A Birthday

Today is our oldest son's birthday.  He dislikes birthdays, is pretty adamant that we not make a big deal out of it.  That's hard for us, we love celebrating our children and those we love on the day that is special for them.  So, we'll sing happy birthday in our heads (or maybe even out loud here at the house) and maybe in a week or so we'll send him an un-birthday card with some cash for a small luxury.

He stopped by on Saturday.  It was such a fun surprise to see all three of them at the door.  How grateful I am for a daughter-in-law who is so kind and accepting of me and never makes me feel like she'd rather be anywhere but talking with me.  I'm glad they're both (our son and his wife) part of our family.

Saturday was a weird day.  It's really sad when we can't find something fun to do.  I'm fairly certain one of these coming days we'll be frantically shopping for a new washer and dryer.  But until then I'm not fond of spending money.  We mostly hung out here, except for when we shared a sammich at Even Stevens and got some more salt for the water softener.  But the day ended much better.  We saw a movie and got some pizza with friends.  They're such a blessing in our lives.

Pretty to look at, not so nice to smell!

And it's almost February.  I'm done playing the organ at church until May - yippee!  And done with the piano in R. S. until April.  I'll just be going to church to worship, and that's a fine thing.  I go because I love the Gospel, to renew my baptismal covenants and to be spiritual fed - that enables me to face daily life with more optimism and hope.

The paperwhites are fully bloomed and so pretty.  But, seriously, how can something that looks so lovely smell so awful?  I avoid going into the room where they are because the scent nearly gags me. Such a thoughtful gift.  Who knew the smell would bother me so.  And am I the only one?

The trail was quiet this morning.  I did my five miles, my foot seems fine and the air wasn't too awful, though tomorrow might find me indoors on the treadmill.  I loved having the early morning all to myself.  I prayed and thought and just enjoyed it!

I'm grateful today for feet that take me wherever I want to go, I'm so grateful for their mobility.  I'm grateful for friends that feel like true friends, it's such a pleasure to spend time with them.  I'm grateful for sandwiches to share (and that he doesn't seem to mind that I hog the accompanying potato chips) and hands to hold.  For former ward members who go out of their way to chat with me for a minute and for babies that we love.

Almost The Weekend

And I couldn't really say where the week went, nothing really memorable happened.  Just maybe that's a good thing, I'm not fond of too much excitement.

I found my glasses, and can practice the piano again.  Sunday's church will be my last organ and piano day for a few months.  I understand our sister missionaries are going to sing in Sacrament meeting, I'm looking forward to that.

Last one.  :^(

I've done some stitching.  It's been a while.  And every time that happens and I actually get back to it I'm reminded how very much I enjoy it.

The Husband finished off his box of Rebecca's cherry cordials from Christmas - a momentous occasion.

I've been inside on the treadmill most of the week because of slippery pavement.  I'd rather sacrifice my outdoor experience and be on the treadmill than risk a broken - well a broken anything.

My empty wastebasket

I think I mentioned that I've rearranged things on my desk.  That included tidying up and emptying the wastebasket.  Funny how such a simple little thing as an empty wastebasket can make the entire room feel fresh and clean.  I love things that feel fresh and clean.

The laundry has been done, dinner planned for tonight, garage swept (at least as much as I could sweep), I've had a haircut, been to lunch with my visiting teachers (oh, how I've longed for some really good friend-visiting teachers), stopped at the library, vacuumed and I'm ready for some weekend fun.  Wonder how we can manage that?

Our lovely mtn (ignore the light, I couldn't avoid it).

I was reading this morning in the Church News about someone who was unable to eat - so couldn't take the Sacrament and how it was brought to her to mentally partake of those sacred emblems.  The story touched my heart.  How I love this church.

