Snow

 We've had some snow.  And then a bit more snow.  And then even more.

Last week, after round 2 of snow, we finally bit the bullet and headed out for a snowblower.  I thought perhaps we'd end up with a little one, that's easily manageable.  The Husband had different (and quite specific) ideas about what he wanted.  And since this is for him, I wanted him to get what would please him the most.  After making the rounds of 3 different places, we were pretty much tired of looking at the same things.  The features are a lot the same.  Brands differ only a bit.  Came time to check out and I was already struggling with the cost. (Actually we both were.) Then came the delivery fee.  Yikes.  And the delivery date was out 8 days.

Sigh.

Early this morning.

We knew years ago when we replaced The Husband's truck that we wouldn't be able to haul much anymore.  I even remember we talked about how we'd just have to pay for delivery.   We spend very little money, buy very few things and in fact try to pare down as much as possible.  But the blade on the John Deere is pretty done and shoveling can be a bit much for these aging bodies.  In fact, I injured my arm that last time shoveling.  It doesn't seem to be healing (feeling worse, actually) and so I can't help with the shoveling, particularly when we have wet dense snow that weighs too much for me. (Figure I'll try to tough it out until after the first of the year when our insurance no longer requires a referral for a specialist - that's an onerous, troublesome process that I'm glad they've eliminated.)

So, it started snowing on Sunday and has continued (almost non-stop) since then.  The Husband does a great job keeping it from accumulating too much on our driveway and sidewalks.  But I hate for him to work so hard, especially when the cold bothers him so much more than it does me. 

So, here we sit today, waiting at home for the delivery.  Which doesn't help for today because our snow has been shoveled and shoveled. And at this moment, I detect a tiny bit of sunshine piercing the clouds.

I attempted yoga this morning, but think I"ll have to take a break which I so despise.  My knees are much happier when I'm consistent with yoga classes. But this arm just won't take my weight during many of the poses.  Even holding it above my head during side angle warrior is way too painful, and no clasping hands together behind my body and hinging forward over the knee.  Nope, just can't do it and that makes me really sad.  

Even earlier this a.m.

We're about done with Christmas. Still have one more thing to pick up, the cards to family members are ready to mail.  We feel like we can afford less and less.  I really hate feeling like I have to scrimp on gifts. My parents never had much to spend on Christmas - so I didn't grow up receiving abundant Christmas gifts, and for as far back as I can remember, parents only gifted to children, never to grandchildren.  There just wasn't enough money and it wasn't expected back then the way it is today.  Our grandchildren are mostly older so probably don't really care so much anyway.  Still, I like to give and be generous even if that isn't really anything to do with the real reason we celebrate. I'll have to learn to curb those impulses a bit better.

Had an email from a friend the other day where she mentioned how much she loves this time of year, that it feels like there's an extra helping of love going around and that it makes it easier to focus on the Savior - the true reason for Christmas.  I needed that little reminder.  The holidays seem so fraught with expectation and hopes that are rarely fulfilled - at least for me.  I pray every day for the ability to be positive.  Some days are better than others.

But today, I'm grateful - as always - for a comfortable (even luxurious by the standards I grew up with) home to live in.  So when a few snow days come along it's pleasant to be at home.  I'm grateful for a brief moment of sunshine between the storms and I'm grateful for our Savior, who sacrificed all for each one of us.  Regardless of our station/wealth/personalities/faults/whatever.  He saved every single one of us.