My Brother

My oldest brother, Ray, passed away today. I'm sure that in the weeks to come I will be able to sort out my thoughts and memories and perhaps more eloquently write about my big brother. But right now I will simply say that my last remaining brother has gone; but he will never be forgotten. Ray, I salute you; you did not go gentle into that good night. You were ever a soldier.

Love,
Debbie

***
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-- Dylan Thomas

All Is Calm; All Is Bright...

Posey and I checked out the snow at 4 am this morning. So Peaceful.

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail... Job 38: 22

When Clara awoke from her dream, she found herself under the tree with her beloved Nutcracker.

Pleasant Christmas Dreams to You!

***

A Christmas Greeting

by Debora Rorvig

On this wintry Sunday eve

I'm nestled in my cozy old

well-worn chair

by the fireplace;

Watching raindrops slowly drizzling

down the windowpanes

and reveling in the luxury

of Quiet.

The Christmas tree twinkles brightly in the corner near the fire,

it's boughs are fragrant fir.

I yawn a bit and sigh

and sip my chamomile tea

from my favorite flowery mug,

And reminisce of Christmas's past

And firelight

And mistletoe...

And You.

***

Christmas Tea...

The house is decorated and the gifts are wrapped...the teapot is polished and the linens are ironed...we are ready for the Christmas Tea-Party! Just an intimate group of six neighborhood ladies- hope the scones turn out!

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along th’ unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

“For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor does He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Longfellow