The illness mentioned in my last post lasted longer than I thought it would. I ended up being out of commission for several weeks. Thankfully I recovered in time for a planned, 4-day trip with my family over Christmas. While I didn't intend to ignore this blog for so long, I was forced to take a temporary hiatus and am glad to be back! Change is good sometimes At my son and daughter-in-law's suggestion, our family agreed to forego exchanging Christmas gifts this year and instead pool our money for a trip. Because we were not going to be home over Christmas, we did not put up a Christmas tree, didn't bake any cookies and were not home to participate in the Christmas Eve service at church. While those things are special, I have to say we had the most stress-free, easy going, quality time together for the … [Read more...] about Stepping Back to 1804
Just shoot me and bury me next to the dog
"Sickness comes on horseback and departs on foot." ~ Dutch proverb This past week I've gone through 2 boxes of tissues, sneezed so many times in a row I nearly passed out, consumed sour-tasting zinc lozenges, coughed my way through sleepless nights and soothed my sore throat with a daily mug of "Zarbee's Cold & Cough Tea." It was WWIII in full engagement in the top 12" of my body. And it only got worse day after day after day. On Day 6 there was so much congestion bottled up in my head, I'm sure my brain was as waterlogged as a peat bog and had as much clarity too. That's when I gave my husband permission to put me out of my misery and bury me in the backyard. He gave me a knowing smile and patted me on the back instead. Despite succumbing to the plague, I did get outside for a … [Read more...] about Just shoot me and bury me next to the dog
Eating My Words
Remember when I encouraged you in my previous post to get outside "no matter the weather?" Well today, I was eating my words with a dose of pain. No, I'm not rescinding my axiom of getting outside despite the imperfect conditions, but today, I admit, it was a challenge to STAY outside. My college freshman daughter was under the weather with laryngitis and general malaise. She was still determined to get to class at the local community college on the other side of the county. And it was snowing! So as moms do, I offered to drive her 1) to help reduce the stress her body was already in, 2) to make sure our vehicle returned in one, unscathed piece and 3), if truth be told, to take the unexpected opportunity to explore a local nature preserve while it was snowing. I love being in … [Read more...] about Eating My Words
Can Winter Be A Gift?
Exploring outdoors, even in the winter, can bring you a surprise. The blues on a blue jay became very vivid in the heavy snow last year. When the temperatures drop and a few snowflakes fall, what is going through your mind? Do you have the kid-like wonder waking up to new winter snowfall yelling "Yay!!" or are you dragging yourself to the coffee maker saying "I don't even want to look outside?" Whether you enjoy dropping to the ground to make a snow angel or you rush from the house to the car to avoid the blustery cold outside, winter is coming. And if you HAVE to endure it, why not try to enjoy it! Not only will finding the smallest pleasures help to make those dreary, cold months go by faster, but you might actually discover a new wonder that only winter unveils. … [Read more...] about Can Winter Be A Gift?