November

As this month of November draws to a close, I've much to be thankful for in this time of Thanksgiving.
The beginning of November displayed some fabulous sunsets right out our door.
Had to catch it quickly for the display was short lived, only about 10 minutes of vivid color.
The yard displayed it's vivid colors, too.
The reds and greens complimented each other in their own way.

I'm thankful for this beautiful earth.......
Lots of birthdays this time of year.
Emma turned 2.
I'm thankful for family........

Thank you, Julie, for having us over to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together. It was delicious!
I even attempted to make mom's famous red cabbage dish. It turned out pretty good.
And Becky made the pumpkin pies, yummmm, wouldn't be Thanksgiving without them.
Lynda brought some great salads which added the finishing touches.

Family gatherings like this are what makes these times special.

Again, I'm thankful for family........
.....and this beautiful world in which we live......

What a Day!

What a day Bernell and I had, yesterday. We were invited by an acquaintance (who is a prominate federal judge) to see his chambers and a tour of the Federal Courthouse. So we can say we went to court yesterday. It was a fantastic tour; first time I've ever been waved through a security check with purse in hand!
We were also invited to accompany the judge and his wife to the swearing-in ceremony of immigrants receiving their citizenship in the United States of America. A federal officer met us curbside and drove us to the theater where this occasion took place. After shaking hands with many dignitaries, we were escorted to reserved box seats and from there watched the proceedings with the judge conducting. Having never seen this before, I was very touched by what I saw and heard. About 190 people received their citizenship that day representing over 60 different countries. A person sang the Star Spangled Banner as part of the program and it triggered me off needing tissues to dry the eyes. The new citizens could raise their hand if he or she wanted to make a comment as the microphone was passed. I wish all Americans could have heard what I heard that day from these people. What a wake up call! Let's cherish our freedoms, liberty, and this great land. These people do. All that spoke were in tears as they expressed how thankful they were to now be called an 'American'.

I'm glad to be an American. I love this country and may God continue to bless it. We need His help and need to do our part in keeping it a land of freedom and opportunity. We can't let our new citizens down.