I awoke like Scrooge on Christmas morning. I wanted to throw open the windows and run into the streets shouting, "We made it through the night with power!"It could go at any moment, I know; it flickered just now. But to have made it through the night and wake to a warm house, what a blessing!
I went out into our icy wonderland to retrieve my paper. It was there. Bless their hearts! While I was shuffling back inside, the garbage truck stopped in front of the neighbor's house. I had forgotten all about trash day in the midst of dire weather reports, yet here they were, on time despite the freezing drizzle that continued to fall. I looked up and down our block. Only one person had the presence of mind or the confidence to put out the garbage. Hopefully, it will be a short day for these hard-working men.
My lovely daughter called from Charlotte, North Carolina, yesterday just to say it was 79 degrees, a record for December. If I had anything, I'd disinherit her. . . .
_____________________________________________Footnote
For those of you who did not take seriously my gift suggestions on Tom's blog, for shame, for shame! Recall I suggested that an oil lamp makes a thoughtful gift? (No one should set up housekeeping without an oil lamp.) Well, I made my rounds like every other hearty soul in the capital city looking for such an animal for my friend, and, alas, every store in town had sold out. Being the product of hearty mountaineer stock, I bought oil, wicks, and cork and made my own. Fortuitously, we have a supply of empty bottles._____________________________________________
The downside to being a statue. . . . brrrrrrrr!
(ap photo by seth perlman; lincoln statue in springfield, ill.)
