I Got a Notion

I got the notion (is that a southern phrase, or what?!) to sit on my back porch tonight, even though it’s a bit cool for me (64 degrees). I’m a porch-sitter from way back; my mom and dad liked to sit on the porch in the early evening. We had a large front porch with a swing on one end. Our house faced east, so we didn’t watch the sunset. We just talked and enjoyed the cool air of the early evening. Maybe my grandma sat out there with us too; I don’t remember. But I could be a third generation “porch-sitter” if she did.

Anyway, I guess it brings back pleasant memories, as I sit here watching the sun set. Even alone, I enjoy it. The first pics are from my back porch, which faces east, and there’s not really much view, especially from the rickety old and tiny porch.

I moved to the front because of the sunset there, but it’s cloudy and probably won’t be spectacular. We shall see.

I guess, beautiful sunset or not, my message to you is enjoy the simple pleasures. I have enjoyed sitting outside for the last half hour. Now it’s getting dark, though, and it’s down to 62. I’m no longer just chilled; I’m downright cold and going inside.

Blessings to you, my friends.

Just 10 Minutes

Well, I finally got myself to the park to walk today. It might not seem like a big deal to some of you, but it was to me. I've been borderline depressed since right after Christmas and so tired (which goes along with depression) and just could not get the energy together to walk.

I managed to keep my house clean, fix myself food, and even pick up the grandkids from school some of the time, but those things used all my available energy. Many of you won't get that, but some of you will...if you know, you know.

The ironic thing is, exercise helps combat depression and gives you an energy boost, but to get to the mood-lifting, energy enhancing stage, you have to take that first step.

So I did that, late this afternoon. It was 46 degrees; a little brisk, but I prefer being cold to being hot. So off I went. It's my hope that I can do this 3 or 4 days a week.

If you're having a similar struggle, just tell yourself you'll walk for 10 minutes. Just 10 minutes. It's better than nothing; you have to start somewhere. It worked for me. I actually walked for 20 minutes. Once I was out there, it was easier to put one foot in front of the other.

It felt good to be out in nature, in the crisp early spring (late winter?) air. I took a few pictures along the way. I think I must have missed the daffodils; there were none to be found in the park. I did see some purple irises, though they were a little wilted from last night's frost. It got down to about 28 overnight.

That's all for now. This old curmudgeon can still get outside, and it does me good when I make the effort.

Blessings, my friends.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Snow!

Well, it finally happened: we got our first real snow here on the mountain. It flurried a couple of times since the first of the year, but it wasn't enough to write home about. 

It's currently 5 degrees out, at 3 something in the afternoon, usually the warmest point in the day. This morning I got up and went to church, then came home to fix some yummy homemade soup. About 12:15pm I looked out and saw snow! It was very fine, still is, but it is so cold it's all sticking, and piling up pretty fast.

I have been kind of down lately. Not only was I "trying" to take down the Christmas decor, not very successfully, but twice in the last couple of weeks we were supposed to get snow and didn't. I worked on packing most of Christmas away yesterday, and by late afternoon I had had enough. I was exhausted and sad. I got everything put away except the tree and the kitchen window vintage ornaments with the santas and trees (oh, and the snowmen display that I leave up through February) and decided to finish up today. 

But now it's snowing! I can't take down the tree when it's snowing! I'll try again tomorrow. I'm a happy camper! You all know how I love snow! 

I'm posting some pictures of the current situation. I may add more later.

Enjoy your snow day if you got some where you are! And stay warm and safe!