How I enjoyed our “Indian Summer”! Knowing it wouldn’t last forever, I absorbed every bit of sunshine I could.

Today is another story. It’s midday and I have the lights on in the house. Outside there is a chilly drizzle in the air. I find myself edging up the thermostat once again. I turn off the weather station, as I don’t like what he is saying. Let’s face it, WINTER IS COMING!!!

I’m attempting a more positive attitude toward winter this year. Don’t get me wrong, I like snow when it comes down vertical. It’s the horizontal that “blows me away!”

I am going to decorate our house with cute snow scenes, snow men, and the such. I even bought a yard stick to put on the lawn and it merrily says “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”. If the snow reaches to the top of that yardstick I probably will put it in the burning barrel!

No, I am not planning to go south for the winter either. I hear they call them “snow birds” and that’s a naughty word! I am going to stick it out with Jack Frost. He likes South Dakota so much that he spends most of his life here!

All in all, I love South Dakota! I love the change of seasons. Each one is beautiful because God created them. I love life, and each day brings new challenges. I love my husband — we will be married 45 years on Valentine’s Day. I love our children and our grandchildren, what a joy! Most of all though, I love JESUS! He has been my best friend, tested and found faithful. I’m thankful for the beautiful Christmas season, and thankful to Jesus for coming into this world to be our Savior! I am thankful for friends, each one of you is special. We thank you for your encouragement down through the years.

Tige and I join together in wishing you a Christ-filled Christmas!

Your Friends from wonderful South Dakota,

“where visitors turn blue with envy”,

Tige and Vicky Reinhold