We take so much for granted in this life. At least I am guilty of that.  How grateful I am for reminders of all that we are so abundantly bestowed by our creator.  I'm grateful today for some actual sunshine, and the way our local snow-covered mountain looks with cloud draping. I am grateful for daughters who reach out with texts to just connect.  I'm grateful for hobbies I enjoy, for being greeted with warmth and welcome when I return home.  And for chocolate cookie bites from Corner Bakery.

What A Day....

Up and off first thing (didn't get my morning walk which makes me not quite as chipper as I like) to the dentist.  My mouth is finally fully awake, no longer numb.  He put the new crown on and fixed that leaky filling.  Was in and out in about half an hour.  That should have been a good omen.  Not quite.

At lunchtime was fixing my smoothie.  Did it like I always do, pulsed the carrot and apple first.  Then hit the smoothie button.  Next thing I know, the blender is jittering across the counter, and then smoke is rising.  Quick as I can, I hit the power button.  The smell of hot burning plastic is nasty.  The smoothie tastes like hot burning plastic (it's a good think I took only a teensy cautious sip).  It goes down the drain.

And my sweet husband?  He jumped on that so quick I didn't have time to do it myself.  The good news?  The blender is warranted for 8 years and we've only had it about three I think.  They're sending out a replacement jar (The Husband thinks the base/motor part is still good). I can do without my lunch smoothies for a week or so.

Then, was going to practice the piano.  Pulled out my bag from Sunday.  The hymnbook is in there, I pulled out my scriptures yesterday when I read them.  But...no glasses.  My special-prescribed/made glasses for that distance from the piano (or computer) are missing. We'll be heading over to the church in a bit to see if they're there.  I'm praying.

I daren't cook dinner.  I seem to be a bit of a hazard today.  As soon as The Husband gets home from his quick meeting, and we check the church for my glasses, we're going somewhere to eat.  Someone else can do the preparation today, I'm scared to.

And I'm so grateful for good warranties.  For a husband who is so careful about taking care of me. That blessing could never be overstated.  However did I manage to find him? I'm grateful for texted pictures of grandsons.  And for giftcards to pay for tonight's dinner out. It'll be lovely.

I Love The Beauty of Flowers

Saturday Evening, almost a flower.

Monday Morning.

An Odd Saturday

The Husband absolutely abhors deadlines/schedules/demands on his time.  Likely a by-product of all the deadlines/schedules/demands on his time that he faces every day at work.  So when Saturday comes along, he likes to just "take things as they come."  And today, fortunately was one of those rare Saturdays when we had nowhere to be, nowhere to go and no deadlines to keep.

Loved the way it looked on the top of the fence.

We woke up late, puttered around and hoped the snow would quit.  Until The Husband headed out to use his John Deere.  It was so deep and so heavy that the plow would have been useless.  And since I can't bear for him to be out there alone, I put on the pants,boots,hat,gloves and went out to help.

Our grandson's Dad dropped by, parked, picked up a shovel and went to work.  If he hadn't, we'd still be out there.  As it was it was a 2 hour job.  And then The Husband got on the John Deere and tried to clear from in front of the neighbor's driveway where the snowplow (they finally came by) left large blocks of snowice. With little success.

Lots of snow on her car.

It's beautiful out when the snow is fresh.  I was under the tree when the breeze blew off a bunch of snow.  A surprise snow shower! The trees are so beautiful.  And it is always so much quieter out when there's snow.

Love those tri-color beeches.

I've always been fond of our tri-color beech trees.  They have such a graceful delicate yet elegant shape.  I had to share this picture of the one in our stairwell.

But by now, the snow has tapered off, the temp is above freezing just enough that the cleared areas are staying clear.  My coat and gloves will take some time to dry.  And The Husband is off to help a sister that he home teaches try to clear her driveway entrance.  (That city snowplow again!)

I'm grateful for a Saturday that allows us to feel un-pressured.  Grateful for kind souls who help out even when it isn't their responsibility.  For the snow that will fill out reservoirs to provide for our summer watering needs (crops most especially, and lawns and flowers that help us get through the heat). I'm grateful for a husband who is thoughtful of others and isn't even remotely hesitant to spend his time helping.

