My Ophelia

She was a cute little black ball of fur when I first saw her.  She was one of three sisters, all spunky and so delightful, born in the home of a dear friend.

Which one would be coming home with me?  Darla and Lucia seemed to always hang out together, but Ophelia, well she was a little more independant and so by mutual consent Ophelia's mom and dad kindly let me take her home with me.  That was 14 years ago.

I know there were tears that day, tears of joy for me, but for her human mom and dad tears of sadnness, because even though they knew she was getting a good home, they would miss her.

I was so happy!!!  She was adorable.  She had the most beautiful big, green eyes.  We were not sure how she would react to my two older cats, Penny and Kenya, and for that matter how they would react to her. 

Ophelia at first was a little apprehensive, but at the same time anxious to learn about her new surroundings and her new sisters.  So jumping in with all four feet, she ran to greet them.  They of course didn't appreciate her spontaneous outgoing personality and quickly let her know it with a loud hiss and a swat with their paws.  But in time they all became good friends, playing and sleeping together.

Ophelia was one of my most challenging cats.  Very different from the others.  She had the bad habit starting from a kitten, peeing in the most unusual places.  We could never put a welcoming mat by the door, it was an invitation for her to pee.  If we ever left clothes on the floor, even bookbags, more than a few times we would smell cat urine.  She trained us quickly not to leave anything on the floor.  Also, I remember when she was a a kitten bringing up a basket of fresh clean clothes from the dryer and putting the basket on the floor I started to fold them.  This cute little kitty jumped in the basket purring and kneading the warm clean clothes with her paws and as I am tellling Russell, "oh look how cute Ophelia is", I realize she was peeing on the clothes!!!  Yes, she was a challenge and I venture to say if anyone else had her she might not be with them them for long.

But, Ophelia was also a beautiful cat in her features and personality.  She was extremely affectionate to me.  She would always be on my lap licking my face and she loved jumping on my shoulders and wrapping herself like a shawl around my neck, purring so loud.  It was hard to stay mad at her.  I loved her dearly.

Almost a year ago, she showed signs of sickness.  She was diagnosed with thyroid and kidney disease.  We had a choice.  We could give her an infusion of Ringers lactate solution, by injecting it under her skin 100-130ml. everyday at first, and then everyother day. It is similar to a dialysis, flushing out poisons from the body, and she would also have received thyroid medication everyday for the rest of her life.  Some cats, the doctor said, have lived up to four years longer. Or we could put her to sleep as there is no cure. She seemed too lively to me to put her to sleep and so I decided with Russell's support and approval to try to help my little cutie pie. Knowing what I know now, I believe I would have put her to sleep. But, at the same time if I didn't do it this way, I may have always regretted not trying.

At first, I couldn't put the needle in her, it made me sick to my stomach.  Russell, fortunately was able to do it.  Ophelia didn't like it, she would rebel and I couldn't blame her.  Then one day after a long struggle of Russell and I trying to get this needle into her, and failing, I thought we can't do this anymore. I remember praying to Jehovah to help me have the courage to do this and not give up.  Then, honestly, it was like a miracle, Ophelia jumped on the bed with me, and gently I inserted the needle in her, no struggle, or running away, she was actually purring.  From that time on she and I were pals.  I could do this by myself, and she cooperated.  She knew I was trying to help her.  This continued for several months.

She was actually doing very well.  Eating, drinking, gaining weight.  We were both happy.  Our bond together was even greater than before.  No, we didn't enjoy the needles, we both would groan and cry a little each time the bag of fluid and needles came out, but it had to be done.  But after it was done, she would cuddle with me and we were good friends again.

Unfortunately this past week she took a dramatic change for the worse.  It was painful for me to see her wanting to eat, and not. able to.  The acids in her stomach causing her much discomfort and horrendous vomiting, and the poisons in her body were over taking her due to her kidneys failing. How could I let her go on like this.  Taking her to the Dr. I knew the inevitable.  On March 7th 2013 at 4:30 in the afternoon we agreed to let Ophelia die in dignity and in peace.  We gently stroked her, kissed her and told her what a good girl she was, and that we loved her. She went to sleep peacefully.  We took her home, and Russell and Jimmy buried her.

