Christian Photographers Community

Hi Everyone.  We have had a very beautiful sunny and warm day as it got up to the mid-60's.  I went to Sunday School this morning and then came home and got Pat and we went back to Church.  Today was a very special day as it was the "Lessons and Carols" Sunday and it was really great.  We had the University of Georgia Brass Quintet that were really good, our choir with more members than I remember ever seeing participating, our Bell Choir, our children's choir and a beautiful group of singers from the choir that had wonderful harmony.  The lessons were all read by some of our city officials like the mayor, city administrator, counsel members, head of our Public Safety Department and our Representative to our State House.  It was so well done and such a meaningful service.  I guess you can tell I really liked it.  Pat and I then went to the Firehouse Subs for our lunch and now just enjoying a quiet afternoon.

Jane, so happy you will be have a special Christmas trip and being with your grandson.  That does sound like a miserable travel schedule but at least you don't have to drive that long distance.  I hope you have a wonderful time with your family.  You have a wonderful example of why we should never give up on a situation. 

Jackie, that certainly is not a good report from Richard.  I would be very concerned about the chest and jaw pain as those are classic heart symptoms.  He certainly has a lot on his health plate.  Glad you have put up a small Christmas Tree as perhaps that will make things a little more cheerful.  Pat doesn't plan on putting out our little tree.  The housekeeper brought down the artificial poinsettias and arranged them in front of our fireplace.  Pat has a few small decorations and the Christmas village that stay put up year round and that will likely be all the decorating we will do this year.

Janet, you are so blessed to have the opportunity to see your little great granddaughters in their Church Christmas program and I bet they were very happy to have you and Darrel in attendance. So sorry to read that Darrel isn't feeling up to par but can understand why he wouldn't want to stay for the evening activities.  Glad to read that your sister is doing better and was able to see the Christmas decorations at the hospital.

Larry Hanna...
...I always buy a poinsettia plant in a basket for placing near the fireplace...I dont bother with Christmas decorations only cards that we receive I scatter around our living room...Some of the parkhomes around our site are decked outside with Christmas lights which are nice to see but, we have never done that, nor do we ever have any outside decorations.....

Well Richard has taken his " gallon " of enema fluid mix drink...time is now almost 11 pm, his early appointment is for 8.am....

Message from Pat on FB

I'm now in the hospital again. I had a mild stroke on Monday evening and then it was discovered that I had a small ulcer hidden away and I was losing a lot of blood and emergency surgery was needed.

So here I am in the intensive care unit for who knows how long.

Merry Christmas!!!

My late father had a saying..." it never rains but it pours.." Pats luck has to change sometime...

********************************************************************

Well some good news re, Richards Colonoscopy this morning...no cancer, no polyps were found although they did identify Angiodysplasia which could account for his anaemia..." It is a common cause of otherwise unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding and anaemia..." 

Hi Everyone.  It is almost dark and so I am really late posting today.  I posted late yesterday so didn't have anything new to add this morning plus I was busy.  I did get my tire fixed shortly after lunch and they found there was a screw in the tire.  While I was at Costco I ate my lunch there.  After I left I went to a battery store to get a new battery put in Pat's watch.  This has been a delightful day with sun and it getting up to the mid-60s. 

Jackie, we have houses here in our area that have been decorated nicely outside.  But there are some with no decorations at all.  At least we have a nice large wreath on our outside windows.  I was happy to read your message that Richard got a good report from his test this morning.  I did have one colonoscopy without being put out but preferred going to sleep and waking up when it was over.  Since he wasn't put to sleep he probably wasn't told to bring someone with him to drive him home. 

Judy, thanks for sharing Pat's Facebook message.  Sorry that she still has to be in intensive care as one sure doesn't get any rest in ICU even though you get great care.

We went to Garden City to do some things today, and got home in record time, as I was really pushing to get done and get home.  I don't like rushing around, but sometimes it is necessary.  I got my Christmas letter written this morning, also got two more books packaged and ready to mail, but when we got to town the P.O. wasn't yet open so had to wait till we got back to mail them.  We got the groceries put away, I checked a couple things on computer, then it was time to go for my nail appointment.  So now I'm done and home again, and so glad to be here!

I must go look up Pat on Face book and see if there is any further news.  In the morning I have a framing job to do; then I want to get busy and wrap the gifts we have bought.

Jackie, good to hear that Richard got a good report from his colonoscopy.

