January 23: An unplanned and lonely hibernation

Friday:  When I went to church Sunday (five days ago), I had no idea that I would hardly leave the house again all week--except to shovel snow. I have shoveled a LOT of snow these few days! And it isn't just the snow we are struggling with here in W. Michigan, but the COLDest weather we have seen around here for quite a few years. Today's high temperature is 1. ONE degree. I believe it went down to 8 below zero last night, and it is expected to be a few degrees MORE below zero tonight.

I am extremely hesitant to drive when it is this cold and snowy. The road treatments are less than optimal! And people drive like they have lost their minds. I am pretty sure I never accelerated beyond 40 mph on the drive to church Sunday, and cars were flying by going the usual 60 mph. It was icy out there! I approached a red light, at some distance, and had a very difficult time stopping before sliding right through the intersection. That was quite enough drama for me, thank you. 

I did get rather desperate yesterday because I was out of milk, eggs, cabbage (!!) and a few other necessities; so I went as far as Family Fare over on Northland (about 2 miles) and stopped at the bank on the way. I was super glad to get back home safely.

Here is what really tells how hesitant I am to drive: I have NOT driven anywhere I wanted to drive to photograph the beautiful snow by Lake Michigan, or even rivers and creeks nearby! It's just too cold, and I guess it must be my age that tells me to stay warm, dry, safe, etc. I've seen photos others have taken this week--gorgeous pictures--and have wished with all my heart that it was me out there snapping beautiful pictures. Sigh.

The birds have been very active at my feeders--which necessitates me going OUTSIDE to refill the feeders every few days. I love watching the birds!

Look how crazy the feeders look all piled with snow!

This was my front yard yesterday after I was finished shoveling. My back and shoulders have not been happy about all of the lifting, but what can I do?

It snowed nonstop all day yesterday. I think we added another 3-4" out here. This is my front porch at about 5:30 last night. I've kept most of it shoveled.

This is a shot of the front this morning ... we are buried in white stuff. It's a good thing I can appreciate the beauty of winter, because otherwise I would find this isolation a little bit unbearable.

I remember back in October one afternoon while I was talking with Jesse out in his yard, that he mentioned/predicted something about this upcoming winter being brutally harsh and frigid. I asked him what he based that predilection upon--he pointed to the acorns that were strewn all over his lawn. Jesse said the number of acorns were so in excess of normal that it pointed to a severe winter. !!

Speaking of Jesse, he drove over to see me Tuesday afternoon and brightened my day a whole lot. We visited upwards of two hours. I'd had to cancel my usual Tuesday with the grandchildren because schools were closed and the roads were terrible. Plus, I was supposed to have Erin overnight tonight but I can't even imagine driving the distance to and from their house to collect her and then return her tomorrow. I am feeling badly about it, because I kind of gave her my word. She has been waiting awhile for "her turn" and tonight was that night. Hopefully, she will forgive her old grandma and we can do it another weekend very soon.

January 16 A little sparrow

Friday:  I woke up this morning with a small but distinct agenda--I was to cut up a large broccoli into very small pieces, do the same with a large head of cauliflower, add to that 1C of chopped red onion, 1/2 pound of chopped bacon, 1/2 C of chopped pecans and a half cup of golden raisins before making the very delicious dressing that I would stir into this huge salad--because tonight there was supposed to be a "gathering" of our Calvary class that included a potluck dinner. I was just about finished cutting up all of the vegetables when I received a text from the class social leader informing me that the social had been cancelled due to the winter advisory we were under. 

My first thought: "What on earth am I going to do with this huge salad and no one to serve it to?" I still haven't answered that question at 7pm tonight. I have a mind to put it into small disposable containers and see if any of my neighbors want to enjoy this very delicious salad. I haven't decided. 

I finished making the salad, added the dressing, and it is now chilling overnight in my refrigerator. I admit I felt rather downhearted for the first hour after receiving notice of the cancellation; but then I realized how selfish this was of me and turned instead to giving thanks that I didn't have to drive in bad weather tonight. It has been snowing all day. It is very beautiful when it is new snow!

Midway through my day, I noticed many beautiful birds visiting my feeders. I had the usual blue jays (four of them!) and a few woodpeckers too. I decided to snap a few pictures of this cute little white throated sparrow who spent a long time at my window feeder:

I got very close to the feeder to snap these pictures with my phone, and this little guy was completely undisturbed by my presence. I love it when that happens.

