Monday, January 28
The weather had been warming up. For several days in a row it was over 34 degrees and our house was surrounded by slush and huge puddles. It felt so nice to have"warm" weather that I drove around with the vehicle windows open!
The nice weather didn't last long though. Soon we had rain, complete with thunder and lightning.
Tuesday, January 29
The weather turned colder, the rain turned into a snowstorm...
Wednesday, January 30
We ended up with almost seven inches of new snow...
...and we woke up every morning the rest of the week to more fresh snow.
The day after the snowstorm I was out shoveling and went over to help the lady across the street. (The one who mows her leaves a couple times a day during the fall.) I learned her name is Joan Meese and she was born and raised in that house and with the exception of three years she was away, she has lived there for 70 years. She was very friendly and appreciated the help with her shoveling. I hope I'm as spry as she is when I get to her age!
The outside temperature dipped below zero after the snowstorm but inside the house though there were plenty of signs of spring. If you like flowers, the Gerbera daisy was beginning to show hints of color which increased every day all week...
On Thursday I got a nice surprise. If you look to the right side of the photo you will see a second blossom!
Isn't it cute? :)
I'm also pleasantly surprised to find that both Christmas cactuses are budding for the second time this season.
Although the house has been warmer the furnace still isn't working up to its full potential. Using a blanket keeps things comfortable for me...
...and my permanent lap guests who think they can pile on no matter what I'm doing.
It's ok though because as always I have plenty of projects to work on while the poor dogs hide from the cold.
Thursday, January 31 was Nick's birthday. He turned twenty-three. It was very cold here that day and I got some beautiful frost pictures on the windows.
Even though it was cold I went out to go to the post office for the second time this week. I had birthday gifts and other goodies to send. I'm proud of myself for being ahead of the game this year.
Of course the very cold weather makes the fan motor in the suburban reluctant to run so it was a cold ride which was made longer by having to wait for an unusually long train...
...I couldn't feel my toes, but these things just make me appreciate being able to get back home and snuggle in a chair with the dogs and a blanket!
Friday, February 1 (One month closer to spring!)
On Friday I actually went to "work" for the first time since September 1. I went with Jim to Ideal and helped get him caught up on some of his paperwork and filing. This was "my" cubicle while I was there (notice the super comfy swivel chair!)
And this was the very scary file room. The files are in serious need of downsizing and organizing. I hope I get to do it, I LOVE doing that kind of thing!
I had a really great time working there because I really enjoy that kind of work. I was even able to sneak a picture of Jim in action...
While we were at work we got a wonderful text from Nick...
...he made sergeant!! We are so proud of him! It was frustrating to have to wait until the end of the work day to call and talk to him about it. :) Congratulations, Nick!
By the end of the day the temperature had warmed up from negatives to a flat zero which actually felt warm to us so of course I had to take a picture. I mean after all, how often is the temperature actually 0?
It had been a good day for me...going to work, getting Nick's text... but the excitement for the day was not over. On the way home Jim broke another car. He was driving both times the lower ball joints broke on the suburban and the red car and he was driving on Friday when the tail pipe broke loose on the wagon about five blocks from home...
...it made a lovely metallic dragging sound which would temporarily stop if we hit a bump (which is all the time in that car since it still has no shock absorbers.) Even thought that car has a new problem I am happy to say the red car has been restored to service. Natalie and Jim went to pick it up on Friday night which made Natalie very, very happy. Now she can go see David on Saturday! Even though our vehicles tend to be quirky and are definitely on their last legs we still have more than some people, and for that I am extremely thankful to God.
Waldo Watchers: Look for one Waldo in this post.
Photo of the Day:
Scripture Verse of the Day:
I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
Psalm 34:1