January

So it's the last half of January, the month most people despise.  And while I don't actually despise the month, it often isn't my favorite.  Mostly because of the murky air-inversion our bowl of a valley succumbs to - and it's the worst in January.  Minimal sunshine is more than a luxury, it is a necessity.

I love having a project to start off the year. And I've one I'm anxious to dive into.  But I made myself promise to finish a previous project before starting a new one.  That said, I've done some cleaning up and changing the arrangement of my desk and computer.  It'll take some getting used to, but for now it feels fresh.  And I like that.

Freshly potted aloe.

The good news?  I found the house key.  It was in an already searched jacket pocket. Now if I can only find the box for the nativity.  But maybe it's a good thing I can still see the baby in the manger when I walk past the entry. Reminds me to be more like Him.

And since I found the potting soil, I took a few minutes to re-pot the aloe.  I know those two plants weren't that large when we brought them home.  And they're pretty top heavy.  But I like living things in the house, particularly blooming things.  My discovery that aloe plants bloom (and why wouldn't they?) instilled a sense of anxiousness to see our two aloe flower.  What fun that would be.

Which brings me to my second thought.  (I never expected my thoughts here to be orderly.) Since I was inside walking the treadmill this morning, I got caught up on some news articles (love-love-love having an iPad!).  Was interested to see the common thread of hope amongst a few of them.  These two particularly caught my attention.

Elder Hollands Wisdom

Natalie Gochnour

I don't necessarily agree with every thing Ms. Gochnour states, but there is definitely food for thought there.  I love the concept of hope.  This last year has been unusually unsettling.  Even now, with all that has transpired,  there seems to be more in the news of discord, incivility, strife. That always provokes a small sense of fear in me.  I worry, you know.  And I just read an article (can't remember where) that stated optimism is a misplaced emotion.  And it made me just a trifle sad.  Optimism is important - not a panacea for all ills, but an essential ingredient of hope.  And we need hope. Especially when things are challenging.

I'm grateful for those who are optimistic (I sometimes have to work at that) and for hope.  I'm grateful for things that grow even in the dead of winter (still waiting for signs of blossoms on the paperwhites).  I'm grateful for a new recipe to try tonight and for a bit of chocolate from Christmas just waiting for my mouth.

Aging and Grace

When I walked this morning it was way too cold to pull out my phone camera.  So I've no pictures today.  Though the day is still kinda young, and I might yet find one or two to post here.

I've noticed that lots of the blogs of friends and neighbors I've followed over the years have sort of just...died.  No new posts for a long time.  I'm not necessarily a great writer, don't have lots of profound things to say.  But I'm not sure I'm ready to let go just yet.  Even though I often talk about just quitting.  Blogging must be "old school" now, out of fashion, over, done.  And that about sums me up:  old school, unfashionable, almost done.

I'm not a fan of getting old.  I know the aging process if inevitable.  (And I'm not quite ready for the alternative, I've still some fun to have.)  This has been on my mind quite a bit as I suffer, like most people in their 60's increasing and new aches and pains of a varied assortment.  I try to eat healthy, and I try to keep moving.  That limber part that I thought I once had has long vanished.  I'm grateful to be able to bend over to put on my shoes and socks.

This subject was also brought to mind on Sunday.  We ran into a friend from our previous neighborhood in the hall at church between meetings.  Practically the first words out of her mouth were "You haven't aged a bit, you look just the same."  I chuckled out loud at that part.  I refuse to spend the time and money on coloring my hair so I've lots of obvious gray in my brown remnants. I'm heavier than I like.  (The only advantage to being heavy is that it somewhat fills in the facial wrinkles.)  And it's probably been a decade since I last saw her, so, yeah, one of those mean-to-be-kind-but-obvious lies we sometimes hear.