I know this account about Ophelia may make some feel sad, but I needed to get these. thoughts out of my head and heart.  I know Jehovah must also feel our pain.  He made us in his image.  He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.  Yes, she may only be an animal, but she was my Ophelia, a creation of Jehovah, and my friend who loved me unconditionally.  It will never be the same without her.

The illustration that Nathan used with King David after his sin with Bathsheba proves the close loving relationship a shepard had with his little sheep. It would eat from his morsel, and from his cup it would drink, and in his bosom it would lie, and it came to be as a daughter to him. Those who love their pets can relate to this.  And when David learned that the little female sheep was killed, the only one the shepard had by the rich man who had many, David's love for sheep and justice came to the fore, and he said "that man deserves to die".  2Samuel 12:1-6.

Thank you for allowing me to express myself.  It helps me to heal getting it out rather than holding it in.  And please, weep with me.  Some how that helps too.  Romans 12:15

This is Raven as the crow flies.

Winter Has Begun!

Yes, winter is upon us. The winter solstice began on Friday December 21, 2012 at 6:11am, and it marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice. Hence the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin soltitium, from sol, "sun" and -stitium,"a stoppage." Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter.

 It really is a pretty time of year, although it can be challenging. Like that cute little black cat climbing on a slippery snowy roof, we must forge ahead, courageously, unafraid, but carefully. Be dressed and prepared to face the ever changing elements of winter and you will enjoy it. Snowy days can give us opportunities to enjoy simple pleasures in life. Recently, I purchased an intriguing book entitled "Paw Prints in the Moonlight". It is a heartwarming true story of one man and his cat. It is a special tale of one kind man and a cat that thought he was human, who changed this man's life forever. The story takes place in the rural splendor of Northumberland, England. I have not read it yet but anxiously look forward to it. Here is beautiful display of winter scenes we hope to see this winter. Enjoy!

We know that many people celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th, Christmas day, and though many do so out of sincere love and devotion to Jesus, more are finding it a challenge to achieve what they view the real meaning of Christmas to be. Especially in view of many of it's customs being of pagan background, and Jesus not even born on that day, millions have chosen not to participate in celebration of Christmas at all. Please view the video presented below on this blog that shows the real meaning behind the Yuletide traditions. It is an amazing expose of this so called "christian" holiday. It is long, about 35 minutes, but well worth watching. Also, I encourage everyone who has not read the December 1, 2012 Awake! article "Something Better Than Christmas", to please read it. It is presented in such a fine way.

 Enjoy the rest of this year, and I will see you next year, 2013, Jehovah willing.

 This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Galloping Into And Out Of The Fall Season

The fall season for 2012 began at approximately 10:49am, September 22.  Where did the time go.  Here we are close to the end of fall going into winter.  Don't ask me what happen.  Life happened.  I wanted so much to get on the blog to write about something, just to let everyone know I am still alive.

Of course we started a new service year, and that's always exciting.  New avenues of service like the "Manhattan Project" is proving to be very successful. Also, helping many others to come to know the truth through the computer using our official web site, and being able to read literature in their own language is nothing short of a miracle. Jehovah is speeding things up, just like this horse that is running.  Isn't this a beautiful horse?  It's a black Friesian running into and out of the fall, and soon to run into the winter season. It is a beautiful breed of horse I would love to have.  If not in this system, definitely in the new system.  Here are a few facts about this beautiful animal.

The Friesian (also Frisian) is a horse breed originating in Friesland, Netherlands. Although the breed's conformation resembles that of a light draft horse, Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. During the Middle Ages, it is believed that the ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout continental Europe. Through the Early Middle Ages and High Middle Ages, their size enabled them to carry a knight in armor. In the Late Middle Ages, heavier, draft type animals were needed. Though the breed nearly became extinct on more than one occasion, the modern day Friesian horse is growing in numbers and popularity, used both in harness and under saddle. Most recently, the breed is being introduced to the field of dressage.

Distinguishing features	Black, 15-17 hands, powerfully muscled, agile with elegant action, thick mane and tail, feather on lower legs.
Alternative names	Belgian Black (UK)
Country of origin	Netherlands

Please click on the link below to see a video of these magnificent creatures, and I guarantee you will want one too.

Enjoy the rest of the fall season, and for that matter the rest of 2012, it's almost over. In the meantime I am hoping to take a little time to try my hand at sketching and watercolor painting, something I always wanted to do.  Watching a movie about Beatrix Potter, the author of children's books really inspired me.  If you haven't seen the movie "Miss Potter", I highly recommend it.  It is rated G!

