Frozen!

Wow, has January been a wild ride, or what? Monster snowstorms. Subzero temperatures for days. Sheets of ice that closed roads, schools, churches and businesses. And a new experience for me. My pipes froze this week ☹ But even in the midst of the storm, God was faithful and I found so much to be thankful for.

After dripping the faucet faithfully every night for a week, I forgot on Wednesday night and woke up Thursday to frozen pipes. No coffee. No water for Miss Emma’s bowl. Barely enough in my water bottle to brush my teeth! My landlord came over and after about an hour, he managed to get the pipes thawed with no damage. I’m so thankful for the gift of running water!

After forty-four years in the workaday world, I retired this week. Could I have hand picked a better time? No getting up early to clean off the car, fight the snow, and trudge off to work! No need to go out at all, but I found a reliable plow man to dig me out, just in case 😊

I’ve stayed pretty close to home this week, I’ve read some great books. I’ve made slow progress on my current WIP, Blackberry Summer. I got out my crochet after a two-year hiatus and actually finished a project! And I made great strides on my new puzzle.

Another day would have probably finished it, but my friend Sharon called and asked if I would like to go out and about today. I’ve barely left the house all week. It was time to rejoin society.

Our adventure started with Tims and a caramel latte.

Then we headed down the road to check out the brand-new Goodwill.

So many cute things!

We love thrifting!

I was pleasantly surprised to turn a corner and see that my sister had the same idea!

Marge and Sharon checking out the books!

I didn’t buy anything today. They have not had time to stock a good selection of books, and I really don’t need any clothes. Today was just for the fun of poking around. Afterwards we popped into the Piggly Wiggly next door. Since my spinach adventure earlier this week, I’m kind of on an omelet kick and though I don’t eat a lot of ham, I thought this diced ham would make a nice filling.

Though I am retired, I’m going to continue to work a few hours a week, for a little spending money, and to keep myself from becoming a recluse – which I could all too easily see happening. After a week away, I’m looking forward to working tomorrow. I miss my team 😊

It’s been a long, cold, January, but it has surely shown me my blessings. I’m thankful for my sweet, cozy little home. I’m thankful for food, and for water. I’m thankful for friends and for small adventures. And though my hands are cold this week, my heart is so, so warm.