Record Highs

We've had an amazing week with the weather. This is the 4th day in a row where the high has been a record. I've gotten out to work in the yard several days. Today I began with a walk through the woods with a friend and her dog. It was beautiful, with new growth sprouting up between the weeds. The green under the brown trees was quite a contrast.
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I went to one of the super hardware stores this afternoon and visited their garden center. The garden center was busy, and they definitely weren't ready for the season to begin. I ended up going to two more to get what I wanted. I then came home and did quite a bit of work in the yard. There's still more to be done, of course, but I made good progress today. I've done a bunch of weeding but could have spent several more hours out there weeding. I bought a book, and am going to begin to plan out my vegetable gardens. I also bought some seeds and the equipment I need to start them indoors.
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Each time I checked out there was the clerk predicted that we'd have snow. The forecast calls for several more record highs before the temperature drops back into the 30's and 40's next weekend. I now have two daffodils blooming in addition to some crocus. I may end up having to mow my lawn in March. That would be a first.
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For now, I'm enjoying having the windows open and hearing the birds and the neighborhood children. I've been trying to focus on things other than Daughter today, but in the latest news, Daughter got up early this morning so she'd be ready to go get her blood drawn at 7:30. She called me sometime after 9:00, frustrated. They hadn't taken her yet. She was waiting. When she finally got there, she didn't need blood work, just a urine specimen. So they made her fast for no reason.
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I've decided I'm going to have her spend the night here tomorrow night. It will save me having to take her home after the birthday party. I'll take her to her program on Monday. I'm still pondering what I'm going to try to address the ongoing issues.
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Spring

It has been a beautiful day today. I began the day by walking just over 2 miles with one of the saints and her 2 dogs. It was still dark when we began our walk at 7:00. After supper I went outside and did some work in the yard. I picked up sticks, pulled up weeds, and planted some of the bulbs that were sprouting in the garage that I never got planted last fall. My purple crocus are blooming.
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I have a memorial service on Thursday. The woman's death was expected and yet unexpected. It was expected because she was old and had been getting frailer. It was unexpected because she had been into the church office Friday morning to fold bulletins and had sent Saturday with her Daughter. She was found dead in her home Sunday evening.
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I met with her children today. We knew she was a private person, but it turns out that she was very private even with her children. She wouldn't tell them about her health, and wouldn't allow them to help. We had an interesting conversation, but they weren't able to give much information. That's okay. I'll still be able to pull something together.
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Daughter is calling less frequently now, which I think is a very good thing.

Excruciating

I was at a meeting yesterday. It was over 70 miles from here. We had a winter storm coming in, and the individual running the meeting was not skilled in running meetings. It was excruciating. Sister Best Friend was sitting next to me (and emailing me, I discovered when I got home). She finally pointed out the meeting had been going on for 2 hours and there was a winter storm coming in. She's my hero. The leader of the committee agreed to adjourn, and asked SBF to close us in prayer. She did.
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It made me appreciate the great meetings we had this week at the church even more. We had another good one Wednesday night, when we made lots of plans for Lent. That committee was really excited about some of the ideas I brought to them.
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Daughter just left after coming yesterday evening for choir and to spend the night. Her blood sugar was good this morning, and she knew that I hadn't locked up the food last night. I'm pleased that she handled being around unlocked food. Unlike the committee meeting, her visits are not excruciating. I'm actually beginning to enjoy them.

No Easing Into It

We certainly didn't ease into winter this year. A couple of men came by and offered to clear my driveway for $15. I took them up on the offer, and after they finished, I headed into the office. I was amazed, because the main road at the corner had not been plowed. It was a mess. The signal lights were plastered with snow, with a little bit of the light showing at the top. If I'd known how bad the road was going to be, I would have stayed home.
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The church parking lot had been plowed-- twice I was told. It seems the company we cancelled after last year is trying to keep the job. One of the reasons we didn't renew with them is that we had heard various stories of unethical dealings by them. One of our men came over and cleared the walks for us. I had been prepared to clear the sidewalk when I got there, as I often did last winter.
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Daughter called several times. The third time she wanted me to come get her because she was bored and needed to get out of there. I refused, of course, and again expressed confidence in her ability to figure things out. I haven't heard from her since.
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It has been a productive week, which is good, since tomorrow I'm off to an all day workshop. Of course, I've figured out Christmas Eve worship but don't have a sermon for this Sunday. Minor details.

