In preparation for a family progressive dinner, which we had tonight at three homes here in KC, I busily decorated my house yesterday. My inclination was to only put out enough decorations to make the place look somewhat festive. But then as I opened box after box, it was easier just to go ahead and put out everything, since I was looking through it all anyway! And boy, am I glad I did. I felt so connected to past Christmases with the family — to all of the joyous occasions we had together. Even the two “First Christmas Together” ornaments from my failed marriage found places on my Christmas tree. It was as if I could see all of the events of my life, both good and not so good, as pearls on a strand (or beads on a garland?) — all separate but connected and together making a beautiful thing. Maybe I experienced some of the “peace” of Christmas in my heart — I am sure that the Lord was speaking to me and telling me, “Mindy, I have been with you all along, and I will continue to be with you. Everything will be all right.” I’m sure you are having a lot of those sentimental thoughts as well during this season. I hope that you feel that deep sense of peace, knowing that our Lord is so faithful and good. He IS our Strength through everything, and I pray that you will feel this to the very core of you!

The birds were crazy with hunger yesterday, so I gave them extra cracked corn and high-energy blend. It felt good to help them through the cold spell. DON’T TELL — I bought my mom a window bird feeder for Christmas so that she can and her indoor kitty can watch the birds from the coziness of their apartment! This will help them pass these cold winter days. . . .

Wishing you that peace,
Mindy

I have thought a lot about your comment that your image of Heaven was a California Pacific Ocean tree-framed place. Such comforting landscapes have long been important to us, and the availability of webcams helps us keep up with some of our favorite places.

I can’t recall your exact route down the Oregon and California coast, but I have found a few webcams that might capture some of the magical sense of that coast.

1. (My favorite, on a daily basis!) This will get you to a map of the Oregon Deprartment of Transportation webcams. There are two which are very ocean oriented, both at Newport, Oregon. The webcam on the left gives you a look at the ocean from the harbor, taken from a high bridge. The other gives you a look south from the highway on that bridge. The view west is often very quiet and muted, and the highway view south often has very nice light. (The other two ocean cams on this site don’t give you much – the one near Florence shows a Highway 101 slide area, and the south coast one, at Port Orford, doesn’t show the ocean.)

http://tripcheck.com/Pages/CamerasEntry.asp

2. This webcam is at Sea Lion Caves, a tourist spot between Newport and Florence. The view is to the north, and includes the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse. The highway (to the right) is perched midway up a very steep slope (where Tripcheck slide webcam is). You will thus get very dim early morning pictures, but some nice afternoon images.

http://www.sealioncaves.com/2root/webcam.shtml

3. (Another favorite) This webcam is a view from a Florence, Oregon, County Park toward the ocean. It shows the Siuslaw River flowing into the ocean between rock jetties. This park is very near where we used to live, and our (late) dog and I spent many hours on walks through this beautiful park..

http://www.co.lane.or.us/webcams/
harborvista/HarborVista.aspx
(the above would be entered as one long address)
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The following are from a google webcam snoop.

1. I was looking for a Mendocino area webcam (an area we have driven through only once). This seems nice and peaceful. There are some other nice fixed (good weather!!) ocean photos on this site.

http://www.agatecove.com/webcam.html

2. I don’t recall your exact route south of SF. This is a webcam in Pismo Beach, looking north. If you came down 101 in CA south of SF you may have driven through Pismo Beach. This camera looks north toward the Pismo Beach Pier. The ground cover is more brush than trees, but the gentle slope of the hills away from the ocean is nice.

http://www.slocam.com/pismo.htm

3. This is a nice active webcam based in San Clemente (southern Orange County). The pier area is away from I-5, and is very pleasant. There is an older motel on a cliff nearby where Susan and I have stayed recently. The views are very peaceful (even when the Amtrak and the commuter train psses on the sea level track below the motel!!). Note that the picture size can be expanded. The webcam is to the north of the pier, and thus view looking at the shore w/out the pier are in the direction of Dana Point. The “pace” of the webcam is great, as it shows the motion of the surf (and even some [blurred] birds in flight).

http://san-clemente.org/cameras/hqcamera.aspx

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So, checking out possible Heavens via webcam? That is clearly a strange thought, but, in fact, these are very peaceful and comforting places that indeed show some of the wondrous aspects of the Earth that God has entrusted to us.

You remain much in our thoughts and prayers. And, as my (late) Christian Science paternal grandmother would urge: Be Sure To Keep Your Right Ideas Active!!! For you, right now, this is truly a challenge. Please know, however, that we are very much with you.

dick (and susan) gale

Christmas Blessings,

Katherine Haar

Cecilia
9857789272

May the peace of the Lord be with you this day, as He continues to carry you through this time of life.

With love, Irene