points to choose from! Anybody have any advice?

I have 2 double windows across the back of the house with a door in the middle. One window is in the kitchen eating area and one in the living room. They give us a beautiful panoramic view of the pasture and trees behind us. We don’t want to obstruct that view.

I guess I’ll have to watch more Nate Berkus. Anybody want to recommend any other home decor shows?

The chair by the door came from a “rastro,” or flea market in Madrid, Spain. My father was an Air Force officer. Our family had the privilege of going with him on European tours. We lived in Spain in the early to mid-sixties. Living there was a highlight of my life. We enjoyed great adventures while there: witnessing a bullfight, walking through ancient castles, vacationing at the coast, going on a pilgrimage through the north of Spain to Santiago. It was a great life that we’ve never forgotten. I inherited, from my parents, several pieces from Spain. I love them because they’re unique and they make me feel connected to my parents and to my childhood home.

That’s all for today. Seems like every day is overfilled with things to do. It’s bright, breezy, and gorgeous outside. Hope you’re enjoying fall as much as I am!

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.” John Ed Pearce

©2010 BLN

About a month ago, my youngest daughter delivered our 4th granddaughter. Her name is Juliana (Juli-ah-na) Nicole. Her name suits her well, because she’s a jewel of a baby. Juliana has smiled from day one. I don’t care what you say, it’s NOT just gas.

Anyone who’s become a grandparent knows there’s no relationship like the one with grandchildren. Grandparents fall insanely in love. Grandchildren are wonderful at reciprocating that love. Since aging and grandchildren go hand in hand, I don’t mind aging. What an incredible stage of life.

And now, a drum roll, please. Here’s Juliana!

Tex, the dog, is the only boy in the family. He’s already protective of his little “sis,” though he’s jealous of her, too. Typical, whether human or canine!

Juliana not only has loving parents and adoring grandparents, she also has cousins who are anxious to show her the ropes! Here’s a picture of her big girl cousins: Kristen, Elizabeth, and Presley Kate.

We grandparents have so much to be thankful for. I’d love to hear about your grandchildren. Feel free to comment.

On another note~

I am thrilled that the scorching days of summer have passed, and that fall is showing its beautiful, cool self. The leaves are just beginning to turn, but already are stunning. Every day brings more beauty.

It’s time for me to go get my hair colored and cut, so I’ll close for today. I’m reading Tris Hussey’s book, Create Your Own Blog. It’s inspiring. I’ll be back tomorrow! I know that’s hard to believe. I’ll have to earn your trust!

©2010 BLN