Snow

The snow on my picnic table is 13" deep. I went out and measured it this morning. All the area schools are closed. Supposedly at 9:00 things are going to be miraculously better because the temperature will be above freezing. That means the temperature needs to go up at least 7 degrees in the next 20 minutes. Seems unlikely to me. I called Administrative Assistant and instructed her not to try to be in the office by 9:00. She protested a bit, but I pointed out that this is why we work ahead.

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It is a wet, heavy snow, so I really don't want to try to shovel it out of my driveway. I'm hoping that that the weather forecasters are correct and it will melt away quickly this morning. I'm a little skeptical, though. Daughter was cheerful when she called this morning. It was nice to get a happy call from her for a change. I think I'm going to make an effort to make our conversations longer when she's happy and cut them off when she's telling me how terrible life is. It might work, but it will take her a while to figure it out. Cause and effect is not her strong suit, to say the least.

Glimmers of Hope

I walked almost 4 miles this morning. It was a beautiful day, and in a first, I had two conversations. I'm going to check out a new section of the cross town trail that was recently finished tomorrow morning. A couple who was walking the same route I walked but in the reverse order recommended it. A crossing guard informed me that the temperature is supposed to get down into the low 30's Thursday and Friday with highs in the low 40'. I like fall.

Daughter claims she didn't have any meltdowns at program today. I discovered she'd trashed her room again, so I told her that she needed to clean it tonight. She said, "I can do that."

Case Manager called. She has found two all female group homes for us to look at on Friday. She was not happy with what we saw Monday, and went digging. Both are closer to home, which will make life easier (though not too close-- still 15 minutes or so away).

I spent the day at a regional meeting, and got to see good friends and colleagues. Sister Best Friend and I sat together and ate lunch together. That was nice. Today is looking better than yesterday. Thanks for all the prayers.

Fall

There is a hint of fall in the air. A few trees have begun to change color, and the temperature is dropping into the 50's at night. Today's high was only going to be 74, so I opened all the windows. There are lots of trees in my neighborhood, so I'm enjoying the sound of the wind in the trees and the breeze coming in the windows. I can hear the birds and the neighbor kids playing touch football. I love fall.
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After worship today Daughter and I went out to eat, again sharing a meal. From there we went to the farmer's market, and then the grocery store. By the time we got to the grocery store, we both were experiencing some major intestinal discomfort. We finished quickly and came home. Daughter took off her dress, put on her nightgown and went to bed. I called the woman who was going to go to the nursing home for worship with us this afternoon and asked her to handle the service. I was grateful for her willingness to step in on very short notice.
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Daughter slept all afternoon, but is now up and had some supper. I'm grateful that are suffering was limited to one end, and didn't last very long. I don't think we'll be going back to that restaurant anytime soon....

Blessings

Today I woke up and heard thunder. I've walked 3 miles the last 3 mornings, so I'm now trying to figure out what I'm going to do if I can't walk this morning. The morning walk has become very important to me. I listen to sermon podcasts, pray, and enjoy nature. Yesterday I saw 8 deer while I was walking. I'm feeling very grateful to live so close to a wonderful park and walking trail.
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One of the things that has surprised and pleased me is how much closer I feel to nature since moving from Tiny Village to Capital. Tiny Village was surrounded by farm land. It was flat and trees were few and far between. It was hard to grill or eat outside because of all the flies that were attracted by the huge livestock operations nearby.
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Tuesday evening I grilled corn and hamburgers and we sat on the patio to eat. I sat there looking around my yard feeling very blessed to be here. I love my yard, my home, and the church I am fortunate enough to be serving.
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I want to walk today, so I've checked out the information about the walking club at the mall between here and the church. I've been walking at 6:45. The mall opens for walkers at 7:00. That will work. Another blessing.

Very

It was very hot today. My grass is very long. I leave town tomorrow right after worship. It took me a very long time to get the lawn mowed. I kept stopping to come in and get something to drink and cool off. I'm very relieved to have it done.

Pulpit Exchange

The Capital area clergy did a pulpit exchange this morning. It was fun. I did one of my first person, leave the pulpit use minimal notes sermons. The regular pastor at the church where I was normally is tied to a manuscript in the pulpit. I apologized t her when she showed up after finishing at the church she had drawn. It was fun. I told her that if we rotated churches through the cluster, we could go years without writing a new Sunday after Easter sermon. She thought that was a great idea.

One of the couples from the church went to the church I was at. They'd been married in that church 50 years ago. They had a great time connecting with old friends, and were amazed by the number of people they knew. We all went out to eat following the service. The restaurant where we ate was next door to a store having its grand opening today. We went over to the new store after lunch. This is the first of this chain in the Capital area, and it was packed. We bought several things, and the line wrapped around to the back of the store. Fortunately, it moved relatively quickly.

