Trees

Monday

Monday I took a picture of our norway spruce - the tree on the south side of our driveway that we've loved over the years.  That's the one that after its first winter in that spot (it was only about 6 feet tall at that point) hadn't a single needle on it that we could find.  But I refused to give up on it and we've loved how it's flourished. 

On Monday, after that big snowstorm, it looked like something out of a cartoon or a strange dream, all weighed down.  We've been concerned about all our trees.  We've lost a few big-ish branches but it's still early to be certain how bad it all is. Some of the branches are just kind of stuck to the ground, held down by the snow.  

But this morning, it looks like the spruce at least will be ok.  The branches on the hawthorne have mostly sprung back into place and the blue atlas cedar in the front looks to be doing fine so far.  It's been in the 40's for a couple days and the snow has melted a lot.  They're saying we'll wake up to more inches of it tomorrow.  And then again on Tuesday.  We are so, so, so grateful for the desperately needed snow.  But I am worried about all those people in CA getting so much rain so all-at-once.  

Thursday

I've missed yoga.  The MRI on my shoulder isn't scheduled until the 16, and it'll take a few days after to be able to go over the results with the dr.  That means that I'm still not able to put any weight on my arm, lift anything heavy.  So, no helping The Husband shovel the snow, vacuuming is a challenge (ironing, too).  We did manage a walk yesterday morning, though there were times we were shuffling along like a very old couple.  The black ice was the unseen menace.  Snow that melts during the day, leaving streaks of moisture on the pavement that freezes overnight means we could slip and fall before we know we've fallen.  And I'm doing my best to avoid falls.  But I can say that being outside in the crisp dawn was a favorite part of the day.  They haven't yet taken the lights off the trees over at the city park.  On a whim I snapped a shot of this one blue-decorated tree and was so surprised at how well it turned out.  Though several of the trees were dark because of big branches that had fallen and broken the light strings. 

Anyway, back to the yoga.  A friend I've met there has been so kind, reaching out to wish me a Merry Christmas and then a Happy New Year.  She invited me to meet her over at the rec center (where our yoga class is) this morning and we walked the elevated indoor track and chattered away.  What a fun hour that was for me.  I wasn't quite sure that I was up to that, but really- being around people (people who are kind) is so good for us all.  

Last night I went to dinner with a friend.  A bit over three hours later I dropped her off at her house.  I don't think we had a second of silence.  It's been a couple weeks since I was able to see her and I guess we had some catching up to do.  I'm so grateful for her.  We generally do couples get-togethers.  But last night she just wanted some woman-time.  The men were feeling left out so they went to dinner (not with us) together, also.  Which made us laugh.  

Been practicing the piano.  Was invited to accompany a neighbor for his violin solo at church.  I don't necessarily like playing in front of people, but I do like the push to practice.  Hopefully I'll master the song well enough to bring the Spirit.  That's the hope and the goal.

So grateful today for the ability to try anew to be a better person.