Holiday with Family and Friends

We have had a wonderful Christmas holiday with the girls here visiting. Belinda, Adriel and Emily Taylor (Adi's college friend) have kept us busy running around trying to show them as much as possible in the short time they were here. I guess we really didn't realize how much we missed family until they came and then I realized that I was homesick. We miss all of our wonderful family members and have truly learned to appreciate each and every one of you for the person you are. We love you and look forward to seeing you soon.

We have added some pictures so that you will kinda know the things that we have been doing and so you will all be jealous and want to come over yourself. We would love that.

May you all have a Happy New Year and know that you will always be in our prayers.


Oma

Adi and Emily at the Maduradam (miniature village in Den Haag).

The shore at Schevinigen (just outside of Den Haag). It is great in the summer.

This, and the following two pictures, is at the Kinderdijk (about 20 minutes from us).

Opa and Oma at Notre Dame in Paris.

The Champs Elysees. This was a beautiful evening but crowded and cold.

Our leader at the Arc de Triomphe.

Last day in Paris.

Oasis of Delusion

Oasis of Delusion

13 December 2008

David


Cooling wells of friendly refreshment
Gurgling spring like the giggling mirth of children
In the shade and shelter
Of palms and trees planted generations ago
Where I want to be, where I want to go
Across deserts we yearn for them
Through the wastes of time we long for them
When we arrive at the shaded grove
We find others to the place betrothed
We can find no tender belonging there
Our children have grown and belong elsewhere
The stars that once twinkled in our family
Are cast upon the nighted sky
They that sparkled beside us
Are now far beyond, who were once nigh
And gather stellar clusters of their own
Of peace, brightness, harmony and home
And so we lonely desert travellers
Below such homes, such spangled stars
Wonder in awe of the newly clustered twinkling lights
And question if there ever were such delights
That we remember and long for
The palm and tree and the family

Trees of November

Why I love the Trees of November
1 December 2008
David

November I rest
No anxiety about the trees
They stand now newly bare and free
No longer worried of the frost upon their leaves
Nor do winds cold and fierce
Hold any fear for them
They, the trees, are stripped trim and bare
Ready for winter combat
The leaves are gone
Their gaiety, color and responsibility too
All that can fall is fallen
All that can go is gone
Only that which is strong and enduring remains
That is my comfort
To have companions that silent say
We are worthy to survive
I abide the season with you
Though the fair winds depart
Though the birds of song have flown
Though the light of early morning now darkness
Though the bright leaves of my glory have all fallen
Yet I remain, remain alone with thee.
I love the trees of November
They are the friends that never depart