Daughter mentioned the possibility of a hike this afternoon. I think that sounds like a good idea. I also think I'll pull the grill out of the garage and fire it up for supper. It's supposed to get up to almost 70 today. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather. I hope everyone has a great Sunday.

What a Difference a Week Makes

Last Sunday when we walked out of church, it was snowing. Today it got up to 80. I came home from church and opened every window in the house. I dragged Daughter out of the house to play ladder ball. I also moved a bird feeder so that it wasn't over the patio. I tried to get Daughter to sweep up the bird seed, but that didn't work very well. What is so hard about sweeping? I didn't even ask her to do the entire patio-- just the bird seed by the door.

Her behavior is getting to me. I am so tired of having to double lock everything. Part of the reason I dragged her out of the house today was because I didn't trust her in it alone, and I wasn't staying inside on such a beautiful day. She asked to walk to the store today. I told her that when I couldn't trust her in the kitchen I certainly couldn't trust her to walk to the store alone. She doesn't see the connection. If she hasn't done it in the last 5 minutes, she's not doing it anymore. I've had trouble falling asleep the last two nights. Last night it was after 2:00 before I fell asleep, and I was up before 5:30. I haven't taken a nap this afternoon in the hope that I will be so exhausted I'll sleep well tonight.

This is going to be a very busy week. I broke my own rule, and have commitments 4 evenings in a row. I have a regional meeting Tuesday that I am very tempted to skip, but I'll be good and go to it. I think we're in pretty good shape for worship between now and Easter. The challenge is going to be getting ready for the Wednesday program. Last week I got a lot done on that on Monday, but tomorrow the church is going to be invaded by our building team. They are going to be rehanging things in the sanctuary, painting the upstairs kitchen, and hanging cupboards. Each one of them will have to come in and chat with me at some point. We've told the man who is over 90 and just got out of the hospital that he is not to climb up any ladders. He's not too happy about that. Each of the guys will want to stop by my study to chat at some point. I'll enjoy the conversations, but it will make getting the Wednesday program ready a challenge. The mission chair also wants to come in and talk to me about the mission meeting tomorrow evening. I'll probably hear again about how the bickering between two of the building team members drives him crazy. It doesn't thrill me, either. Hopefully they'll come to chat separately so they aren't bickering in my study.

Monday was supposed to be my reading day-- a day when I'd be alone in the church and could get lots done without interruptions. That worked for the first couple of months, but now everyone knows it's an opportunity to stop by and chat without other people around (except the other people who have come by to chat). I'm not going to discourage the drop-ins, because important conversations are taking place. It's part of getting to know the congregation. It's part of ministry. Interestingly, it's the men who drop by on Monday-- I guess that way they figure no one will know they're coming to talk to the pastor. A good night's sleep and I'll be ready to go.

55 and Partly Sunny

I had a funeral yesterday. When I looked at the weather forecast, it was supposed to be partly sunny and 55, so I decided I wouldn't need a coat for the committal service at the cemetery. The funeral was at 11:00, so it would be almost noon by the time we got to the cemetery, after all....

It was damp, gray, and 39 when we got to the cemetery. Fortunately, it didn't take long at the cemetery. It did warm up some and we did see the sun in the afternoon. I ended my day by holding a beautiful 3 week old baby in my arms last night. It was a good day.

I have dropped Daughter off at her program and I will be heading to my sewing area in the basement. I'm hoping I can finish her Easter outfit today and get started on an outfit I'm making for Baby Nephew. Right now, though, I'm enjoying watching cardinals and yellow finches at my bird feeders. It's nice to see a splash of color on a rainy, gray day.

Winter, Again

We've had a return to winter here in Capital. We spent yesterday under a winter storm warning, though fortunately, we didn't get all the ice they were predicting. The worst part of the ice was actually in the evening when I left the Lenten program. These programs are well received, but are taking a great deal of my time. This morning, the roads were icy. I was slower heading into the church, hoping they would be better, but I slid through one intersection. I'm ready for spring.

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Daughter has a cold. She slept from the time we got home until bedtime. I think she'll be home with me tomorrow. She'll have to go with me to a wedding rehearsal tomorrow evening and a wedding Saturday. I doubt we'll be able to go meet Baby Nephew on Sunday. They got home from the hospital today, and are doing well. Daughter turns 24 on Saturday. I'll take her out to eat right after the wedding, provided she's up to it. We didn't go back to the church for choir tonight. Daughter wouldn't have been able to sing, and I decided I would take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy an evening home in the middle of a busy week.