Larry, I took your advice, only I got a tiny tree, and I also hung my wreath outside the door.  So I'm not a total Grinch!   

Hi Everyone.  I have gotten off my normal morning posting schedule here so will try to get back on schedule.  We have a beautiful clear sky day and there is no rain in the forecast.  We will get into the low 60's this afternoon.  I have only one thing on my to-do list for today and that is to meet a friend downtown at one of our banks to add my name to the bank account for a group.  I have agreed to be the Treasurer of the group for the next 3 years starting January 1st.  I have served as the Treasurer of several other groups and organizations over the years since I have been retired and know it is not a difficult job.  Yesterday in the mail we got the bill for the heat pump repair to the tune of $825.  This was just for labor and 4 pounds of Freon. The parts they put in were still under the manufacturers warranty.  

Janet, it sounds like you had a whirlwind trip to Garden City.  I still have to do our Christmas email in the form of a Christmas letter.  I haven't sent out Christmas cards for a number of years.  I bet your tiny Christmas tree will work just as well as a much larger one and saves you a lot of work in decorating it.  I am sure no one would ever accuse you of being a Grinch. 

[size=3 /We have been home for a couple of days.  It is a whirlwind here because we had a celebration for Don's birthday plus meetings with neighbors and family - much more to come. 

Sorry to read about all the pain and medical issues.  [/size]

This update on how Pat is doing has come from Janice Pat's daughter last night.  I asked Janice if I could share.

 The doctor called me tonight to give me an update.....Mum had 3 ulcers in her esophagus, one of which had ruptured and was causing all the bleeding.  They are putting her on a medication to heal the ulcers and will be put into the care of a Gastroenterologist. 
Mum has been complaining of pain in her hip/leg so the dr decided to do an ultrasound today.  They found a ballooning blood vessel in her buttock which could be an aneurysm or pseudo aneurysm.   They will be doing a CT scan tomorrow to take a closer look and possibly have more surgery to fix it. 
Then as well, she was complaining about her foot being sore and it was swollen.  They did an xray and she has 3 (maybe 4) broken bones in her foot from her fall the other night.  She'll be wearing an air cast. 
So keep praying....she's really having a rough go!

As i have Janice and Pat's permission to share I will keep the updates coming.

[/color]

The popular "Deck the Halls" song is a Christmas carol that dates back to the sixteenth century. It wasn't always associated with Christmas, however; the melody comes from a Welsh winter song called "Nos Galan," which is actually about New Year's Eve.


The first time "Deck the Halls" was published with English lyrics was in 1862, in Welsh Melodies, Vol. 2, featuring Welsh lyrics by John Jones and English lyrics written by Thomas Oliphant.

'Deck the Halls' and Songwriter Thomas Oliphant
Oliphant was a Scottish songwriter and author who was responsible for many popular songs and writings. He made his way by writing new lyrics to old melodies, interpreting foreign songs into English; not necessarily directly translating, but, as in "Deck the Halls," coming up with lyrics that fit the mood of the song. He became a lyricist for the court of Queen Victoria and eventually became a popular translator of music.

Where the old Welsh lyrics for "Nos Galan" sang of the impending new year, Oliphant's folk composition in English lauded the onset of the Christmas holiday, calling for the decoration and merriment which typically accompanies the celebration, including a line about drinking that was later revised:

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Fill the mead cup, drain the barrel
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troll the ancient yuletide carol
Fa la la la la la la la la


Whereas the original Welsh lyrics were about winter, love and cold weather:

Oh! How soft my fair one's bosom,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Oh! How sweet the grove in blossom,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Oh! How blessed are the blisses,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Words of love, and mutual kisses,
Fa la la la la la la la la 

Oliphant was interested in capturing the spirit of the song, including the "fa la la" refrain. This part of the song, which has become its signature feature in modern iterations, was probably an addition from the middle ages when there was a tendency of Madrigal choruses to fill songs with a kind of vocal break between verses.

'Deck the Halls' Madrigal Influence
Madrigals were a traditional secular musical form during the Rennaissance in Europe and were typically sung a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). They usually featured poetry set to music, with a composer adding "accompaniment" sections for some voices (such as "fa la la").

Oliphant was Honorary Secretary of the Madrigal Society, where he mostly reinterpreted Italian madrigal songs into English. Most of his translations were in a similar style to "Deck the Halls," with entirely new lyrics set to familiar melodies.