Then the next day at the doctor's, The Husband was told by the receptionist we were a cute couple.  That it was rare to see a couple as happy together as it appears we are. That is a young thing to me.  I love being happy together.  And if it makes us appear younger/more spry/more engaged with life, then that's how I want to be.

So my goal: to age gracefully.  Now, grace has never been part of my makeup.  As an adult, I've fallen over a curb (with a baby in my arms), tripped over a rock (and suffered a stage 4 ankle sprain accompanied by an avulsion fracture) done a face plant on the front porch, and broken my arm exiting my car (yes, there was ice I didn't see). There's also been stitches and bandages and tetanus shots. Not the actions (or results) of a graceful body.  But if I can age with dignity and manage some happiness along the way, have a friend or two, be a decent kind mother, grandmother and citizen without making a complete and total fool of myself - yeah, that'd be a graceful way to age.  And if I can have a little fun while I'm navigating the last decade or so of life, that's a luxurious bonus.  How grateful I will be.

• A common theme in my life has been my feeling/sense that I'm not enough.  Good enough, kind enough, pretty enough, rich enough- basically enough of anything.  I was interested to read that this woman has often felt the same.  And while it's clear that she is way younger than me, and with my extra years of experience comes a slightly different perspective, I liked what she had to say well enough that I wanted to share.

Enough

Today I'm grateful that the air quality wasn't so awful that I felt compelled to be in on the treadmill.  I loved being out in the sunrise.  I'm grateful that I haven't lost all those belongings that have seemed to elude me lately.  (I found the potting soil, just not the missing house key.) I'm grateful for hope for a storm tomorrow (yes, I'll be in on the treadmill) that will help clean the air.  I'm grateful for options.  For a few days off work for The Husband (he missed out on those days at Christmastime and his grandboss wants him to take them asap).  Don't know what we'll do, but I know it'll be great for him to have no deadlines/schedules/demands.  I'm grateful for his employment and income. He's taken great care of us over the last 4+ decades.  (Where has that time gone?)  It does my heart good to find some good in this life.

Long Weekend

And that means I'm confused again.  It messes with my head when there's a Monday holiday.  But, the good news is, The Husband took the day off!  And what did we do?  Basically nothing.  Neither one of us could come up with something fun.  Neither of us cares to shop, and I dislike spending money.  So we slept in, sat around, chatted, ran to the doctor appointment The Husband had and then used a gift card for some pizza.  So all around, a fairly successful day.  No schedules, no "hurry ups" and no pressure.  I think The Husband liked it.

Soon the blooms will appear (hopefully!).

So we went to dinner and a movie with friends on friday evening and had a grand time. Birthdays are always a good reason to get together.  Saturday we used a gift card for food at Cheesecake Factory - and it was pretty tasty.  Sunday's outing was church.  Which made yesterday's quiet day just right.

In fact, The Husband's blood pressure at the doctor yesterday was 116/78.  Awesome!  That must mean he was truly relaxing.  He's worked hard for lots of years, he deserves some down time.

Today was lunch-out-with-a-friend-day for me.  I so thoroughly enjoyed it.  She's dear to me and even though she lives a bit farther away now I hope we continue our lunches.  I need that uplift!

And today we're seeing sunshine! The January inversion has sometimes lasted for the whole month. This year we're lucky enough to have a few series of storms that keep the air mixed up just enough that we don't all die of asphyxiation or sun deficiency.  There's only been a couple days so far when the morning air was murky enough that I declined to go out and breathe it.  And I call that a good January.

The paperwhites are also enjoying the sunshine.  I hadn't much hope they'd grow and bloom.  The blooming thing has yet to materialize, but the growth progress is fairly visible from day to day.  What a fun gift.  I'm anxious to see the flowers!

I'm grateful for lunches out with friends I care for.  I'm grateful for a washer and dryer that haven't yet completely given up (and I'm knocking on wood for luck).  I'm grateful for sunshine in winter.  For warm sweaters.  For pipes that aren't frozen.  And for dinner that's almost ready.

