Yesterday we went to my sister's for my family's Christmas. Almost everyone was there. My niece, who is painfully shy, did not show up. We missed her! My parents, both in their 80's, all 6 of their children and spouses/friends, 8 of 9 grandchildren (and 5 spouses) and 5 great grandchildren filled the house. Lots of food, lots of pictures taken, lots of catching up. We went through my mom's photo albums and discussed different times and people in our family history. Younger members are now becoming interested in the stories which are told and retold for their benefit and ours.
The roads were pure ice but we all managed to slide into town and gather as a family. My brother was called out on his county road job to sand and salt. He took in a good meal and talked to everyone before he left. He missed the photo session of grand kids, great grands, family groups and candid shots but he made my trip home much safer. His route brings him along my stretch of "cement road". It's labeled as a "farm to market" road so it gets priority in maintenance. A now deceased neighbor fought for that many years ago when he was on the county board of supervisors. Thank you, D. F.!!!
Today, Sunday, the melted ice from yesterday has frozen and is covered with a light blanket of new snow. Clean, extremely cold and slippery. Many of the local churches are canceling services. Not mine but I'm not going to brave the roads to get there. I'm holed up in my slightly drafty but cozy house with my daughter. My son stayed overnight "in town" with his dad. I think I'll put a ham in the crock pot and fix mashed potatoes and a vegetable to graze on later today.
It's hard to believe another year is coming to an end! My "babies" are nearly teenagers and a few more lines are showing on my face. I think about plans I had for my life and then think about how they've changed. Some disappointments but for the most part, I like where I am.
I need to regain my momentum and finish college. A year or two left, depending how well I do this next semester. I actually flunked one course in the Fall semester. A painful first for me. I want to throw blame on someone but I know some of the problem was mine. Weather, family problems and some very strict course guidelines crashed and burned into a snowball effect. I find the "no excuses" policy as pretty harsh. In the working world, which is what college is supposed to prepare us for, I'd have family leave, vacation and sick days that would have covered at least some of my absences.
My resolution list for the coming year includes to become more organized and learn to communicate better and ask more questions. Say "thank you" more often, even for the little things. Do more for myself rather than what I think other people want me to do! And learn to say "no" more often to things that just won't work for me & my family.
Friday, I took the kids and went to the college campus to water the greenhouse. I volunteered to do this once a week and it's one of my favorite duties! To walk among growing plants when snow is piling up outside is a real boost to this nature mom's soul! Most of the racks on one side of the structure, hold assorted house plants, perennials waiting for spring or seedling that will become next years sale items. The other side holds four rows of some what tropical plants that are babysat for a small fee during the winter. I enjoy walking through these and imagining I'm in their native, WARM-HOT climate! Simple pleasures! A few ragged poinsettias remained on the racks. They almost look as though they know their time is limited. If they have a spirit in them, as some cultures believe, then they know they've made me happier just to look at them. Their existence is not a waste. An hour or two in this environment lifts my chilly gloom and I'm good for another few days.
I said I wouldn't water the greenhouse this coming semester but then I signed up for work study to get a little extra money, so maybe I will. It wouldn't bother me at all. One of my dreams is to someday own my own greenhouse/nursery. Better learn all I can when I have the chance!
Enough for today.
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