American Christmas Carol
Another version of the lyrics, which removes the references to drinking and is close to the one commonly recited today, was published in the 1877 edition of the Pennsylvania School Journal. It still uses the singular "Hall" and changes "Yuletide" to "Christmas."

Deck the hall with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la 
Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la 
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la 
Troll the ancient Christmas carol
Fa la la la la la la la la 

But the modern version of "Deck the Halls," which is sung by choirs and carolers across the country, is the one published in an 1866 songbook titled simply The Song Book (although in that publication it's titled "Deck the Hall").

The pluralization of "halls" is probably something that just took shape as more and more people took to singing it. By then, the song had been appropriated by folk musicians and others, including Mozart, who used it as a launching pad for a piano-violin duet.

Hi Everyone. I am not seeing the sun here today and the forecast said it will be colder and in the next couple of days the rain and wind will return.  My friend will be here at 10 am to work with me for an hour.  Then this afternoon we will meet Scott at Ruby Tuesdays about 2:30 to have a meal together.  This will also be our main meal of the day.  Pat has a big toe that is bothering her once again and woke her up early this morning.  I did fix her breakfast as well as my own and am now ready for the rest of the day.  I did get the paperwork signed at the bank yesterday so I am ready to assume the Treasurer responsibilities at the end of this month for my Saturday group.

Carol, I hope all of your planned activities are spread out enough that you all can find sometime to rest and having fun and visiting doesn't become a burden.  How is Don feeling with the higher altitude?

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat.  That is all that lady needs is more and different health issues to deal with.  In our hospitals here if a person is considered a fall risk they put a red band around your rest and you are not suppose to get out of bed or try to move around without assistance.  My Pat always has those bands on her wrist when she has been hospitalized as she is certainly a fall risk as I am sure your Pat is also due to the hip operations and concerns.  The last x-ray Stacey had done on her foot showed that over a period of several years she had 21 breaks in the one foot bones.  Unfortunately, when they had to amputate her leg it was the other leg and not the one that was subject to the bone breaks.  Thanks for sharing "Deck the Halls'" words, music link and background.  I had not yet heard it this season.

I will be going to the Alzheimer's caregivers group today. We finally got a call from the roofer, the wife will be here today to9 write up the contract and collect half of the payment.I have to go to the bank to get a cashiers check. It sure is about time we heard from them.

Judy thank you for the update on Pat. She sure has been through a lot in the last 2 or 3 years. How is Paul doling? Is he in Guelph with Pat or still in Virginia? Is he having health issues as well?  I will be praying for both of them.

I really don't know all that is happening with Paul. He is over 80 so has elderly issues as well.

Prior to Saturday I painted out hall in a light grey with a dark grey trim. John put a new floor down and I am so pleased with the results.  At Dollarama I saw sheers at the right length for $4, and they have really made a difference to the room.

On Monday we took our grand-daughter Ivy to the Santa train.  It was bitterly cold out with a raw wind. That wee girl had no complaints at all.  she had the opportunity to go into the train engine and blow the horn.  We left there and saw a police car with all the lights flashing!  Che got in the car and played with the sirens... then took the mike and said "Merry Christmas everyone!" 

Today we have a chimney sweep coming to clean our chimney and let us know if there are any repairs to do.  More money out of our pocket! This is necessary because of the amount of wood we burn.  To this point a family member has done it for us.

That's all for today.

[/color]

Many people mistakenly assume this Christmas classic has been around for years and that it is of European origin. But it was written in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis as a powerful plea for peace by a man who had experienced the horrors of war.

The song's message of peace is as desperately needed today as it was then.

Seeking Goodness and Light
A brilliant musical career seemed assured for the French-born Noel Regney. He had studied at Strasbourg Conservatory and at the Conservatoire National de Paris.

Then came the Second World War, when France was overwhelmed by Hitler's German troops. Much against Regney's will, he was drafted into the German army.

He hated the Nazis who occupied the land where he was born. So, while still in the German army, Regney became a member of the French underground. His assignments required him to remain in a German uniform. He collected information and, when possible, warned French resistance fighters of attacks the Germans were planning against them.

One mission would continue to haunt Noel Regney: He was assigned the task of leading a group of German soldiers into a trap where the French fighters could catch them in a crossfire.

Although Regney was shot that day, he survived. The French suffered only minor injuries. But the memory of the enemy soldiers falling to the ground, most of them dead, was etched in Noel Regney's mind.

