Time was, winter was a pretty laid-back time. The bounty of the farm, like the fruit in Jacob's hands, had been harvested and "put by". Other than repairing the farming equipment and keeping house, the work pressures were much reduced during this season of short days and cold nights. There was time for family, visiting, reflection, and peace. Nowadays we just keep plugging along. Especially now just before Christmas when the plugging can turn a bit frantic.

Today's first real winter storm is a reminder to me to find some moments to put feet up by the fire, the tube, the furnace vent or whatever, and reflect a bit on the year gone by and the deep peace of sharing this life with others.

One way to get the mind away from that to-do list is to spend a few moments with these slideshows. There will be a wee techno hassle of installing a viewer, but its pretty painless. Then select the full screen option, and drift off to another place for a while.

Merry Christmas and
Cheers to all,
Tony