I Thought About It

I've been thinking about a lot of things lately; a lot of things blog and social media related. Here's what I've come up with:
⭐Blogging in general: What's the purpose? I'm just an average Jane...my opinion isn't any more important than any one else's. And, does anyone really care about what's going on in my life? I mean, like I said, I'm no more important than anyone else, so does it really matter?
⭐I try to keep my family's personal life out of my blog posts, so what is there to write about?
⭐I'm so sick of the political posts on FB & IG. Franklin Graham said my thoughts exactly during an interview (and I'm paraphrasing): The whole "everyone gets a trophy" has ruined today's young adults; they don't know how to lose. (He's my new hero!) 
It's great that we live in a country where we have free speech, but the destroying of property is not okay. They just look like spoiled brats who should have been at work or at school instead of destroying property.
⭐I can't even seem to find time to do the Wednesday Hodgepodge, or when I do, I don't have time to go back and read what everyone wrote. I'm such a Hodgepodge Failure. Big time. 
⭐And the Friday Foto Friends? Same thing. 
⭐I thought about shutting this blog down for a while. It pretty much has been shut down anyway. Or, maybe I should just commit myself to writing more some. I just get so far behind that it's just overwhelming to think of catching up, and this is supposed to be fun; something I want to do, not something I have to do.
⭐Honestly, my dad isn't doing well. My time & energy is going toward him. It's tough to see this big strong man who has never been sick deteriorate. I've had a bad cold this week, so I haven't been able to see him, and that's been tough...real tough. Talking on the phone isn't the same as seeing him and being around him; just spending time with him. 
⭐I'm trying to put things in perspective: what's really important and what's not. The political rants on social media are not important. Writing posts when I don't feel like it aren't important. Spending time with my daddy is important. 
So, here's my conclusion:
If I feel like writing, I'll write. That's basically what I've been doing, anyway, with this blog. If I feel like participating (and I mean really participating) in the Hodgepodge & Friday Foto Friends, I'll do it. And I won't feel guilty when I don't. 
I have a lot of things that are being put on hold right now, and this blog is just a small part. Thanks for your understanding and prayers!

{Friday Foto Friends} Happy New Year!

I'm joining Deb at Breathing in Grace to share what happened this past week using pictures. 
CH & I spent last week at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. It wasn't as warm as The Keys, but it didn't take nearly as long to get there. It was a good week of relaxation and strolling down memory lane.

Thomas' Donuts are a must!

We had some nice walks on the beach:

Since sunset was around 5:00, most days we were busy doing things, but we managed to get to where we could witness a pretty decent sunset:

1 morning I woke early enough to catch a glimpse of a sunrise:

I'm always on the lookout for "different" Christmas Trees. A few years ago, we went to the "Lighting of the Barrels" in Lynchburg, Tn. (home of Jack Daniels), and Marathon, Fl. has a tree made out of lobster traps. We happened to find a tree made out of crabtraps. The ornaments were made out of fishing floats.

 New Year's Eve, we went to Mass at St. Bernadette's. As we were leaving, CH noticed a grotto on the side of the building, so we took a peek and found Our Lady of Lourdes. 

 We got back from Mass and had dinner: veggies, rice, salad, and grilled shrimp. I think that was the nicest New Year's Eve I've ever had. After dinner, we sat around a fire for a bit, then watched "New Year's Eve" (the movie). 

 It's still Christmas according to the Catholic Calendar, so I'm continuing to enjoy my tree for just a couple more days.

I had a nice Christmas break, and am trying to slide back into my routine.  I hope you had a very nice New Year's Eve and Day!

{Friday Foto Friends} Catch Up

I skipped last week's post...I just didn't get around to it, but this week is break, so I've got a little time to catch up!

I'm joining Debra at Breathing in Grace for Friday Foto Friends.

This is an afternoon moon that I happened to see when I let the dogs out one afternoon. That is the actual color of the sky.

A couple of weekends ago, CH & I went to Asheville to see OS. We took time to walk around downtown for the first time. The view from the upper parking deck: 

Another moon shot before the sun went down. I don't know what this building is, but the architecture is really pretty.

Asheville happens to have a Basilica, so we walked down to it and had a sneak-peek inside. It was absolutely gorgeous! The Basilica was built without using any wood...only tiles and stone. It rivals the European Churches I've seen.

We went into this building for a quick beer (and to warm up a bit). The website says that this building was built in 1907, and has been a lumber supplier, automotive supply company, and a bluegrass/barbecue place. More historically significant, there is a door in the basement that allowed people during prohibition to travel the passageway to obtain their illegal liquor.

 When we got back to the car, we were in the middle of a Santa Party. And I mean, "party"! They were having a really good time! There were Santas all over town while we were there.

This guy is visiting while OS is on the West Coast. He looked a little cold, so I covered him up. 

 This is a Tea Ring that was given to me. My mom used to make these for our teachers when we were in school. I've never tried to make one on my own since it involves yeast.

 Our Christmas Tree this year. I think it's time to get new lights! I didn't bother putting up all of the ornaments, but there are still plenty on there.

My new ornaments for this year: the Santa is from our trip to Edisto; the other Santa (below right) is actually from our Charleston trip a couple of years ago (oops!). Top right angel and rocking horse below are a little piece of Denmark for this year (from CH's uncle). Under the horse is an ornament from Steamboat Springs, Co., where we camped for a few days. Under that one is an ornament from Mt. Rushmore; to the left of that is a SD ornaments, and the one to the left of that is from Edisto.

We have a couple of bushes in front of our house that doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason as to when it blooms. It seems to bloom all through the year, and it's blooming now:

Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!