A Birdie Theme in Red and White

January opens the box of the year

And brings out days that are bright and clear.

And brings out days that are cold and gray;

And shouts, "Come see what I brought today." -LB Jacobs

Hello dear friends and Happy New Year!

The majority of us are thrilled that 2020 is behind us and we are hoping for a better year ahead.

I shared in my previous post how difficult the past year had been for most folks, including me. Well, since I wrote that post, I have had some more bad news. I have just been diagnosed with Glaucoma. Last Monday, the day of the diagnosis, I was a bit upset! I thought, "Dear Lord, how much more can go wrong? How many more meds am I going to have to take? I feel like a walking pharmacy."

The eye drops I have to administer twice a day for the rest of my life, brings me to a total of thirteen times a day, I am taking medication. Alas, many of my issues are genetic so I'm literally stuck with them for better or for worse. This is not a good way to start the year off.

But today is another day, and things look a little brighter because I know the Great Physician! I am in the Lord's hands, and I am trusting Him to take me through this. I don't know why I am so afflicted with all these health issues. I only know His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He is watching me. 

Music has always ministered to me and the song, His Eye is On the Sparrow, is what has been going through my head the past week.

Why should I feel discouraged, 

why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav'n and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 

Words- Civilla D. Martin 1905

Music - Charles H. Gabriel 1905

This is my little sparrow which I painted and distressed years ago.

Since my last post, I have celebrated another birthday. I never bake my own cake so my hubby ordered me a white pound cake with white buttercream icing and roses. When he went to pick it up, they discovered my cake had been sold to someone else. He was surprised of course, so they straight away got another cake and decorated it with white roses. They are not the original roses he wanted but it was all he could get at the last minute. The good news is, they gave him the cake for free which was nice! Wouldn't it be nice if the plastic plate they put the cake on was white or ivory? At least they didn't put my name on it. I don't like script on a cake unless one is a little child.

I received the sweetest card from my son and his family in the States! It is uniquely made in several layers with cutouts. So pretty!

My oldest son, who had the ear surgery just before Christmas, is still having some pain, but it is getting better. The good news is, he is beginning to hear some sounds in his ear, so that is encouraging! His surgeon told him last week that it could take up to three months before his ear is completely healed. We are hoping for the best possible results, and if you have been praying, please pray a little longer? He was so encouraged to know that my blogger friends were praying for him!

I have set the tea table with a piece of my cake. Would you like to join me?

I am using my red and white transferware because of the lovely table cloth and roses. The lace topper was a gift from a friend quite some time ago. I love it! 

The bird inspired teapot is being put to use today because I am so enjoying all the birds at the feeders. I saw several Juncos actually fly inside the feeders. They are normally ground birds so I was happy to see them getting in there and having their lunch. We have been seeing a lot of birds lately. Chickadees, Juncos, Goldfinches, and Evening Grosbeaks seem to be around a lot.

The bird teapot was a Christmas gift a number of years ago and it is rather heavy so I don't use it very often but I do love the birdie motif. It holds a good amount of tea. 

My tea today is one sent to me by a sweet blogging friend. It is Dessert by Deb, Orange and Ginger Shortbread Rooibos tea. Can't wait to try it!

Serenity is a solitary cup of tea; pleasure is sharing it with another. ~ Victoria magazine

The teacups are Masons Vista and  Burleigh Felicity by Staffordshire, England.

The creamy roses were a lovely surprise.

We have had some snow the past few days and those who can, are enjoying it. My neighbour was outside helping his boys build a snowman.  

The finished snowman with his hat and scarf.

I enjoyed watching the little family play together in the snow. It is the simple things in life that make me happy.

Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you're living. ~ unknown

Before I close my post, I must share this lovely snowy scene taken by one of our talented Island photographers; Ian Carter. 

His caption read, "A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight walking in a winter wonderland." - in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Yes, even in the wintertime, the Island is a beautiful place.

Beauty of Our Friendship

Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold,

But its value is far greater than a mountain made of Gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear

And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer...

It has no ears to listen nor heart to understand,

It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand

So when you ask God for a gift

Be thankful if He sends not diamonds, pearls, or riches

But The Love of Real True Friends. ~ Helen Steiner Rice

Have a wonderful week, dear friends!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi