Backyard Scene

Before I get too far into this posting, I hasten to add that this is a real deer in a real backyard, but not really our backyard. This was taken by our friend Mike Rogers, who shares his yard in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with such wild creatures. Those who know Madeira would be shocked to see snow like this lying about the streets of Funchal. Once or twice a year, the mountaintops turn white with a mixture of snow and sleet, which can accumulate to over a half meter (2 feet) in depth. There's a mad rush of cars to the mountains to see the snow and play in it, even if for a few minutes only. What usually happens is that the narrow mountain roads can't accommodate the heavy traffic, and it only takes one car getting stuck in the snow or ice to back up traffic for kilometers. The police end up blocking access to the snowy areas to be able to clear the traffic jam.

Now that I got your attention with an out-of-place photo, I will say that there are a couple of things I would like to get posted before the end of the year, and there are ideas I hope to implement in the coming year. Thank you to all who read, and especially to those who have written encouraging words regarding the blog. And of course, a special word of appreciation to all who pray for the work of the gospel on this island. May God bless each of us in the challenges we face in the coming year.