Received as an email Christmas greeting. I’ve edited it slightly.

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It’s time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I’d choose a half-dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit — that’s what rednecks are made of.

You might be a redneck if:
It never occurred to you to
be offended by the phrase, ‘One nation, under God..’

You might be a redneck if:
You’ve never protested about seeing the
10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if:
You still say ‘ Christmas’
instead of ‘Winter Festival.’

You might be a redneck if:
You bow your head
when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if:
You stand and place your hand over your
heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if:
You treat our armed forces veterans
with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if:
You’ve never burned an
American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if:
You know what you believe and you aren’t
afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if:
You respect your elders and
raised your kids to do the same.
Some of you are so old you don’t
have elders to respect.

You might be a redneck if:
You’d give your last
dollar to a friend.

You might be a redneck if:
You believe in God & Jesus and
believe that others have the right
to believe in which ever God
they believe in as long as their
God does not tell them to kill anyone
who does not believe the same
as they do!!!!!

God Bless the USA !

…more yard work?!

A conventional vegetable/container garden is on my “to do” list for next Spring. However, I just read something fascinating from Natural News. If possible, I’ll pursue Mike’s suggestion for Food Rising Grow Systems Security.

Another dark gray, gloomy day!! Very foggy in the early morning. Surprisingly (ten o’clock), the outdoor temperature is sixty-two degrees–with ninety-nine percent humidity!! I really looked forward to raking leaves to beautify my yard. “Projects” beckon so that must be a good sign that I’m on the mend?!

The leaves were calling me to action. The thermometer said it was warm; the windy weather was a contradiction!! I accomplished “some” but much more to do another day. I’m already eager for Spring so I can begin planting.

– – –

Question: Should I add another row of paving blocks on the right side of the patio?? Right now, it’s tempting. Later, more blocks coming toward the pile of raked leaves. (Much later?!) Remember, I have that pesky mole–or family of moles–that I must compensate for.

The temperature was a pleasant 64 degrees as I worked in the yard this afternoon. I had planned to go to a 2 o’clock Christmas social in the RV Park–but the sunshine was so inviting. I swept the patio, and hosed the patio and sidewalk. I reworked the tarp shelter for my perennial plants. We haven’t had freezing temperatures–and none in the immediate future–but I’m compelled to make the shelter a bit more secure and appear a lot less wind-blown. I filled the bird feeders, too, and hung garden flags celebrating the season. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll rake leaves on the ground?! I’m really tired but feel refreshed from sunshine and fresh air.

That’s me: guilt collector!! I ought to be outside–in the rain–filling bird feeders. We’ve had gloomy weather for several days but today is particularly miserable. I speculate that the birds–and squirrels–would appreciate some food.

With all the “time on my hands,” the last two weeks, I should have addressed Christmas cards!! Honestly, I’ve accomplished nothing since I returned from the cruise. Nothing!! So much to do; so little energy!!

Yes, I’ve lost six and one-half pounds!! But, sadly, I still have thirty-six percent body fat. I have “belly fat.” Ideally, the weight would be shed around my middle but, sadly, I think it came off my face and arms!! Remember, I weighed one hundred thirty-four and one-half pounds on the cruise, on Dec. 4th. ~~ Honestly, I have not had any appetite. Furthermore, my cupboard is bare because I haven’t felt like a trip to the market. Perishables were used up before I left on the cruise. (I’m so hungry for a salad!!) ~~ Good news (since starting this message): I did some Internet research and  (what a relief)  my risk is minimal to low. See for yourself: I’m five foot two and (as you know) an adult female between age sixty and ninety-nine.

Friends and acquaintances are sending greetings. One friend faithfully reads my blog messages. Here’s her contribution: “They Know everything about you!”

Another… confesses that she seldom reads my blog but thought of me when she saw this trailer.

I’m guilty of NOT sending any Christmas cards and/or newsletters. Hopefully, interested family and friends will check my blog for details regarding my activities. Today: I’m feeling better–but still sick and staying indoors nursing the aftermath of the flu or cold “bug.” (Gratefully, I have restored WiFi so able to prepare this message–and read email.)

The last thing I want to read: Organic Industry Factory Farms Food Fraud. I’ve been outspoken with my opinion about conventional food products. I spend my limited finances on “organic.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

7th Heaven was a television program I loved. I have DVDs of the series (along with The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman). Now Stephen Collins is fodder for the TV news media.

Question: Why can’t the news media use their voice against food fraud and medical quackery? No, not “why can’t…” but “why won’t….” Personally, I value the reporting of Mike Adams on Natural News.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Today is Pope Francis’ seventy-eighth birthday. We’re learning that he played a role in the release (today) of Alan Gross. 

…and let it begin with me!!

Will you join me praying for the healing of our land? “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

– – –

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The NBC Today Show announced that dates like this are popular for weddings. Frankly, I’ve been so sick I haven’t thought about the date–or clip art. However, I couldn’t resist the temptation to search for numbers. Remember my earlier messages??

Round Numbers

More Round Numbers

Eleven Eleven

Number Nine Six Nine

Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine

Footnote: It was announced that it will be two decades until we see consecutive numbers again: 01-02-34.