Holly Hike Before the Flood!

 In between rain showers on Saturday, my three oldest granddaughters, their father and I went for a hike around the ponds to collect holly and evergreen branches to make Christmas wreaths.

 This is the first of the two holly trees we came to from which my son-in-law cut branches.

 We noted that the creek running through the property was very full.

 It did not take long to fill our basket.

 Back inside I stopped in my room to admire the pretty painted scarf that Taci's mom made and sent back with her from Brazil to share.  I appreciate her kind and generous gift. It is lovely to have handmade items, including two chickens and sand painting in a tiny bottle that Taci brought back also, and a rock from a special beach Taci visited in Brazil. Thank you, Taci, and "Mom." Your creative love shared, helps the world to be more wonderful!

 I went into our dining room and we had a session of making Christmas wreaths and paper snowflakes on our dining room table.

 On the way home from church Sunday, my youngest son-in-law stopped at an old school along Foster road to show us an interesting tree.

 Somehow it has grown around a brick pillar!

 Sunday night our family friend, Grantie, came over and cooked dinner for us all.  It started raining more steadily and so it was especially good to be warm and dry inside and enjoying a yummy dinner, too.

 I turned on my angel light and lit some candles.

 In the Orthodox Christian church it is the fourth week in the season of Advent so I lit four candles in the wreath on my wooden sea chest.

 In some Protestant churches it was the second week of Advent...anticipating the celebration of Christ's birth and looking forward to His second coming so I lit two candles in the Advent wreath on my table.

It was also the first night of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah so my daughters and I lit candles to remember the time God made the oil lamp burn in the temple for eight days...longer than they thought it could.

This morning it is still raining.

 There is some flooding in our yard.

 The creek and pond are getting fuller!

 The water project that our property is a part of is helping to control the flood waters.

 However the neighbor across the street from us has water up to his garage foundation!

My raincoat and camera got soaked while I took photos!  I was glad to see our new Christmas wreath with its pretty bow that Grantie masterfully tied for me as I came back inside to create this post for you.

I just got a computer call from the public warning system telling me that Johnson Creek is flooding and to seek higher ground if necessary...and don't call 911 unless there is an immediate life threatening emergency!
Mercy!

As far as I know I am on higher ground, and I hope that others around me who aren't will find a way to safety.  Meanwhile, I will try to get some creative tasks done around here, and I am wishing you a safe and happy day, and God's blessing on you and yours :)

xx
Gracie