A Day Filled with Gratitude
After leaving a too long comment on OneKidsMom's (sorry Barb) latest post, the decision was made to create a post of my own.
For the past week, Mother Nature and Ol' Man Winter have been in ferocious competition. Similar to most of the country, we've had more than our fair share of high wind warnings, wind chill warning, and weather advisories. Predicted dustings of snow became a heavy, white out snow fall bordering on blizzard conditions. The high wind, especially during the night, took its toll on sleep. Tired became the word of the day. Tired of wind. Tired of snow. Tired of cold. Tired of being stuck in the house.
Today brought a heap of gratitude. The sun decided to shine and the thermometer climbed to above freezing. My car has been the main reason for my lack of sleep. There's no garage here, so the car is parked outside. This morning, after clearing the melting snow and ice from the deck, I ventured down to see if it would start. It turned over immediately. My car is over 20 years old, but it gets regular oil changes and maintenance. Today was the reward for taking care of details.
Another area of concern was how cold it is on the south side of the house. The laundry room was 55* this morning. The draft through the kitchen and living room was very apparent. According to my wonderful neighbor, the dryer vent, the exhaust fan flap over the stove in the kitchen and the flap over the fire place in living room were lifted by the wind and then frozen partly open. Melted from the sun and now closed.
The new water lines that were dug in November resulted in running water throughout this brutal cold snap. Last winter, there were frozen water lines for 8 days. My neighbor has called several times to check on me. As a thank you, I ordered a basket full of Harry & David cookies for him and his family. With a wife and 2 teenagers, I appreciate the time he takes from his family if I need a helping hand.
The weather prediction for tomorrow is temps again above freezing. It's my plan to make a trip to town for a stop at the recycle center, then Walmart for milk and bread. It will be nice to get out. The bottom is supposed to fall out of the thermometer again for the weekend. Also a possibly of snow. BUT...next week we get a nice warm-up with a January thaw.
I am grateful that the weather did not cause damage and/or cost $$$ repairs. I am grateful for the auto shop with whom I've done business for over 20 years that keeps my car in good condition. I am grateful that I have been blessed with caring neighbors. I am grateful for my friends here who visit and leave nice comments.
Stay safe. Stay warm.
