Remember the Magic of Christmas

During my usual holiday reading, I came across a short story "Dakota Christmas" by Joseph Bottum. In the story the author reflects on the simple wonder and joy a child experiences Christmas morning. I began thinking about those Christmases long ago...remembering the joy of bounding out of bed to see what Santa had left beneath the tree. No artificial tree either. A real poky pine needle one with gobs of icicles placed helter skelter. We had a tradition of No one allowed in the living room until all parties were awake. My sister and I would start attempting to get my parents up around 4:00 a.m. We would creep into their room and whisper, "Mama can we get up now, can we see?" Once we got the approval, bare feet would race down the stairs and then the squealing would begin!

There really is nothing quite so beautiful and innocent as a child beneath the Christmas tree, brown eyes sparkling in anticipation. This little beauty is my sister.

What was your favorite toy? Was it a new bike with streamers on the handle bars, or an Easy Bake Oven? How about that  doll that cried, ate, and did "the buisness" like a real baby. Were you a cabbage patch kid, or a baby alive? I was a Barbie girl all the way. Did Santa leave the presents wrapped or unwrapped. What were your Christmas traditions and are you passing them on...or making new ones. I hope you are because those memories are the magic that is

....Christmas Morning....

Kindle vs. Kindle Fire vs. IPad

Got my new Kindle Fire this past weekend and I simply LOVE it! True to it's advertisement it was ready straight out of the box. It had all the books that I had previously purchased for my original Kindle on it and was ready to read. Since the Kindle Fire was developed to compete with the IPad, everyone has been asking me which they should buy. Here are some of my observations. I by no means pretend that I am technologically savy. (In fact, I had to spell check technologically!)



(left to right) IPad, Kindle Fire, original Kindle



• If all you want to do is read.... Get the Kindle, plain and simple for $79.
• If your primary use will be reading but want to check your emails, browse the internet, and do a little social networking....You need the Kindle Fire. It was made for reading so the screen is superior to the IPad. I would not be able to read an entire book on the IPad. It is like a computer and it hurts my eyes after a short time. I can read my Kindle all day long (and often have, lol) and no eye strain.

(left to right) Kindle Fire and the original Kindle

• If the primary purpose of the device is for the internet with reading secondary...then get the IPad. It has a data plan so that you are connected to the internet where ever you go. The Kindle Fire works on WiFi only.
• The IPad is about 2x larger than the Kindle Fire. Could be a good thing such as when your watching a movie...but could also be a bad thing such as when your trying to put it in your purse.




(left to right) IPad and the Kindle Fire


• The IPad is uncomfortable to hold for reading. The Kindle Fire feels like a book.
• They both have the ability to play music (MP3, Pandora, Itunes), purchase apps and games, and rent or purchase movies.
• The memory on the Kindle Fire is on the "cloud" or internet so it is unlimited. You can down load to the device but memory is limited.
• The memory on the IPad is on the device...the amount depends on the IPad you purchase. More memory more dinero!
• Speaking of money...the Kindle Fire wins big time here!

Kindle= $79     Kindle Fire= $199     IPad= $499-$829   

As I said earlier, I am no expert in technology. These are just some of my observations. After all I can barely plug in my curling iron. I will say this, I have had my Kindle Fire for four days and can navigate it pretty well. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I when I showed it to an IPad lover...I thought I saw some shades of envy!

Country Mouse/ City Mouse

 You all know the story of the little country mouse who decided to go to the city....well this little country mouse took a trip to "The City", aka Oklahoma City, this weekend along with hundreds of other country mice. The annual Farm Bureau State convention was this weekend and gotta brag...Major County hit the mother lode! We won several awards including the most prestigious award of "Farm Family of the Year". Congratulations to Scott and Brenda Neufeld!

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What a kick to see cowboy hats, real pick-up trucks, and cowboy boots walking all over bricktown. The fall colors were out in full force so I couldn't resist pulling out my camera for a few shots.

The Devon Energy building makes me dizzy looking up at it. It will be the tallest building in the state at 50 stories tall. Not real comfortable standing in the vicinity with all the earthquakes we've been having lately!

We stayed at the historic Skirvin. What a beautiful hotel. I am so glad they restored it.

They tried to tell me it was haunted...I don't know about that. I never heard a thing and slept like a rock!

I really wanted to sit in this curvy chair right outside the elevator....It looked so very movie star! I was trying to act like a city mouse... so I didn't.

Loved getting away and being in the city for three days BUT just like the mouse in the story, I was ready to come home.  I can't drive, park or find my way around those spaghetti highways.

My skill set is definitely country living.