This blog is short, I know, but it's good to be back!  Don't know when the next installment will be, but be assured I will try to keep it up.

This is Raven - as the crow flies

The KFPS Royal Friesian Horse - YouTube

Summer Days Are Here!

Time has seemed to escape me.  The summer began June 20th, 2012 a day earlier than normal because we are in a leap year.  Life is busy as usual but honestly it seems to have taken on supersonic speed.  Here we are in July and so far I have to say the summer weather is living up to it's name.

 For those who love the summer I know you are happy.  There is a lot to love about summer. A sweet serenity now possesses the land. The green world is now fully green. It is the days of long twilights, and balmy evenings, a delightful invitation to dine out of doors, with family and friends.  Fruits and vegetables, perhaps from your own garden.  Nothing like a delicious homegrown tomato just picked from the vine.

Picnics, barbecues, boating, fishing, relaxing in those easy chairs at the ocean and swimming at the beach, or pool.  Graduation parties, weddings, and most important District Conventions, being held around the world, and which some of our friends will be attending. Hopefully we will be able to go next time.

Yes, summer is a time to have fun in the sun.  It also can get so hot you can see the heat quiver over fields of ripening grain, and the grass gets sun burnt and dry and you could fry an egg on the blistering hot pavement.  Make sure you wear plenty of sun screen, and have plenty of fans!!

I want to share this beautiful video that captures the sights and sounds of summer, and draws us closer to the one who made it all Jehovah our heavenly Father and Creator.  "How many your works are O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions." Psalms 104:24,25.




This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Spring Things

April is aglow with spring things.  Why, it's very name is derived from the Latin 'aperire' meaning to open, and in truth April is a month of openings. 

It is a gardener's month, for the trees bud overhead and the bulbs at our feet.  The variety of color among the tree blossoms, pink and white, and the blossoming flowers, as well as the varying shades of green leaves emerging from the trees as if over night, is truly a feast to the eyes and senses, prompting worshipful praise to the one who made it.  "How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made.  The earth is full of your productions." ( Psalms 104:24)


How many spring things have you taken note of that brings you delight?  Yes let's take time to "smell the flowers."  Spring comes around only once a year.

Here are some more spring things I'd like to share with you. Aren't they cute?

Hope this blog on "Spring Things" has brought a smile to your face and encouraged you to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

Also, nothing could be better than to enjoy the spring while listening to Vivaldi's Spring!  Take a few minutes to enjoy this delightful musical masterpiece.  It will put a "spring" in your step.

Have a happy, healthy Spring, and remember, April showers bring May flowers!

This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Springs Around The Corner

March 20th marks the first day of spring.  But truthfully, weather wise, it seems like it already has begun. This winter has been unseasonably warm, and traditionally March is a fickle stormy month either coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb or coming in like a lamb and going out like a lion.

For the most part so far, March has been mild and warm giving us all the proverbial "spring fever".  We have even seen sure signs of spring like the crocus blooming, many Robins appearing, although as Sparrow tells us, they never left.  Soon we will see the many varieties of daffodils bobbing their heads and delighting us with a cheerful array of varying shades of yellow.  In the words of William Shakespeare..."Daffodils, that come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty".

Although the weather forecast for the rest of March seems to be  calm and warm no snow in sight, who knows what lies ahead with fickle March.  Don't put the snow shovels away just yet.

Remember this too, In March, July, October and May, the Ides are on the fifteenth day!  Beware of the Ides of March!  I love saying that phrase.

Ah Spring - when nature awakens.  It's a time of new beginnings.  A new flower season, a new fashion season, spring cleaning season.

 But most important this is the memorial season, a time of increased activity in showing our love, honor, and deep appreciation to Jesus for willingly sacrificing his perfect life for us, and Jehovah who out of undeserved kindness and love provided his only begotten son Jesus as ransom for our sins.  We always want to show our appreciation, but especially now in obedience to Jesus command "Keep doing this in remembrance of me".  And so Jehovah's people will gather together around the world on April 5th after sundown to celebrate the Lord's evening meal.  We hope all those we invite will be with us as well.