Fudge

Woke up and headed anxiously to the window.  Can I walk today?  Visibility isn't great, but the pavements are dry.  So, yes, I'm going. And it was lovely.  I had the trail all to myself.  It was warm enough to be without my gloves - though the hat and earmuffs were on and off (and on and off).  I was almost home when the snow started to fall.  Perfect timing.

Funeral on today's agenda for someone.

My walk took me past the Stake Center.  Apparently they're having a funeral today.  The casket was sitting outside the building waiting to be rolled in.  Made my heart hope for peace for the mourners. Funerals can be so hard.

And tomorrow is a friend's birthday.  I've had a hankering to try making fudge again.  It's been almost a year since my last mostly successful attempt.  And she loves chocolate.  So I thought I'd make some to give. Got it all done and watched with anxiety--I had a feeling I hadn't cooked it quite long enough. Google to the rescue - nearly all the answers to my query about non-setting fudge said to just cook it again.  Since I figured I'd be tossing the non-set fudge anyway, I hadn't much to lose, so back in the pot it went.  And I cooked it to a bit higher temp (with proper adjustment for our altitude). And then stirred.  And stirred.  I have a faint vague recollection of my mom telling my sister to keep stirring, stir till the gloss is gone.  I gave it a good try.

Yes, that's my fudge.

And I think I've got it.  It's in the pan cooling.  But it looked pretty well set.  The leavings I scraped from the pan taste scrumptilicious.  And since the product was already smooth, not grainy, I don't think I have anything to worry about there.  In a few hours I'll try to cut it and see how we did.  Her birthday is tomorrow so I've time to make another batch if I need.  

The thing is?  I really ever only want a taste so a whole batch is w-a-y too much for us. 

And speaking of kitchen attempts, I made a big pot of clam chowder last night.  It's been years since I made it.  And while it wasn't awful (actually, it tasted pretty ok) The Husband wasn't quite as enthusiastic as he usually is when something is a hit.  I'll probably have to try it again, though the clams aren't my favorite (yes, I know it's called clam chowder, I love the flavor just not the texture of the clams). And next time I'll try to figure out how to make a half recipe.  We'll be eating this clear till next January unless I reduce the quantity.

The grandson was a trouper - he shoveled the entire driveway and front walk.  And though it's still snowing, right now it's warm enough that it's just slush.  We've learned from past snow that removing those first few inches are critical.  Thanks, Bud, you did some great service.

And I'm grateful today for successful kitchen attempts.  For a walk that put my heart and head in a great mood. For birthdays to celebrate. And for fudge that tastes good.

Scattered Thoughts, Motto For the Year, New Recipe

So, my mind is all over the place.  I wonder if there is anything of value in all those scattered thoughts?

Corner Canyon yesterday 7 a.m.

• My walk yesterday morning because of time constraints was quick.  But I loved this view of Corner Canyon.  We do live in a beautiful world.

Not my favorite cake.

• Saw a recipe that I just had to make.  Sounded so yummy.  The end result, yummy enough I guess.  Just not yummy enough to make a second time.  The description was that the cake was really more of a cross between a cake and a brownie.  It was too dense for me.  The flavor was fine, the texture not my favorite.  That recipe was dumped as was the rest of the cake.  But at least now I know not to try that one again.

• Came across this shirt in a catalog.  And I agree.

Yep, good advice.

• I've long believed that FaceBook is a problem.  I've never been the fan that it seems like everyone else is.  (Yes, I continue to be an independent thinker.) I've often voiced the thought that FB is more detrimental than beneficial.  It was nice to see that someone else thinks kinda the same.  I'd be interested to see what other people think about this as well.