January 13 A few pictures

Tuesday:  I had a few very nice hours with the kiddos today after school. Nothing really exceptional to report, except Aidan was especially polite and kind today -- I note this only because at times, he can be a little bit hard on me with his "demands." Today, he requested very nicely the things he desired and I complied enthusiastically. 

Our young Mr. Callaghan was his usual outrageous self ... but so cute, it's difficult to reprimand him!

Mr. Cal --what universe do you hail from?!?!?

I snapped a quick picture of Brendan before he could protest ... and I neglected to get even a single picture of Erin today. Pooh.

I sure love you kiddos!
 

January 9 A day with Erin

Friday:  Erin is ALMOST better, but her cough is hanging on and she is still a little bit under the weather. Rather than risk her going to school today, her folks felt it best that she take one more day to recover; so I went over to their house to watch over her while her folks were working.

We did some reading together--I brought three good books with me--the large kind with beautiful illustrations. We read one about Queen Esther, another one about a little lamb (a true story!), and another book that was actually a rather elaborate pop-up book about the birth of Jesus.

In-between reading books, we played some number games on my phone or watched short "reels" of animals and babies that were very funny. We also spent about 30 minutes cuddling and resting together. I don't think either of us actually fell asleep, but it sure was peaceful just sitting on the couch together and being quiet.

This little snowman (above) was made by Cal. Erin told me he made it all by himself! I think it came in a kit of some kind--but isn't it cute? Erin and I also found a lonely little reindeer finger puppet sitting inside a box on the floor of their kitchen, and we played with him for awhile when Erin was eating her grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. We named the finger puppet "DONNER" because ... he did not have a red nose, so he could not be RUDOLPH. 

This is Erin eating an ice cube, one of many she consumed while I was there today. I think it was soothing on her lips and throat; but it would take a whole lot more than a sore throat and chapped lips for ME to suck on an ice cube in this cold weather! Erin has a natural warmth to her body (like her mom), so she isn't often cold.

After Brendan came home from school, he demonstrated his brand new popcorn maker and popped up a batch for everyone to enjoy. Isn't it cool? I love these pictures of you, Brendan!

Aidan and Cal came home from school at their usual time. Aidan went over to a friend's house (just a few houses down from theirs), and Cal took his "screen time" turn. I didn't see much of either of the boys today!

I think Erin is finally on the mend. She did really well today. I am glad I was able to spend the day with her. She is a very engaging person--not at all difficult to connect with--she is super conversational! 

I am very thankful to be a grandma today!

January 8 An hour with Jesse

Thursday: I've been in the habit of stopping by Jesse's late every Thursday afternoon to say "Hi" to Kaity (since she doesn't come over to my house anymore), and to visit with Jesse (because it's practically the only time I see him!). I visited briefly with Kaity--she was in the middle of an intense "game" with friends (out there in cyberspace somewhere).

Jesse had a lot to show me out in his garage. He has finally begun to rebuild his Volkswagen Scirocco (1984) that Scott found for him pretty cheap close to five years ago now. It's been sitting out in his garage collecting ... just about everything (!!) since then. He has managed to unbury it from the debris and has friends (a few other Volkswagen enthusiasts) who are able and interested in this rebuild. 

If it is possible to know less than nothing about cars, engines, mechanics, etc. I would fit that category. It's not that I'm not interested--it's just that it is completely out of my brain waves--like it doesn't even register. BUT ... my Jesse has always (since very, very young) been quite astute in putting stuff together and taking them apart. When he was a tiny kid, he was better at taking things apart than reassembling them; but nothing tragic happened as a result. I was always fascinated at his ability to SEE beyond one dimension. Dylan's kids and I have talked about this faulty part of my brain a LOT. They have told me I have a FLAT BRAIN. Okay then.

I snapped a few pictures of him describing car/engine parts to me when I was over--the three pictures are similar. The reason I post them is that it is so rare that I get any pictures of my adult sons whatsoever, that I treasure each one!

Would you believe (???) that every single object that is scattered on the table and floor--Jesse can identify and tell me details about? I'm not kidding!!! I had to keep talking to myself (in my head) not to panic (seriously) looking at all of these foreign objects--it's rather unsettling to me. I recoil from chaos--and it's not that this is so chaotic, but it puts me in the realm of the UNKNOWN which always throws me a bit (actually a LOT). So this was good for me--I need to grow my brain!