Another sure sign that spring is near is all the seed catalogs coming through the mail.  We have such a delight picking out the different varieties of seed we are anxious to plant in the garden.  Believe it or not I think we will be planting some cold weather crops like snow peas, lettuce, radishes, collards and kale a little earlier because of this warmer weather.  Other vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, string beans and corn will have to wait until May.

Well another season is coming quickly upon us.  Enjoy it for there will not be another like it, and time goes by so quickly.  Until we meet again.

This is Raven - as the crow flies!

February 29, 2012 - It's A Leap Year!

I didn't want to miss this opportunity on the last day of a snow less February to mention a few folk lore "facts" on leap years.  After all we won't have another one until four years from now.

There was a lot mentioned about leap years on the inter-net today and I thought it would be fun to incorporate a few of them on the last blog for this month.  They are funny, and we need some laughter, because if the" weather lore" from my last blog is right, we are not going to have a great summer. Maybe we'll have two dismal winters.  Let's hope not!

With 2012 comes the gift of an extra day.  24 hours for our calendar to catch up with the sun - and for us to catch up on a zillion things which we will need a zillion years.  While February 29 may feel like your average day, its once, every- four- years status has long linked it to myth and lore.  Here are some for example:

Astronomy Lesson

Despite what our elementary teachers told us, a year isn't really 365days.  Our planet actually takes 365 1/4 days to revolve around the sun.  These six additional hours each year add up to an extra 24 hours over four years, at which point we add a day to our calendar in order to keep us in sync with the sun.  Without leap day, annual events would slowly shift seasons - eventually Christmas would be celebrated in July.  It might as well be because we know Jesus wasn't born in December anyway.

One Glitch

While the first leap day was likely observed by the Egyptians, Caesar is credited for incorporating a leap year into the Julian calendar in 46 B.C.  However scientists noticed that annual events were still shifting over extended periods of time.  while the calculation of 365 1/4 days for the earth to lap the sun was close, the true figure is actually about 11 minutes short of that and this tiny miscalculation caused a day of discrepancy every 128 years.  Pope Gregory XIII came to the rescue in 1582, ruling that leap year would be skipped every four centuries to fix the snag.

Farmers' Fears

Though the point of a leap day is to keep our calendar aligned with nature, hundreds of years ago people thought that messing with our months would throw Mother Nature for a loop.  Farmers worried that the change would lower crop yields and sicken livestock.  In fact, a Scottish saying declared that "leap year was never a good sheep year."  Lore also held that leap day babies were unruly and tough to raise. (Maybe we should ask J. Lo, whose twins were born on Feb. 29, 2008 - if this adage proves true.)

Chances of Being Born

Rapper Ja Rule and actor Antonio Sabato Jr. are among the roughly 187,000 lea pings in the U.S. and 4 million worldwide.  Long - expired leap lings include poet John Byrom, bandleader Jimmy Dorsey and writer Dee Brown.  The likelihood of being born on February 29 is roughly 1 in 1,500, and on leap day 2012, (today) approximately 10,000 American babies will enter this exclusive minority.

A Modest Proposal

As the picture in the blog reveals leap year allowed women to propose marriage to men.( that unsuspecting man in the picture is in big trouble.)  Four hundred years ago women were not allowed to propose marriage to men - except on leap day.  While the source of this switcheroo isn't 100 percent clear, folklore traces the tradition to fifth - century Ireland, when St. Bridget supposedly complained to St. Patrick that gals were sick of waiting around for their procrastinating men to pop the question.  Patrick consented to a leap day role reversal and by some accounts, also declared that men who declined the proposal would be fined! ( If I were those men I'd run and hide.)

This was just  a few interesting 'facts' that were brought out on the inter-net.  Times have changed drastically.  Today woman don't wait for leap year to take the lead, any day will do just fine. 

Well, what will you do with your extra day in February? Or should I say 'what did you do' as this day is almost over.  I'm happy to say, I was able to complete this blog. And above all else, let us thank Jehovah and praise him, the giver of life and time.

This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Winter Snow - Where Are You?

Here we are in the month of February, the middle of winter, and unlike this picture there is no snow on the ground.

One of the main reasons Raven loves winter is because of the snow, and for all of those who love snow it hasn't been a great winter.  For those who are happy there is no snow, it's been a great winter.  Jehovah is so good, he pleases everyone.

