Hello!
Winter
has definitely arrived here on the mountain with freezing temperatures and six
inches of snow, right now, laced with ice cycles. I'm so thankful for my warm
cozy house and electricity so far. Here in the mountains, on our dead end road
that doesn't get snowplowed, one always has to be prepared to get snowed in
until the snow begins to melt in order to get up the hill and out to the main
road or for the electricity to go out. Carrying in wood, taking out ashes,
toting water, and making sure the animals are fed and warm each day keeps my
protesting bones moving as I battle more RA pain during winter. Thankfully I have two wood stoves- nothing
like a crackling hot wood fire to warm the bones along with the perfect place
to curl up and read a book on slow days.
Before
each winter storm, I go crazy gathering dry sticks and branches in buckets for
kindling, and raking up leaves to add another layer in the duck and hen houses
for insulation, putting more manure on the gardens, and other last minute
outdoor chores.
I
was able to paint all the window trim in the guest bedroom, living room, and
the master bedroom when I washed the windows and curtains, got the front door
painted, and both arches to the dining room before Thanksgiving.
December
I kept busy putting up all the Christmas decorations inside and out, which is
always a joy even though it is a lot of work. Ironically, the month of December
the weather was warm enough- in the high 60's- so I was able to hang out
clothes on the line about every week. In fact, Christmas morning, I couldn't
resist and hung out some clothes on the line. The weather reminded me so much
of when we'd go down and spend Christmas with my mother in FL.
The
Monday before Christmas, we got the shocking news that Dana's older brother,
who had attended Dana's funeral just three months before, suddenly without
warning died. It was quite a shock as we were already working through lots of
memories with the loss of Dana at
Christmas.
I
ended up going to our church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service that is held
each year by myself as Dwight was still battling a bleed with his
shoulder. This year I sang, “O Holy
Night” in honor of Dana, who our kids grew up hearing their dad, sing every
Christmas with his talented voice. Our preacher’s wife accompanied me dropping
the music down within my voice range.
Christmas
time was short and sweet as everyone (including Annette and Curtis) arrived the
Monday after Christmas and headed back the next day. Once again the house walls
vibrated with lots of chatter and laughter as we tried to catch up with each
other within our limited time together. It was such a blessing having everyone
here again as more memories were made to cherish and savor. This year Dawn
organized everyone for a family picture- much to the fellow’s dismay. They
always groan when Dawn starts ordering them around and sets up her camera.
Meanwhile
as usual I’ve kept my indoor Christmas decorations, tree, and lights up to
enjoy through the month of January’s short, bleak days. Instead of the twelve
days of Christmas, I believe in thirty! After the hustle and bustle of the
holidays, I now can relax each night by the warm fire and fully enjoy the
vibrant colors and twinkling lights.
Stay
warm on your end~
Dorcas