FaceBook Antidote

• I've been intrigued lately by so many people I hear that aren't making New Year's Resolutions (yes, I realize the month is a third over, but it's never to late for improvement, is it?), they're adopting a motto for the year instead.  I love that thought. I tried it once a few years ago.  My motto was to "Be Amazing."  Yeah, that didn't work.  I don't know how to be amazing. But I've been reading about Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley in the Jan. issue of the Ensign magazine.  He was such an optimist - about like The Husband is.  Always looking for the good, and cheerful about the future.  Pres. Hinckley's overall motto seemed to be "Things Will Work Out." What an attitude of hope.  Thinking things will all work out implies that everything will be ok.  This perspective also includes faith. Faith that our Heavenly Father is watching out for us and wants the best for us.  Does this mean that we can sit idly by and expect Heavenly Father to do all the work?  I believe this attitude means that things will work out because we work hard at working them out.  We do our best, hope for the best and have faith that the best will win out. I like it.  I think I'll work on thinking that every day this year.  Things will work out.

Today I'm grateful for a husband that encourages me to try new things:  activities, projects, recipes. I'm grateful that he's always up for something new whether it's his new thing, or my new thing. I'm grateful for friends that want to go out with us this weekend.  I'm grateful for showers - I never, ever want to smell like the woman I was near in the grocery yesterday.  She was pleasant, had a smile and was chatting sweetly with her toddler in the cart, but I could almost see the odor cloud around her. It was mighty strong. I'm grateful for the sunshine that peeks through the rain clouds giving me hope for a sunshine lift to my spirits.  I never mind the rain, just like the way the sun brightens life after the rain.

Fluctuating Moods

I've been a teensy bit moody lately.  Things just kind of affect me.  My emotions have been up and down and all over the place.  For instance:

• Saturday was weird.  There wasn't a movie to see (we're saving the one we want to see for when we go out with friends this coming weekend).  So it felt like we didn't have anything to do.  Ended up at Costco where both of us came home a tad down.  The crowds were overwhelming (as was my list) and manners seem to have disappeared.

• Grabbed the mail on our way to Costco and opened a "statement" from the magazine I'm still trying to gift to my friend.  The name listed was totally misspelled. The address didn't exist. And of course when I called to figure out this latest hiccup there wasn't any account number and they demand an account number.  The non-English speaker assured me that the magazine subscription is in order, the name is right as is the address.  And then he wanted to sell me more subscriptions.  Sigh....

Grateful for this heater.

• Came home Saturday afternoon to a frozen toilet.  The toilet pipes that is.  Our powder room hasn't had any issues since we had the insulation fixed.  But we have had negative degree temps lately.  That toilet isn't usually an issue.  We searched all over the house for our spare space heater.  And still can't figure out what happened to it.  We had two.  So I retrieved the one we loaned to our neighbor (their pipes had frozen also) and within a few hours we had a working toilet again.  Thank heavens it isn't our only toilet.

• Started the prelude on the opening song in Sacrament meeting yesterday morning in the wrong key.  Seriously.  Again? Had to begin all over.  Was super embarrassed.

• Found out that my visiting teaching is all changed.  I have a new partner and several new ladies. (Though I've yet to see my assignment paper, this is only what I was told.)  Am nervous about the new assignments.  And will miss "my" sisters.

Aloe is good for burns, and apparently for air quality as well.

• Sat through Gospel Principles with such a sense of peace.  I was engrossed in the lesson - my replacement is a great teacher.  And I thoroughly enjoyed being there.  How lovely it was to not be stressed about Sunday School. (Organ stressing is anxiety enough!)

• Have a new burn (in the same spot on my face) from my curling iron.  After all these years you'd think I'd be more proficient with that curling iron.  Spent quite a few minutes looking for my bottle of aloe to put on the burn so it heals quicker.  Couldn't find it. (And what is it with all these lost things? I thought I was pretty responsible about taking care of belongings.  I guess maybe it's just stuff we rarely use.) Found some other ointment which I applied. Then laughed at my dufus-y self.  I'd walked past our aloe plants like 6 times.  I could've just got a tip of the plant, the real thing and it would have worked the very best!