He never commented publicly on what took place that terrifying day. It has been said that he was intentionally wounded by the French to protect him from the Germans, in the belief that his injury would indicate he had no knowledge of the trap that had been set for the enemy.

Not long after this encounter, Regney deserted the German army and lived underground with the French for the rest of the war. "Only then did I feel free," he once observed.

After the war, he worked for a number of years as the musical director of the Indochinese Service of Radio France and as music director at Lido, a popular nightclub in Paris.

In 1952, Noel Regney moved to Manhattan. He composed music for many early TV shows and commercial jingles, in addition to writing serious musical compositions. In 1971, Regney composed "Slovenly Peter," a concert suite based on an old German folktale. Four years later, he completed a five-part cantata titled "I Believe in Life." He also composed the 1963 hit "Dominique" (sung by Soeur Sourire, also known as "The Singing Nun").

Little Lambs
In the late '50s, Noel Regney married pianist Gloria Shayne after knowing her for only a few weeks. Their daughter, Gabrielle Regney, says about her mother, "She's an extraordinary pianist and composer who has perfect pitch."

Gloria wrote many popular songs recorded by well-known singers, including "Goodbye Cruel World" (James Darren's recording peaked at number three on the Billboard charts) and "The Men in My Little Girl's Life" (recorded by Mike Douglas). She collaborated with Jack Keller on "Almost There" (recorded by Andy Williams).

"My mother's work tends to be more pop; my father's is more classical and avant-garde," says Gabrielle. When her parents collaborated, she says, "Usually, my mother wrote the words and my father wrote the music." But they did the opposite when they composed "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Of all their works, that simple Christmas song is the one that will continue to be treasured. Here is how it came to be:

In October 1962, the Soviet Union and the United States were involved in a crisis centered on missiles the Russians had installed in Cuba. The United States threatened military action if the missiles were not removed. The world trembled and prayed as these two nuclear powers stood eyeball-to-eyeball.

That October, as Noel Regney walked through the streets of New York, a sense of despair was in the air. No one smiled.

Regney had endured the horrors of war. He knew the fear and terror of being close to death. The safe and secure life he had built for himself in the United States was on the verge of ending.

Christmas, which was supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill, was approaching. Noel Regney had been asked by a record producer to write a holiday song.

"I had thought I'd never write a Christmas song," he recalled. "Christmas had become so commercial. But this was the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In the studio, the producer was listening to the radio to see if we had been obliterated.

"En route to my home, I saw two mothers with their babies in strollers. The little angels were looking at each other and smiling. All of a sudden, my mood was extraordinary."

A glimpse of these babies filled Noel Regney's heart with poetry. The little ones reminded him of newborn lambs. Thus, the song begins, "Said the night wind to the little lamb...."

As soon as Noel arrived home, he jotted down the lyrics. Then he asked Gloria to write the music to accompany his words. "While walking down the street in New York, my mother heard trumpets playing the melody in her head," explains Gabrielle Regney.

"Noel wrote a beautiful song," Gloria said later, "and I wrote the music. We couldn't sing it, through; it broke us up. We cried. Our little song broke us up. You must realize there was a threat of nuclear war at that time."

Although their marriage didn't last, her parents remained close friends, says Gabrielle.

Today, Gloria Shayne Baker is in ill health. Noel Regney died at age 80 in 2002 on the eve of the Christmas season. He was survived by his second wife, Susan, three children (Paul, Gabrielle and Matthieu) and a stepdaughter (Patricia). At his funeral Mass, celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Ridgefield, New York, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" was performed.

Pray for Peace
There have been over 100 versions of "Do You Hear What I Hear?," including early recordings by Perry Como and the Harry Simeone Chorale. Gladys Knight and the Pips, Destiny's Child and Vanessa Williams are among the artists who have made more recent recordings. Noel Regney's personal favorite was a recording by Robert Goulet, who nearly shouted out the line, "Pray for peace, people, everywhere."

But it was the Bing Crosby 1963 recording that brought Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne's song of peace to the nation's attention. In those days, Crosby's recordings were often instant hits; his version sold more than a million copies.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" carried a beautiful message close to people in all walks of life. It became a popular Christmas carol, "a song high above the tree, with a voice as big as the sea." But the message of peace was lost on many people.

"I am amazed that people can think they know the song and not know it is a prayer for peace," Noel Regney once told an interviewer. "But we are so bombarded by sounds and our attention spans are so short."

Let us hope and pray that, when it is sung in churches worldwide during the Christmas season, this song of peace will remind us that "The Child, The Child sleeping in the night" came to "bring us goodness and light."

