Oranges

A few years ago the grandkids and I planted several citrus trees. The lime tree planted with Jayden is now about six feet tall and a branch was so heavy with limes it broke last fall. The orange tree planted with Sarah, Micah, and Seth is a different type of citrus and grows slower. We have a good crop this year. Sarah and Micah helped me juice some a few weeks ago. Yesterday I did another half gallon. They get sweeter by the day. The new variety, called Cara Cara, look like a navel, but have a redish flesh and are sweeter. We really like them. Come try one.

Losses

Last week a 34 year old nephew died unexpectedly. The services are coming up in a few days. An old hotel at a whistle stop in the desert lets our dune buggy group use a patch of their desert garden to place memorials to deceased buggy friends. Friday we placed a remembrance for Jimbo. We returned home to a phone message that Aunt Mina is in the last chapter of life. I expect a phone call any time that she is gone. Her great desire at 88 is to go to her heavenly home. I know all the verses and comfort in Christ. But these losses still affect my soul.

Years ago April bought me a soaring bald eagle piece for a Christmas gift. It is titled "Amazing Grace" and a favorite of mine. The next year she gave me a pair depicted in free-fall. Then came an eagle head in the form of a bookend. Lastly a sculpture of an eagle crown. Somehow it sort of became an eagle collection and we have them displayed around the house. I decided to put the picture of an eagle sitting on the dock railing in the header for a while. They have a majesty few creatures can match.

Lookin for Buggy Time

We haven't been out camping much. The 5th wheel has been sitting since July! We plan to leave in a day or two for the high desert to buggy with some friends. We are both looking forward to getting out for a few days. The weather here has been in the 70's each day, which gets added emphasis when we see the extreme cold and snow affecting much of the rest of the nation. I had to "dig" the yellow buggy out of the back garage. Stuff accumulates to fill the space available and the appliances got dumped in front of Daisy Mae. After five hours doing maintenance I think we are good to go.