It's true, we did have a snow storm in October, but it's not the same. It was in the beginning of the fall season.  Totally unexpected.  We did have some snow fall not long ago this winter season, but honestly the next day it was in the mid-50's and it quickly melted away.  We have had some cold raw windy days reminiscent of a real winter. Without the snow it's actually colder, or at least feels that way.

I have a theory for some years now, that if the beginning of the fall season starts out unseasonably cold, it seems we will have a warmer winter with little or no snow.  So far, it appears to be the case unfortunately so.

There still may be hope though.  February 2nd, Ground Hog Day, the ground hog saw his shadow, which means there will be 6 more weeks of winter.  Of course he saw his shadow because the sun was out.  If it was cloudy that day he would not have seen his shadow.

I was curious about how Ground Hog Day got started.  Here is what I found.

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd. The official groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. His name is Punxsutawney Phil. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (the day is bright and sunny), there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow (the day is overcast), there will be an early spring.

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. It stemmed from a combination of religious beliefs and facts associated with hibernating animals. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day.

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.

So Ground Hog Day is also called Candlemas Day.  What is that?  


February 2nd is Candlemas Day( The Christian Festival of Lights)  The Ancient Festival marks the midpoint of winter halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox.  In olden times many people use to say that the Christmas season lasted for 40 days - until the second day of February.

It was the day of the year when all the candles that were to be used in the church during the coming year, were brought into the church and a blessing was said over them - so it was the Festival Day (or 'mass') of the candles.

Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights, but people thought they gave protection against plague and illness and famine.  For nominal Christians it was a reminder of Jesus coming to earth.  Before he came everyone was 'in the dark' so to speak.  Jesus coming to earth with his message was like a guiding light to them in the darkness.  Jesus is called the light of the world - and candles are lit during church services to remind them of this.

With all this said, what hope is there for us to get a good snowstorm?  Maybe if we all do a snow dance that might work.  Perhaps we may get a clue from some weather lore and traditions.

Here are a few.

If Candlemas be fair and clear,  there'll be two winters in the year.

It is said that if the weather is fine and frosty at the close of January and the beginning of February,
There is more winter ahead than behind.

When the cat lies in the sun in February
She will creep behind the stove in March.

Of all the months of the year
Curse a fair February.

If it thunders in February,
It will frost in April.

If February give much snow,
A fine summer it doth fore show.

I keep checking the weather report, and I see no snow in the near future for us, so in the meantime we can dream about it and see it in pictures.

This is Raven - as the crow flies

A New Year Begins - January 1, 2012

What lies ahead? Looks like that cute little cat is contemplating that same question.

Of course all of us may have set different goals that we would like to accomplish this year, perhaps things we were not able to do before, or started to do, and didn't finish.

For example, I have a goal to learn how to crochet, or knit. I've tried many times, but just didn't get the hang of it. Now with all the sisters we have in the congregation who are pros at knitting and crocheting, I am hoping to get a lesson or two and finally succeed. I'd love to make a quilt, or a hat, and scraf.

How about painting, or learning to play an instrument? Can't wait until we are in the new world when we will beable to accomplish many of these honorable and enjoyable hobbies, perhaps even learning them from the great masters when they are resurrected. Imagine getting lessons from Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven. Then there is Monet, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo. Someone else I am looking forward to meet is Fred Astaire. What a dancer! We will have the time and the mind to do it.

My wish for you and me is that we will beable to reach some of our goals, even now.

Of course high on our list of goals are spiritual things, since they are the most important, and they are everlasting. What may they be?

Getting to know Jehovah better.
Reading the Bible everyday. Improved personal study, and meditation. Drawing closer to Jehovah in our prayers, not only in what we pray about, but how often we do. Keeping up to date on reading our precious magazines. We need to feed ourselves before we can feed others. Perhaps making a goal of spending more time in the ministry, or conducting a home Bible study. If not on the theocratic ministry school, why not make that a spiritual goal this year. This may seem overwhelming, so be careful that you don't try and do everything all at once, you don't want to lose your joy. We must pray to Jehovah for wisdom and for his help.