Hi Everyone. I awoke to a rainy morning and it is suppose to continue all day today and then again tomorrow with the possibility of from 1 to 2 inches of rain.  I plan a very quiet and restful day.  I will probably pick up my friend and we will go downtown for coffee as usual on Thursdays but nothing else on the schedule.  We did enjoy our time with Scott yesterday at Ruby Tuesday's.  We were shocked to see that they had significantly raised their prices on some of their entrees.  Scott and I both chose to have the great salad bar as our meal and Pat had a fried chicken sandwich with fries.  I do have the kitchen chores done and just need to make Pat's breakfast when she arises. 

Marilyn, I was happy to read that you were going to attend the Alzheimer's caregivers group yesterday and I hope you found it beneficial.  I attended such a group when we were staying in Missouri to care for my parents and I found it helpful.  Hopefully the roofers will get your roof fixed soon and stop the leaks.  I spoke to Paul on the phone a few days ago and he has some very serious health issues but was planning on going to Guelph for a few days. 

Judy, your decorating sounds very nice.  It sounds like Ivy must have had a great time with the Santa train and then getting to be in the police car.  How old is Ivy?  I hope the chimney sweep wasn't too expensive but that is certainly something important to attend to.  That is a very interesting story behind the Christmas hymn "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Good morning!  I think I have missed either one or two days in posting here--sorry! Sometimes life just gets too busy.

I have come and read every day, though.  So sorry to hear about Pat's new problems.  She has had far more than her share these past three years or so.  I wish I could go to Guelph and help her.  Judy, do you think it would be okay to call her, maybe through Messenger?

I did go and paint with my friends yesterday, so nice to have a slower, peaceful day.  Tomorrow is my first book signing for the new book.  I pray it is successful!  Abby, my granddaughter, is home from college for Christmas break, and is coming up; will be wonderful to see her. She wasn't feeling well at Thanksgiving, so we didn't really have a good visit then.

Judy, I so enjoyed the back story of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  Amazing.

Today I must wrap the rest of the few presents I have bought.  Cutting way back on the shopping this year!  Will finish out with that green stuff that is always needed, so much easier!

Good news about my sister Doris!  She was released from the Omaha hospital, back to North Platte for rehab yesterday.  After rehab, she will begin Chemo.  I know she is happy to be closer to home.  Thanks for the prayers for her.


I need to dress and get with it!  I wish you all a wonderful day!

Dec. 20 Update on Keith. His wound is healing so nicely that I only have to change the canister on his wound vac every 5 days. Yesterday his caregiver took him out for a haircut, I had called the shop and told them to cut his hair SHORT, it is shorter that it has ever been. Now he needs a shave, the beard is too long for the electric razor. The nurse at OPI (Out Patient Infusion) yesterday said he seemed more alert. He does sleep a lot but that goes with the Alzheimer diagnosis. Of course he thinks his doesn't have any dementia at all. That too goes with the diagnosis. He does get lost in this house and goes in the opposite direction of where he wants to go. Like the laundry room last night going to bed.The antibiotic kills all the good bacteria in his gut nso he does have an incontinence problem there and we sometimes have to change and clean him up 1-2 times a day.The Kefir is supposed to be putting the good bacteria back in his gut.I am leaving for California on Monday for a couple of days. His caregiver will be with him full time while I am gone and will start working 6hr 5 days a week after the first of Jan. I still need to get a decent night's sleep. My eye surgery is scheduled for Jan3 and now I have a little bit of a cold. Got to get rid of that ASAP.

Janet, from what I understand she is still in intensive care. Also her phone is off....she doesn't have a charge at hospital.  I will let everyone know when she can take calls.

She would love a card or newsy letter! Message me for her address if you want to go that route.

Hi Everyone.  After a dreary and rainy day yesterday we expect to have a little better day today.  There is still rain in the forecast but tomorrow is suppose to be sunny and no rain.  I plan on staying home all day today.  My main project will be getting a few Christmas packages wrapped and to get my Christmas email prepared and sent out.  I did pick up my friend and we went downtown to coffee and were able to get in an out of the car without a problem or getting soaked. 

Janet, it is always nice to read that you have painted with your friends.  If I had my way it is the "green stuff" that would make up our Christmas presents.  However, opening a few packages is about all we have left of our Christmas traditions and with online buying it isn't difficult to shop, especially when Pat does it.    Glad you are going to have some time with Abby during her holiday break.  Happy to see your sister has been able to leave the hospital and start rehab.  I didn't realize she was going to have to go through chemo. 

