Blizzards

Laney and I are hibernating today as the weather has turned yucky.  The blizzard that is moving across the Midwest is creeping towards us. We awoke this morning to howling winds and sheets of rain. We are still holding steady with temps in the 50's , but we will be saying goodbye to our unusually warm weather.  The temp is suppose to drop 30 degrees  by evening and the winds will pick up gusting 50 miles or more per hour.  I think it is safe to say goodbye to walking outside.

Laney dislikes the cold weather as much as I do.  I had to physically push her out the door this morning to potty.  She is afraid of the wind and does not like to get wet.  She is a pampered dog.  I am surprised that she hasn't requested me to stand outside with an umbrella over her. That will only be in her dreams.   I guess she better hire a nanny or get a rain coat.  I plan on staying dry.

My husband and I continue to train for our half marathon.  We have not let the holiday season distract us or the weather.  We did manage to walk outside Sunday as the temperature was in the low 60's.  We managed to walk nine miles in a little under three hours. We then walked three miles Tuesday at the university track.  I tried jogging on and off.  I think I will stick to walking as my knees and back have been creaking since.  Maybe I'll take a break and stay in this eve and be content that a winter storm has saved what is left of my joints. Tis the season to hibernate.  Life is beautiful!

One Week And Counting

Laney and I are busy getting ready for Christmas as the count down begins.  The stockings are hung and there appears to be a few gifts under the tree.  Laney has not bothered the Christmas tree skirt yet nor the gifts.  She must be getting old or the fascination has worn off.  I miss the days when she use to jump around and be inquisitive. She seems to like laying around more these days.  She better spring into action today, because she is off to the groomer for her holiday hairdo.

There is only one week left til Christmas and I have been reminiscing about grateful things in my life.  As this year has passed by quickly I am glad to continue moving forward in life.  I am blessed to have my husband still in remission and rest of my family healthy.  I am blessed also to have spent the weekend sharing holiday cheer with some close friends who have always been supportive of us.  They remind us that friendship is beneficial for our well being and there is always a new adventure ahead of us.

I also am grateful to be a part of the student's lives that I read to each week.  Their laughter and curiosity to learn is always uplifting and brings a smile to my face. It is good sometimes to let ourselves return to that innocent mind of a child and laugh.  I wish that I had kept a journal of all the funny things that students had said and done  over the years.  Today I will end with a quote from a student who told me that they did not have there homework paper because their dog pee peed on it.  As I tried to keep a straight face, I said something a teacher would not normally say, " I'm glad you left it at home."