This 1984 Scirocco is 42 years old this year ... a true antique. Jesse is rebuilding it because he loves cars and working with his hands, and fixing things, and restoring stuff. I love this about Jesse so much.

I'll post more pictures as progress is made ...

January 8 with Erin

Thursday:  Usually, I do my grocery shopping on Thursday mornings--last week I did it on Wednesday because my friend, Bev, needed a ride to the grocery store and Wednesdays are the day SHE goes grocery shopping ... Anyway, I was completing my grocery list when I received a message from Kelly telling me that Erin was home sick from school and she had two clients this morning, had taken Erin to work with her--but was it possible for me to spend time with her instead? Yes!

I picked Erin up at about 10:30 from Kelly and drove her back to her house, where she got comfortably situated. Then we read about half of their new Snoopy book (which was gifted to Aidan by me for Christmas) titled something about Snoopy being a beagle scout--super fun book to read.

On the inside cover of the book are listed many other titles I can purchase (Erin snapped this picture, so that I could have it and order more books). All of these kiddos are really good readers. Erin was a tiny bit behind last year, but she has caught up quite nicely.

Erin has been "down" with this illness for almost an entire week now--so sad! It started with a sore throat, fevers, a lot of coughing, drippy nose and sneezes. She has been exhausted.

I sure enjoyed cuddling up with this little sweetheart for a little while this morning. Kelly came home from work at about 12:30, and I went to Meijer's about two hours later than normal--but I was still able to buy a roasted chicken (yum) and enjoy it once I got home. Roasted chicken is my highlight of the week! I know that sounds pitiful, but it's really really good!

January 6 Back to School

Tuesday: Actually, school resumed yesterday, January 5--but this is the first Tuesday of the new year, so it was back to a "usual" Tuesday schedule for me with the kids.

Prior to going over to Dylan and Kelly's, I was surprised to find out that my friend, Julie, had not left yet for six weeks in Florida. She messaged me and asked me to meet her for lunch. YES! Jen was able to join us too, and it was exactly what I needed. Good fellowship and friendship ... and fried chicken too! These two women continue to challenge me, and together we encourage each other in our walk with the Lord. It's truly a blessing to me.

We had such a good time at lunch that I didn't arrive over at the house until nearly 1:20 in the afternoon. Dylan was home because Erin is still sick and could not go to school. Poor little one--she has been sick since Thursday evening--with a low fever, sore throat, the sniffels, and sneezes too. She was resting in the basement while watching a "show", so I just went right at my cleaning project hoping to get everything on my list accomplished before the kids got home from school.

Brendan came in at about 3:20 and headed downstairs to take his screen time. Erin came upstairs and rested on the family room couch. I was just about finished cleaning by that time, so I visited a little bit with Erin and made sure she was drinking fresh water and was warm enough. 

While I was washing up the kitchen, I was completely entertained by a very aggressive squirrel on their outside deck.

The squirrel wrestled for a very long time with this garment of some sort that was tied around one of the deck posts. When I showed the pictures to Brendan, he said it was one of the folding chair storage bags--as far as he could tell.

But this very enterprising squirrel was successful at getting whatever this object is untangled from the post, grasped it in its mouth, and took off running! Maybe the squirrel is insulating his little nest for an extra cold winter. It HAS been super cold lately!

Aidan and Cal finally came off the bus at about 4:15. We did our usual after school snack of cinnamon toast, and then everyone got their video time accomplished. Aidan wanted to play a game with me, so he brought up this cross-country train game--"Ticket to Ride" and tried to teach it to me.

Erin just watched us play for awhile. Look at her beautiful little face ...

I was not catching on to this game AT ALL--I find the rules very random and a bit confusing--but thankfully Kelly arrived home with a roasted chicken and other groceries, so we had to clear off the counter space to make room for dinner. I was actually very relieved! I wasn't feeling the greatest--fatigue, probably from recent stress in the family--it's okay, and I'm trying to learn how to leave my anxiety with the Lord; because, after all, He cares about all of us more than I ever could care.

This Friday, I hope to have another sleepover--if Erin is well and has gone to school on Friday, it will be her turn; otherwise, it will be Cal. If it is Cal, he is another whole ball of wax to deal with--so I hope I have enough notice to prepare my heart to spend good, quality time with this rascal ... and he IS a rascal.