The diamond-frosted clasp
Outside the window of Jeff’s hallway at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda. Maryland, December 9, 2013
“December, the diamond-frosted clasp linking twelve jeweled months to yet another year.” — Phyllis Nicholson
While most of us associate December with the holiday festivities, there is also the winding down of the calendar year, and a sense of wonder about how fast the months flew by, whether we were having fun or not.
I can say without reservation that I am looking forward to the next twelve months with far more hope and anticipation than I felt at this time last year. Still, I’m never unaware that we cannot know what will lie ahead of us in 2014. For all who visit here, those I have known for years, those I have come to know through your comments and visits, and those I don’t yet know about, I wish for you a year of jeweled months and sparkling moments. Thanks for sharing our lives since November 2012. You have made these months much brighter for me.
One year ago today
Defeat Despair 
Merry Christmas! I really enjoyed reading your blog this year 🙂
Thank you, Virginia! I appreciate your visits and comments. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with all the best.
The photo and your title “diamond frosted clasp” has me wanting to share the beauty of God’s creation… SNOWFLAKES!! Just happened to discover this link last night so your posting is quite timely:-) Be sure to click on the extra links where it says “printable versions here” … http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaoticmind75/sets/72157626146319517/
As you stated Julia, ” a sense of wonder about how fast the months flew by, whether we were having fun or not.” There is so much to ponder in that statement. Thank you for causing us to reflect on this and may you truly sense The Lord’s blessing and care with your loved ones in the days ahead.
Wow Beverley, these are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them. Years ago I made a magnet for my fridge that says “Time flies whether you’re having fun or not.” I have reminded myself of that truth each time I see that magnet. I appreciate your being here with us, sharing your thoughts, prayers and comments. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Julia, I’ve never read that quote before but I do love it. Your photo and personal words really compliment it. Time really did FLY this weekend! The five grandchildren were here and I really wish I could bottle all that fun, happiness, and laughter…..not to mention the energy. It was everything that we’d anticipated and more. I smile, thinking of the memories y’all will be making at the Denton household this Christmas. 🙂
Thank you Sheila! We had such fun with Grady tonight, and are looking forward to more happy times tomorrow and Christmas too. You’re right – it would be nice if we could bottle the fun. I guess the closest we can come would be photos, videos and words recorded for later. I’m so happy you had a wonderful weekend with your grand blessings!
I don’t recall now how I came across your blog, but I’ve been delighted to become acquainted with your readership…those that aren’t family seem to have been adopted into it! As I write, my 22 year old daughter, middle of three girls with a baby brother, is hosting a party in our living room with ten or so of her childhood friends. We’ve watched these children grow up in our house; now they’re aspiring doctors and lawyers and tinkers and tailors of all kinds. Though she doesn’t live with us anymore, she feels enough like its still home enough here to invite them (unannounced to my wife and me until about 30 minutes before they started showing up!). These little babies are grown ups now, but still rejoice in the love and pleasure of being together. May it be so for all we “older” children too! Merry Christmas!
Jack, thanks so much for sharing this lovely holiday scene with us. I think it’s great that your daughter can bring all her friends over with no advance notice. My parents had a similar “open door” policy and I always felt so lucky to have my friends spend time with us in our home. I know it must be a real joy to be together again with all of them after knowing theme for all these years. I’m so happy you have enjoyed the wonderful folks who visit here. They have been a real blessing to me during the trials of the past year, and yes, they do all feel as if they are adopted family! Thanks for being among them.
Last year my son Michael brought home two of his friends (along with a third who was staying with us) & asked if they could join us for Christmas dinner. While I was cooking, the boys ate a dozen tacos they had just picked up from Jack-in-the-Box, several tamales Michael’s girlfriend had made for us, and two bags of microwave popcorn. They began serving themselves as I was bringing food to the table; in about 10 minutes they were done, we had no meat or rolls left, one helping of salad, one helping of potatoes, and some rice pilaf. They left to go watch “Dr. Who,” at a friend’s, taking a pan of fudge & several sodas with them. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Jeff and I used to eat like that, many long years ago! Those were the days. I always loved people like you who could keep the food coming! 🙂 I know your son and his friends will remember your hospitality fondly.
Julia, Merry Christmas to you and Jeff. And family.
Time flies once you reach that magical age…over 70 +.
What a blessing to be 70 and counting! I hope and pray Jeff and I will get there together. Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones – and thanks for being here with us!
Wish you the same, Julia! Let 2014 be wonderful and filled with happiness and peace.
🙂 Thank you Bindu!
Julia, while there isnt no more snow outside my window, I look at the rain.It washes away and fills up reservoirs ( drinking water). I remember as a truck driver how looking out the window made you “feel like a goldfish”..Thank you both again for sharing your compassion for marriage and others. Now thats a gift that has”no refund policy, why would it?(lol) be blessed
Thank you Raynard, we were driving in the rain today too and I love the image of feeling like a goldfish with all that rain pouring down. We are settled in for Christmas now and looking forward to a restful time. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you Julia for the lovely photo, lovely writing, lovely wishes. Blessings girl. Stay strong.
Sheila, thank you so much for your kind words and warm wishes. I am happy to know you are reading the blog! Have a wonderful holiday.
Ah! That’s my Julia: being in a hospital room AND finding God’s Beauty out a window!
A marvelous example of an open heart to praise our Lord. What a grand tree w/ all the ice/snow!
Thank you for being a light of hope & promise.
Mary Ann, it was so pretty it was hard NOT to notice it. Also it made me sort of glad to be indoors where it was warm and dry! Ice is great when you don’t have to walk or drive on it. Hope you and your family are having a festive holiday season together!
No one could know with certainty what lies ahead, but it’s a nicer trip when taken with kind and thoughtful friends by your side. So happy your year ahead is looking brighter, have a wonderful Christmas! Hugs Kelly.
Thanks Kelly, hugs to you too, and a wonderful Christmas and happy 2014 to you, Mr. B and Blossum and Petals too!
Thank you so much Julia!
🙂