Something that we can do now and will bring immediate benefits is getting to know others better in the congregation. Perhaps working with someone in the ministry we haven't worked with before. Helping those in need, there are so many. Be more forgiving, and forgetting the things we ought to forget. Be more loving, and less complaining, more up-building and less critical. These important spiritual goals can be reached with Jehovah's help, and we will be happy and a joy to be with. If we could chose a theme for this year, and implement it in our lives, what would you like it to be? How about the year of "Love, Joy, and Peace". If we all make a special effort to exhibit these qualities even under difficult circumstances, we will receive in like measure, the blessings we give.

I am hoping to do something different to this blog. If I suceed you will see it. If I don't hopefully next time.

In the meantime I will leave you with this wonderful thought from a fellow blogger "The Dutchess", she says, and I quote: "The grand essential of happiness are: Something to do, Something to love, and Something to hope for". On that premise, Jehovah's people must be the happiest people in the world because we have all three. (1) We serve Jehovah and do his will, the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom. (2) We love Jehovah, Jesus, our brothers and sisters and our neighbors as ourselves. (3) We have the hope that this wicked system will soon end, and for those who love God and do his will everlasting life on a paradise earth. We have something that others need and are looking for. Let's do our best to help them this year. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19.20)

Winter is upon us, and the beauty of this earth testifies to a loving, wise, and powerful creator who wants us to enjoy life forever. Take a look, and enjoy!

This is Raven - as the crow flies

Winter Welcome!

One of Raven's many delights is the winter season, and by way of reminder it is a gift from God that will never cease. (Genesis 8:22, Psalms 74:17)

There are many positve things about winter. No other season brings such gleeful delights at the sight of the first few snowflakes playfully fallling from the sky, and then as they multiply, unsurpassed beauty that blankets the earth and seems to bring about a clean, quiet peacefulness not only to our mind and hearts but also hides for but a moment this dark, troubled chaotic world.

What other benefit? When else can you go sleigh riding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating on a lake or pond, except in the wintertime. What about building a snowman with your children, grandchildren and friends; or, a fort with lots of snowballs ready to fly. These are some of the joys of wintertime.
And think about this, what would hot chocolate be without winter? Not as warming, exciting, or fun; or, the coziness of a crackling fire in the fireplace. Thanks to winter we can enjoy these simple pleasures in life.

We also have opportunity to wear a wide variety of scarfs, hats, and mittens, we sure would look silly wearing them in the summer. I'm looking forward to wearing my new, cute knitted red hat with a long tail on it that I could either let fly in the wind or wrap around my neck as a scarf.

Even the field ministry is so much fun in the winter. I find it very invigorating. And after getting nice and cold, wow, I enjoy that coffee or hot chocolate so much more. I look forward to being with all my pioneer partners. The wintertime draws us closer together spiritually and physically; it keeps us warmer! Yes winter with lots of snow is a dazzling, magical time of the year. We welcome you winter! And we praise the one who made it, not only for us to enjoy and beautify the earth, but in His infinate wisdom the snow benefits the earth. Not only does it gradually feed the ground, but it insulates the ground protecting the roots of trees and plants from dying.

There is so much more to say, but we will leave that for another time. In the mean time winter will officially begin Thursday morning 12:30 am EST December 22 2011. Get your shovels out.



This is Raven- as the crow flies!

Swinging From The Summer Into The Fall Season

Because of a few serious, sorrowful and unfortunate events in September and October, my heart and mind was divided from enjoying and noticing the start of the beautiful fall season, the most favorite time of the year for me.

What is it about the Fall season that captures my attention so?

The cool crisp air; the breathtaking colors of the leaves against a deep blue sky. Seeing the leaves silently twirling down from the trees to the ground, and then a gust of wind swriling them about in circles all around.
Only in the fall do we have the enjoyment of seeing the humble, yet prolific pumpkin. Just seeing its' beautiful orange color, and many different shapes and sizes, gives me a deep sense of joy and contentment.

However, the thing that is most attractive this time of year are all the wonderful seasonal foods and spices," comfort foods"as many of us call it. Things like pumpkin pie, with lots of ginger, cinnamon and cloves. All kinds of hot, creamy soups, like split pea, butternut squash soup, potatoe soup, lentil and many more, all which taste so good and comforting this time of year.

How about hot apple cider, or hot chocolate with plenty of whipped cream? They taste so much better in the fall and winter season, as well as bring smiles to our faces.

What are some of your favorite comfort foods in the autumn season?
How about making this delicious looking cranberry pumpkin bread. Recipe included.


