'Twas a few days before Christmas . . .

Country Notebook

By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson

Journal columnist

It's a pleasant day in Kansas, some of the nicest we've had since January. Winter was extremely cold for a week or so and I believed killed some of the ticks. Spring was rainy, but we needed the moisture to bring our ponds back to desired depths. Summer went on far too long this year at 100 degrees. Fall appeared to be coming, but then summer would soar once again. The fall colors have not disappointed, but were late in becoming majestic.

Now that the obligatory information about weather is written, i'll go back to my silliness of creating a Christmas character for you. I am writing a book titled Bury Me in My Underwear and need a break from a serious topic. There's a lot of funny stuff in all of the 10 chapters, but speaks to preparing for death. I'm hoping to finalize soon and have it available in December as an e-book. I've spent so much time preparing for my own departure, I'm feeling a little sad I won't be present for the tears of laughter. I already have an angel that watches over me, otherwise, I would already be a goner.

With postage around 75 cents, I look for beautiful cards at thrift stores. Gratitude, the name I've given to my suspected angel, graciously moved me toward where the cards were hanging. Not knowing how many I would need, I bought all 160 for under $12. Not bad considering they are the Hallmark brand,Gratitude pointed out.

The one problem with Gratitude is that she is artistic and managed to pick out glitter at this same thrift store. When I was driving, Gratitude glued the glitter onto the cards. Trying to practice gratitude as much as possible, I couldn't yell at her since she was making the cards even more attractive.

As you pull the card out of the envelope, glitter may fall to the floor. Each time you vacuum, you'll likely think of me. I just hope you will have pleasant thoughts about our friendship. Gratitude is the one you need to blame.

Obviously, I'm still writing, but doing less and less yard work. Until either Rowdy, Digger or Gratitude chase the deer out of my yard, it seems they will look at it as their sanctuary for water and grass. I’m going native as in grasses, wildflowers, and perennials. It's not so much that I can't physically, it's really more about losing interest due to the weather extremes. Okay,

Gratitude put the fear of God in me and I'm not to tell a lie. Physically, it's not as easy either. I recently enrolled in a Pilate exercise program. Maybe come spring, I'll be a new woman.

It's no joke about how much gratitude I have for family and friends around me. I don't need to cook much anymore as a lunch partner is only a phone call away. I'll have grandchild number eight in January. A few years ago, I had a grandmother's ring designed. All of a sudden there appeared to be an additional stone for January. The angel Gratitude was being artistic again.

Like the first Christmas when the angels protected the Christ Child, I pray for angels to surround you always. Life is good because God and His angels are good. With much gratitude, I wish you a Merry Christmas, dear friend.

Gratitude sends best wishes, too. If you need an angel, she is also good with making connections.

"For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." (Psalms 92:11 NIV)