Christmas Card

I sent my Blog site info to many people on my Christmas Card list, so I should update somewhat as I can, before people start wondering why I haven't posted anything in a long time. Actually, the reason is because a) I've been busy being "Barn Crew" and b) I'm so happy being busy that I just haven't thought about posting. I shall try to be better at it, as I may have a larger audience as soon as my Christmas Cards are read.  Below is the major part of the Christmas letter I sent, minus personal information.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas has always been a time for remembering, not just what Christ means for us individually and collectively, but also for remembering Christmases past with the joy and anticipation of reading the Christmas story and knowing that once again, we celebrate the Birth of Christ our Savior and King.

In early 2011, I downsized and moved from North Georgia to Daphne, AL. Casey the Wonder Dog died of cancer in September 2011. In May of 2012, I moved to Murfreesboro, TN. I was in Baltimore, MD for my niece's wedding at the end of June 2012, when my Dad was hospitalized and died of a heart attack. Before he died, Dad told me to “hike the Appalachian Trail,” so with the help of cortisone shots in my knees, I made arrangements to hike the Northern half of the AT beginning in May of this year. My 'half a thru hike' turned into 41.6 miles from Dahlgren Backpack Campsite, MD to US Hwy 30 at Caledonia St Pk, PA as my knees could no longer take the pounding on the rocky trail. My brother, Dave, picked me up at Burgundy Lane B&B in Waynesboro, PA and brought me back to Mom's. As it turned out, timing is everything; shortly after returning to Mom's, I got a call from dear friends in North Georgia asking me if I would like to rent their mountain log cabin. The answer was a happy “yes” and I moved in July. I live in a hewn log cabin with a full-length screened porch at the end of a dirt road in the North Georgia mountains and I love it. My friends own a horse and pony and I am the volunteer 'barn crew' learning horse care which includes feeding as well as keeping the stalls and paddock clean. I get to wear cowgirl boots and a cowgirl hat but mostly I wear a cap that says “Barn Crew Carol” and mucking boots. I even have my own manure rake. Dad's advice to hike the AT taught me that when opportunity and talent coincide, happiness results. I had opportunity to hike the AT, but I didn't have talent to be a long distance hiker. I have both opportunity and talent to be “Barn Crew Carol.” I can truthfully state that I am happier than I have been in many years.

As 2013 turns into 2014, my prayer for you is that you will recognize the areas in your life where opportunity and talent coincide. May you find joy and happiness throughout the coming year.