On the home front...

I've been working on this post all week (due to a number of headache days), and finally got it finished today.  Enjoy!

You might remember that I mentioned Natasha took three of my blankets back to the USA when she visited in July, but I forgot to take photos.  Well, she's sent me photos of them in their new home, and it seems Ghost, their cat, is more than happy with them...

I need to get busy now and build up supplies for the next family visits :)

Finally finished Hazel's cardigan...

A trip up to Latrobe on Monday, and I was able to pick up a couple more balls of yarn to finish this blanket for Wrap With Love...

need to do 5 more squares

Back in the kitchen, and I baked more bread...

And also a fruit cake...

I've been doing a bit of Christmas shopping, mostly online.  I try and support small businesses and charities, and this is what I've come up with so far.  (Have one more 'gift' on the way) ...

Aussie themed Christmas Cards from Hayley's Averilda Haze Etsy store

Botanical soy candles from Bee Native products

Felt Christmas angels and 'gifts of love' from The Leprosy Mission

'Gifts of love' Christmas packs from Voice of the Martyrs

And in case you don't know what 'gifts of love' are, it's where you purchase a particular product (chickens, school supplies, a goat, etc.) from the charity and that particular purchase is then gifted to the recipient in the various countries. You can also choose to receive a card to send on to someone stating you have bought a gift on their behalf.  I usually do this with my family, but so they don't feel left out, I also buy them a small gift too :)

This is what is in the Voice of the Martyrs 'gift' card...

Picked up this book from the library this week...

it's very interesting!

They finally reopened one of the bridges over the river this week, which had been closed since the big flood back in October...

the other bridge is still being inspected for structural damage

Here are some photos from this morning's walk...

And these lovely red roses that are growing by the walk path...

there are white ones too, but they are not flowering yet

This week I read...

Are You Blessed?

If you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed.  One third of all the world does not have access to one.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are more blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayer.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

- Selected

So, if you are one of the blessed...

Pass it on!

xx