What Is It About December?

Last year we were inundated with issues.  It took me three weeks to get all the insurances changed to a new company. (And frankly, our cute agent deserves a medal for his patience with me and all that we went through figuring things out.) Then there were the 2 water heater replacements - a day or so after Christmas.  And the new garage door opener.  And we were fresh off replacing the refrigerator.  All necessary and important things.  But not exactly joy-filled, either. (Lately I'm always on the hunt for a bit of fun - joy included.)

In addition, we had multiple service calls on our furnaces.  Sigh.  We knew those furnaces were on their way out.

I've been quite concerned about them making through this season without failing us.  I am absolutely loathe to have emergencies.  (Have always been one of those that likes to be prepared.) This last summer the air conditioners managed to keep the house fairly cool (we never set the thermostat really low) but they ran non-stop.  Day, night, all the time.  And companies like to replace furnaces and air conditioners in tandem for some reason.  Not sure why, but that's the way of things.

Received a bid for the replacement of all four units, two furnaces and two air conditioners/heat pumps. Bit the bullet (with a fair amount of trepidation on my part) and the guys are here today doing the first set.  Tomorrow will be the second set, assuming (don't like to do that) that things go well without any hiccups today.  

So, a few years ago the new roof, then the new appliances last December.  And this year the new furnaces and air conditioners.  Somehow it feels like December is destined to "try" me.   Not to mention that Christmas always brings its own kind of stress. 

We went to a dinner the other night for the service missionaries and long term volunteers for the Sandy Bishop's Storehouse.  Learned that our particular storehouse is the very busiest in the entire church storehouse system.  I often believe that.  They said we supplied food for 1100 families for this Thanksgiving.  A lot of people that didn't go hungry.  💝 

Our neighbors - and ministering brother - brought us one of those wax encased amaryllis bulbs.  They are so fun and it is blooming so pretty.  I'm always a bit sad, though, that their demise is ensured with the wax coating.  It makes it easy to sit on the shelf and enjoy the blossoms while avoiding any kind of plant care.  They are designed to bloom for the Christmas holiday and then be tossed in the trash.  That's hard for me.  I really hate to kill most living things.  (Spiders/ants/bugs are the exceptions.)

So, right now I"m so grateful there are qualified people to replace our equipment that will enable us to maintain our comfortable home. I'm beyond grateful that we have the ability to manage to cover the (feels like exhorbitant) cost.  I'm grateful for flowers that bloom in the winter. I am grateful to be able to practice the piano so I won't be quite so nervous-freaked when I have to play for the ward party on Saturday and then the organ on Sunday. I'm grateful for hugs from loved ones.  And for hope that next December will be easier on us.