Advent

On Monday, I drove to my sister's church and attended an Advent service. First dessert and then into the church for inspirational talks and music.  I am challenged to show peace, joy, hope and love to other people.  Working on it.  A bit hard when I substituted for a coworker today, and my boss says, "What are you doing here?"  She thought I was scheduled to work the branch store today.  Now you know that I don't want to work there, she knows it too, and I suspect that she assumed I took matters in my own hands and didn't show up!  So I worked until the afternoon workers arrived (one a half hour late) came home, took some pain reliever for a headache, went downstairs and hauled up the outdoor lights and commenced decorating outside.  The earthy smells and 36 degree temperatures reminded me of the good times I had playing outside when I was young.  I suppose putting up Christmas lights could be considered playing.  Yesterday, I decorated the inside of the house. I set up the Christmas village...houses, churches, Big Ben and a lighthouse.   Santa and his pet Christmas dog are coming in the wooden boat laden with gifts.  Only one little sledder knows of the emminent arrival of St. Nick.  The Nativity Village is up too...musicians, dogs, geese, children bearing eggs, Pillsbury Dough Boy even a fantastical dragon (at least I think it's a dragon).  The Christmas tree sits in the corner and  candles and pinecones scent the room.