Much has happened since I last blogged. Of course we all were busy with the holidays and all that entails. My holiday preparations were marred with what could have been a tragedy but turned out well. My grandson and two college buddies went on a hiking/camping trip the week before Christmas and were caught in the snow storm in North Carolina in the Cold Mountain area. They were hiking when the snow began but by the time they returned to the parking lot where they left the car, they could not move the car. They spent several days and nights in the car as the rangers and troopers could not get in to get them out. Thanks to cell phones they were in touch with their parents and managed to keep warm and had some food to tide them over. A road grader was sent in to make a road but it broke down. Finally a ranger went in on foot and led them out to where they could be picked up and taken to a motel. They were then picked up by family and were back home safe the Sunday night before Christmas. The car and their equipment is still there in the parking lot. They hope to be able to get the car out this weekend before the next storm hits. Update as of 01/26/10 -- the rangers called on Saturday (23rd) and said the car could be moved if the boys arrived before the next storm which was due. So the boys brought the car back home Sunday night. There were no human intruders to damage the car but either squirrels or mice invaded the trunk and the glove compartment and had devoured anything edible and built a nest from the TT. The car is at the Toyota shop today having a "physical". All is well that ends well!

Also I've had a number of health problems and am hoping for a better new year. The computer and printer have been adding to my woes also. Now then, I am a survivor and I thank the Good Lord for all the good things that have happened also. There is so much sorrow and sadness and tragedy in the world that I feel guilty even complaining of my problems. I've started reading a book by Charles Stanley entitled HOW TO HANDLE ADVERSITY. He says and I quote,"Far more important than the source of adversity is the response to adversity..." So then, perhaps there is reason to hope -- considering the response in the way of aid and help to the Haiti tragedy.

I have posted several more paintings today and hope to get a few more on line while the computer is behaving.

I hope all of you had a good holiday season and all is well with you and yours.

Keep plugging away!


Doris Nickerson