Cranberry Pumpkin Bread Recipe
32 Servings
Prep: 20 min. Bake: 70 min. + cooling
20 70 90
Ingredients
3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
Spoon into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Enjoy this autumn, it is swiftly passing by. Hold on to it tight in memory, there will never be another like it. May the remainder of this fall season bring you comfort, joy and peace, and thanks to Jehovah we will beable to enjoy this time of year forever, as the seasons will never cease. Genesis 8:22

Autumn Leaves

I love to watch the autumn leaves
As they slowly tumble down;
I love to hear their crackling
As my feet trod o'er the ground

A lovely carpet neath my feet
Is now formed by autumn leaves,
With color scattered everywhere
In the choicest pattern weaves.

I love to rake them in a heap
And to watch the children play;
For soon the color will be gone,
Replaced by snow someday.

-Ruth H. Underhill

This is Raven- as the crow flies

August Where Did You Go?

Here we are again. Another summer month quickly fading away. I must keep in memory, and dear to my heart some fond recollections of a beautiful summer day in August. Perhaps that may slow down the race to summers end. But the reality is time marches on.
I did not accomplish a fraction of what my daydreaming mind embraced. And because life is so short we may feel everyday is a once in a life time day lost forever. But in the new world we will have forever! Won't that be grand?

I was able to accomplish painting the walls in my living room - thats it. The ceiling and woodwork didn't get done. Hopefully, I will have a sense of achievement before the summer ends.

August is "Beach Plum Jelly" month. Will I beable to fulfill this traditional culinary delight? I sure hope so. I will let you know. That along with toasted sourdough bread on a cool autumn night , or a cold winter day with a cup of tea, is assuredly a delicious, comforting delight. Here is a piece of sourdough bread designed to look like a cute little cat. Compliments of Sparrow. He's too cute to eat! And of course below is a jar of my delicious home made Beach Plum Jelly.

The greatest delight this month was to hear announced 3 more regular pioneers. Sue, Kyle, and Reiner. Congratulations! What great joy that brought us, and evidence of Jehovah's spirit and blessing upon the congregation. We look forward to a busy, but happy new service year with you.

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I will close this blog with a touching poem that makes us want to hold on tight to summer, not to let it go so soon. Hope you enjoy it.

"Let me enjoy this late - summer day of my heart while the leaves are
still green and I won't look so close as to see that first tint of pale
yellow slowly creep in. I will cease endless running and then look to
the sky ask the sun to embrace me and then hope she won't tell of
tomorrows less long than today. Let me spend just this time in the
slow-cooling glow of warm afternoon light and I'd think I will still have
the strength for just one more last fling of my heart." - John Bohrn, Late August

William Shakespeare put it nicely when he said, "Summer's lease hath all too short a date."

This is Raven - as the crow flies!

Good-Bye July!

July went by faster than the "crow flies". I couldn't let July go by without a blog, it just wouldn't be right. Small as this blog may be, I hope to get it done before August arrives.

So how has your summer been so far? We had some pretty hot and humid days. There were some days that were a perfect "10". Do you realize summer is more than half way through? There is so much to do and so little time to do it. One of my goals is to work on my return visit book. It is a disaster! We are growing a beautiful bunch of weeds this summer in our vegetable garden. Does anyone like to pull out weeds? Then there are many chores to do inside and outside the house. Scraping, painting, repairing. Cleaning out closets, and drawers in the dresser. The list could go on. But summer is here and I'll have plenty of time to do it--yeah right!!! It's hard to get things done in the summer. First of all it gets pretty hot at times as you can see on our out door thermometer. Also, the kids and grandchildren are home, we go on vacations to visit family and friends, and lets face it we just want to have fun, and somehow, "deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."
Of course summer is a time of busy spiritual activity. The District Assemby, our circuit overseers visit and with summer vacation many young ones as well as older ones are auxiliary pioneering, and that brings much joy. Infact, it is very exciting to know that some in our congregation are contemplating regular pioneer service. We are so happy for you and you have our whole hearted support, and more importantly, that of Jehovah's.


We are still in the summer season, and I hope you will be able to accomplish all your goals spiritual and othewise. And remember this, "It will not always be summer: build barns."

I will close this blog with a prudent and truthful poem.

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." - John Lubbock. This is especially true when we meditate appreciatively on the one who made it all.

This is Raven- as the crow flies