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Hurry up, spring.

Respite

Yesterday evening Daughter spent about 90 minutes at a supported living facility that offers respite. It was to get her comfortable with this resource that will allow me to have some breaks. She loved it! When she came out, she informed me she had to go back, because she was helping to design the t-shirt for a fund-raiser they will have have this summer. She was quite pleased.

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When we got home, she tried to break into the guest room, where I had locked up the girl scout cookies that were delivered yesterday. She didn't get in, but she did mess up the lock. I'm probably going to have to call a locksmith to get back in. She's also coughing and stuffed up, so I don't know that I'll get to meet my nephew this weekend.

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Yes, I'm frustrated with her. I will be taking advantage of that respite. To add to my joy, we are under a winter storm warning. Ice and snow. It's been a long winter. I can't complain too much, though, because weather cooperating, I will get to lead a study at lunch time and this evening. I love teaching and leading discussions. Love it.

Spring!

It got up over 65 here today, and I have three little crocuses in bloom in my back yard. I still have snow drifts in my front yard, but they are definitely getting smaller. It was sunny today, but tonight we are supposed to be getting some thunder storms.

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In other signs of spring, a very big, fat skunk chased one of the staff members in Daughter's program into the church today. We suspect she is very pregnant and has built a nest under the new storage building behind the church. The property chairman just returned from a tropical vacation, so we called him and welcomed him home with the story of the skunk. I think he may be headed back south....

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The geese are passing through. One was perched on the peak of the church outside my office window last week raising quite a racket. I've heard reports of robins, but I've yet to see one. There are ducks back in the pond between the church and home.

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I'm looking forward to doing my walking outside and exploring the parks in the area. I understand there are some nice ones. There is a walk along the river that is supposed to be nice. I'll have to figure out a way to bribe Daughter to get her to cooperate. Maybe I'll just do my exploring on Fridays, when I'm off and she is at her program....

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Daughter has begun wetting herself during the day. Part of it is laziness and waiting too long. Part of it is attention seeking. Part of it is that staff is making her drink more water, and she's not used to having to go to the bathroom that often. Next week I'm going to suggest they start reminding her to go the bathroom every hour or so.

Amazing People

The folks here at Capital continue to amaze me. I had a woman having surgery early yesterday morning. I had intended to be there prior to the surgery, but we had talked Sunday, and with the predicted weather, she told me not to try. I offered to come out Sunday afternoon/evening, but again there was concern about the weather. She assured me a phone call would be enough.

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So, I tried to call her Sunday evening. They only have cell phones, and I realized that I didn't have her number here at home. The roads were horrible, so I wasn't going to go to the church to get it. I called someone I thought would have it, but the number they gave me was disconnected. I called her husband's cell, and there was no answer. I went to bed feeling bad about not calling. Yesterday I got a call from some friends of theirs in the church. They had gone to the hospital and been with them through the prep and wait. They had been assigned to call and let me know the surgery was over and had gone well. When I got home yesterday, there was an update on my voice mail from her husband, saying she was doing well.

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This morning she called me from the hospital. She wanted to apologize for not responding to my call. She tried to call before surgery, but there wasn't a signal in surgery. I told her I was supposed to be calling her! This afternoon I went up to see her. Her husband and their friends were in the lounge on her floor while physical therapy worked with her. We went in to see her, and she again apologized to me! We had a good visit. I prayed for her to be patient with the healing process, and for patience for her family and friends that they might gently remind her of her limitations. Her husband was chuckling beside me. As soon as I said amen, she turned to him and said, "Gently. She said gently." It was a good visit.

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I also took communion to an Alzheimer's patient today. Her son, daughter-in-law, and some friends were there. I had never met her, but they want me to do the funeral as she used to be very active in the church (then they moved her and didn't inform the church where she was). That was a good visit, too.

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I have a small potted rose and two bouquets of flowers in my study right now. The rose was a birthday gift, one bouquet was from the son and daughter-in-law of the Alzheimer's patient who came to see me last week about the possibility of doing the funeral, and one was given to me today by a woman who wanted to share her concerns/perspective with me on some committee changes we're making. I agreed with much of what she had to say, and am setting up a meeting next week to talk to to committee chairs about how we can improve things.