• Spent a couple hours watching some recorded tv last night.  During which I received the most wonderful rejuvenating foot/leg massage from The Husband.  I so love his touch.  And I love even more that he sacrifices to make my feet and ankles feel so good.  That was a treasure.

That's ice- thick ice.

• Woke up yesterday morning to ice - everywhere.  I know they get ice like this from freezing rain back east.  I have never ever seen anything like it.  When I drove over to the church I pretty well slid down the driveway, and struggled getting back up.  I'm glad that's a rarity here.

Rocks?

• I've included a picture of The Husband's bathroom sink.  I think I'd be safe in saying not many people have a stack of rocks on their sink.  I haven't a clue why they're there.  He likely has a reason.  It just made me chuckle again - as it usually does when I scour his sink.

• I'm off in a bit to the dentist for that cracked crown replacement.  My stomach is in knots.  I have a stress headache.  And to put it mildly, I'm nervous.  This is so not my preference for something enjoyable.

But, I still have gratitude. I'm grateful that this silly crown (cracked though it is) has lasted so long. (And I'm so grateful for insurance that'll help with the cost.) I've eked out much more time on that than the dentist expected.  I'm grateful for warmer temps today.  The rain kept me in on the treadmill, but I'm always grateful for moisture from the heavens. I'm grateful that there seems to be no huge consequences from the toilet freezing.  And that so far we've all been protected when we're out and about in the weather.  I'm grateful for Fast Sunday and for knowing that Heavenly Father is watching out for us all.

And Yay for Friday Again!

I don't know why I'm so happy for it to be Friday.  I've been so confused all week about what day it is, maybe I'm glad it's Friday so that next week I can get back on track.

Beautiful view!

Yesterday the weather was, well, frightful.  Snowy and cold and windy and repeat. I was concerned about making it to our play across the valley.  We made it with oodles of time to spare and spent our pre-play time standing around waiting with all the other souls who left home super early so as to not miss the play.

The play?  Not my favorite.  It was The Nerd. And the actors were great. But the content was so dated and not very "politically correct" in today's culture.  There were a few laughs but not enough to call it a truly successful play-evening.  As The Husband said, it was an excuse to have a bit of a date together which we always love.

And today it is truly lovely outside.  At 7 this morning the temperature was -1. Yeah, cold. But by 11:30 it was nearly 20.  So I headed out on a walk.  I've been saving up my library books to return to the library (a frequent goal of my morning walks: returning books to the library, I love that walk to and from the park).  So I took all four of the books and schlepped them over to the library in the sunshine.  It was cold so I dressed in layers.  Lots of layers.  Too many layers.  I overdressed. Figured I'd just drop the books in the return and head home.  But the lure of all those books on the library shelves was too much to resist.  I came home with 5 books, one more than I returned. Hopefully that extra weight I was carrying (along with the weight of all those layers of clothes) helped burn some extra calories.

Today I'm grateful for sunshine that makes the snow sparkle.  I've often said there's not enough sparklies in the world.  The snow sparklies are so fun! I'm grateful for warm boots that keep my feet warm when trudging along the snow-packed trail.  I'm grateful for a book pile that looks so inviting - hopefully my anticipation will be fulfilled in some great read.  I'm grateful for hugs - that other hug-ee might have needed the hug but I'm the one that benefits. And I'm grateful for a heart that feels hope - makes smiling so much easier.

Snow

It must be winter.  We got up yesterday morning to snow.  Lots of it.  Again.  The snow from Christmas hadn't yet melted.  So we shoveled (The Husband loves his John Deere for plowing) and the piles at the edge of the driveway just got taller. (I'm barely over 5 feet and the pile is more than half my height, so it's getting deep!)

