Reminders of home....

Today we had a little bit of home...we heard that Bass Pro (mother store is in Springfield MO, and we have been fans for years!) was opening a new store in Manteca CA....and off we went.  It all seemed so familiar and comfortable to us...and the customers seemed to be having a very good time - and were amazed by all the stuffed animals, the enormous fish tank filled with HUGE fish, the big trees inside the store....and we wanted to tell them all that they should come to Springfield MO and see the original!

This week we also camped at Russian River RV Park - and the setting reminded us so much of our favorite camping place at Cape Fair MO - a Corps campground we have used for years and years...and brought back so many memories.

And then the vineyards -well, they certainly didn't remind us of home--but aren't they beautiful?  We were awed by them...field after field, hillsides terraced, all in different stages of growth--we marveled at them. No wonder so many folks make trips to the Napa Valley on tours and vacations!  We are having rain tonight...a very generous one, and I am sure the natives are delighted--they are very low on rainfall in this area, so its a blessing.  And since we are warm and snug in our coach, with the red chili lights twinkling in the front window, our little fiber-optic Christmas tree glistening, and our Christmas cactus blooming--we don't mind if its raining outside!

Our love and greetings to each one of you...as you prepare for the birth of our Lord.  Advent - the time of preparation for God's most marvelous gift ever.  Praise Him!

Love, Mary and Jerry