Marilyn, it does sound like Keith is making progress with his physical health if not mental health.  Glad you are going to be able to get away for a couple of days and then have some help 5 days a week.  Sorry to read you are dealing with a cold and hope it soon passes.

Judy, thanks for the update on Pat.  I was so hoping she would be back in a regular room by now.

Good morning!  I have just a few minutes before I leave for my first book signing on the new book--prayers for a successful one appreciated!

Larry, the diagnosis they gave my sister is Multiple Myeloma, a form of leukemia which leaches the calcium from the bones; thus the need for chemo.  (Unless God has another miracle for her, and He never runs out of those!)

The fellow I did the framing for came to pick it up, and when I looked at his check, I saw he had given me a $25 bonus!  He was really thrilled with it, and that made me happy! 

I'm leaving early, as my hairdresser agreed to do my hair early today, before the book signing starts!  Abby will be up later, she wants to do the cookie decorating they are having there today also.  Seems she hit something on her way home and ruined a tire, cut the sidewall of it, so she has to deal with that before she drives up.

I hear Darrel stirring around, so will go talk to him a bit.

See you all later!!

A beautiful rendition of Halleluja

https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.cartina1970/videos/501368823716143/

She had a procedure to disperse the problem in her buttock which was very painful. They stuck a large needle in her leg and even with the freezing it was excruciating.  She's recovering from that.  She's just gotten out of bed today for the first time in a while. Can't get to the bathroom yet so she still has a catheter. But she sounded a bit more lively on the phone tonight. Pat is now in a ward.

Larry, Ivy is now 6 and in grade 1. she is a little dickens in school, however I have few problems with her.  I have a picture I would like to share but things have changed enough that I don't know how!

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful sunny and cloudless 45 degrees but will warm up a bit as the day goes on.  I got up late this morning and am not going to have time to read and write in the discussion boards this morning.  However, I just wanted to check in before I left for my Saturday morning meeting.  I will come back this afternoon to read and comment.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
(Click to hear music)

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all people. For today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11


Words & Music: Traditional English




God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan?s power when we were gone astray.


Refrain
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn;
The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.


Refrain


From God our heavenly Father a blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.


Refrain


"Fear not, then," said the angel, "Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might."


Refrain


The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethl?em straightaway this blessed Babe to find.


Refrain


But when to Bethlehem they came where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray.


Refrain


Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.


Refrain
[/color]

Hi Everyone.  Just up from resting for a couple of hours.  I fixed the peanut cluster ingredients in the large crock pot before I laid down and now have it turned on for an hour.  They will then be ready to to stirred up and spooned out.  We are going to go out for dinner this evening as Pat has been in the house for several days and it is a beautiful afternoon after a couple of rainy days.  I am enjoying watching some good college basketball games this afternoon.

Judy, thanks for posting "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" for us today.  Sure was good to read that Pat is now out of ICU.  After being in bed so long she is going to have quite a rehab ahead of her to regain muscle tone.  Thanks for the info on about the age of Ivy.  It sounds like she may be quite handful. 

Janet, I hope your book signing was a big successful for you yesterday.  So sorry to read of the leukemia that your sister is now dealing with.  That was a nice surprise to have your framing so appreciated with a bonus to express the fellows pleasure with your work.  Did you and Abby get the cookie decorating done yesterday.

Greetings
Here is the wonderful Christmas Carol 'Silent Night'.  Both in English and the Isle of Man's, Manx language.  It is my adopted language and hubby's national language



Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "


Oie sheoil

Oie sheoil, cadley dagh nhee,
graigh freayll arrey, casherick oie,
feagh as arreydagh, s'bannit ynpiyr,
paithey casherick, lesh y folt airh
goaill e aash ayns shee,
goaill e aash ayns shee.

Oie sheoil, er-nyn-skyn
ny rollageyn ta soilshean
freayll dy-kinjagh arrey geyre,
er y phaitchey lesh y folt airh
goaill e aash ayns shee,
goaill e aash ayns shee.

Oie sheoil s'feagh dagh nhee
,,Shee er thalloo, aigney Yee"
sho ta'n Bab er jeet dy ghra
lhig dooin eisht ve booisal da,
choud's t'eh lhieayns shee,
choud's t'eh lhieayns shee.