Then the wind came.  It started yesterday morning, then kept me awake in the night with the noise.  I even noticed a couple shingles on the neighbor's roof flapping a bit in the wind.  Today was garbage day and there wasn't a single trash (or recycling) bin standing all through the neighborhood - they've all blown over on their sides.  The interesting thing is that it's nearly 40 degrees outside.  Fairly warm for January.  So the snow is melting, everything is soggy wet.

Yup, that pile on the edge of the driveway is getting taller.

But tonight is predicted to be more snow, but a huge wet storm this time (and a low of 7 degrees).  I think we'll be out shoveling / plowing again tomorrow.  And what does it say about me that the weather is of such interest? I must be old.

Ran out for a couple errands and realized that one of the purposes of my errands was still at home sitting on the desk.  Yeah, I must be old.

I like routine.  It feels good to get back into a routine.  With just enough outside stuff to keep things interesting.  Yeah, I like it.

And I'm snug in our warm house, with comfy socks (and my Dansko shoes for support on my complaining feet) and a small cup of hot chocolate.  I've something good to read (and lots of other books to choose from if the one I'm working on doesn't turn out to be so good).  I've got cupboards to clean and sort through if I get tired of reading.  And my life feels somewhat luxurious.  What is it if it isn't luxury to be able to choose exactly what you want to do?

I'm so grateful that The Husband works from his home office and doesn't have to commute in snowy conditions.  The walk from the kitchen to his office is just the right length of commute.  I'm grateful for warmth when it's cold outside and for some chocolate to enhance the day.  I'm grateful for texted pictures of grandchildren and for hugs that warm my soul more than my body.

Frustration

So, I'm starting out the year with some residual frustration.  That carried over from 2016.  And I think things should just work the way they're supposed to.  Shouldn't they?

We had a fairly quiet New Year's - I dragged The Husband off for our traditional (though still new in the making) walk around the neighborhood) to bring in the new year.  We don't ever have to worry about missing it - the fireworks going off around us are a clear signal.

We got to spend a bit of time with our youngest grandson and his parents - a delightful couple of hours full of hugs and fun.  And I love the handknit slippers, they indicate care.

And church yesterday?  Sacrament meeting was interesting.  They did a "worship through the hymns" meeting where the meeting was opened up for the congregation to come to the microphone (if they wanted) and tell their favorite/most meaningful/special hymn and why and then choose one or two verses for us to sing.  Since it was my month at the organ, I sat there on the bench for an hour and sweated bullets.  My hands were icy cold with nerves but I was burning hot with nervous energy.  I was so afraid I'd mess up.  And mess up I did.  One time I even started the introduction in the wrong key (forgot to look at the key signature). But people were kind, there were sweet words shared and everyone sang along as though I was playing perfectly.  There's something good and uniting that happens when people sing together. It benefits everyone (except those poor souls sitting at the organ hoping they'll be able to play whatever hymn is "sprung" on them).

He's a Good Man.

I tried to give a magazine subscription to a friend for Christmas.  I worked on this online for over an hour. And weeks later discovered it didn't work.  So I phoned.  Was assured the year-long subscription was now ordered and everything was fine.  Then discovered I was charged twice.  In the process of resolving this, I spoke to 2 different companies, five different people, received 4 different stories (from customer service people who are paid to handle subscriptions) and was ready to hurl my phone across the street.  The Husband finally had to leave the room.  My emotions were a verging on over-the-top with frustration. It shouldn't have been that hard.

And now, I'm holding my breath to see if the refund actually works.  Or if things will still be mucked up and require further intervention.  At this moment I'm not fond of intervention.

And I shouldn't have tried to do this today.  The only day The Husband has had off work for the holidays.  The one he wanted to just take it easy with no pressure, not with an upset wife.  Sigh...I have so far to go to figure out life.

I'm grateful today that I pushed for getting some seeds and suet for the birds.  The Husband has so loved having them around, and keeps a close eye on the feeders.  A small bright spot.