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Daughter spent much of the day working on filing for Administrative Assistant. Her program was closed today because the roads are still bad. The main road in front of the church hasn't been cleared yet. Our municipality doesn't do a good job of snow removal. Everywhere else I was in the area today the main roads were in good shape. I think my next vehicle will have 4 wheel drive....

Mastering Snow

We got an impressive amount of snow overnight and this morning. Those schools that weren't closed for the holiday closed for the snow. I did not go to the hospital prior to the surgery this morning. I will get there tomorrow. We did come into the church, though I'm not sure why. Actually, I do know why-- to get out of the house and escape the caulk fumes.

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Here's where I am getting smart. When I opened the garage door, I shoveled the snow away for about a foot in front of it. Hopefully this will mean I won't knock snow in that will then cause the door opener to take the door back up because it's hitting something. I also decided that it is not my job to shovel the 9-10 inches of heavy snow on the church walks. Hopefully some of the men will make it over to drag out the snow blower today. I also rescheduled the communion I was supposed to take this afternoon for tomorrow.

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I was surprised, but the roads have not been plowed. I didn't expect my street to be plowed yet, but I was surprised to discover that other than the main east-west route through Capital, the other roads have not been plowed. I was sliding all the way to the church, and arrived to discover the church parking lot hasn't been plowed yet, either. I parked at the end of the parking lot towards at one side so that the plows could do their job. It was Daughter's first time walking through over the boot top snow. Even I'd forgotten what hard work it is, and wondered why I'd parked so far from the door.

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I need to go back and look at those pictures of the green shoots coming up in my back yard. Maybe I should go uncover them so I can see them again. Maybe I should make some pastoral visits on our snow birds in Florida and Arizona....

Interesting Conversations and Random Thoughts

Yesterday Daughter informed me she wasn't my property. I informed her that that was right, she was my Daughter. I explained that property isn't important and I don't worry about it the way I do members of my family. That led into a conversation about why I adopted her. I again reassured her that I am glad she's my daughter.

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This evening she asked me to read her a story. She said she was feeling like she was 3 years old for some reason. She was almost 3 when she came to me, so she's back at the age when she first felt safe. I read her Love You Forever. She went to bed content.

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Random thoughts:

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The snow is still falling. I turned on the patio light so I could watch it fall. It's beautiful. Once again my driveway has been cleared by a neighbor with a snow blower. He rang the bell to ask about my new windows. He's considering getting windows, too.

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I have often wondered if the fireplace really makes much difference in the temperature. Tonight we got our answer-- the bedrooms are very cold this evening. The family room, kitchen, and hall are all warmer because of the fire I've kept going all evening.

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I'm hoping we'll be able to leave the house tomorrow to get away from the caulk fumes. It would be nice if I could open the windows and air it out. I need spring to return!

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I'm continuing to have fun preaching with PowerPoint. I realized today how much I've come to rely on the images when I had to adapt the sermon for the assisted living service where I wouldn't have PowerPoint.

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I met with some people after worship about dramas we're going to do during Lent. The enthusiasm for the project is growing. On March 13th we kick it off with the story of the temptations Jesus faced following his 40 days in the wilderness after his baptism. One of the men has volunteered to be Satan-- he will interrupt the sermon at various points to defend himself. It's going to be fun. I have most of the parts filled.

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We have developed a brochure to publicize what's going on during Lent. A number of people have signed up for the Lenten study, and I'm going to do it at noon and in the evenings on Wednesdays during Lent.

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We continue to have visitors in worship, and the congregation continues to offer them a very warm greeting.

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One of the women wants to go to lunch with me this week. She wants to better understand Daughter.

Good-bye Spring

Spring teased us this week, and then it turned cold again. We are under a winter storm warning right now, and the predictions seem to be accurate. Daughter and I went into the store to pick up a few items, and when we came out, it had begun to snow. I had to clean the windows on the car. We brought our groceries home and then went to a local assisted living facility to lead worship. The snow is coming down steadily and the roads are bad.

I built a fire in the fireplace and we aren't going any where the rest of the day. They are predicting 6-8 inches by morning and up to 1/2 inch of ice, though we may be lucky and the ice may go just south of us. I was going to the hospital bright and early tomorrow morning to see a member before she has surgery. We talked this morning, and she told me not to come. I think I'll call her this evening instead. I'm also supposed to take communion tomorrow to a nursing home, but I may reschedule that. We'll see what the roads are like tomorrow. Daughter's program is closed for Presidents' Day, so we don't have to go to the church.

The smell of caulk is still pretty strong. I think those fumes may have contributed to our lack of energy and irritability yesterday. We were gone for about 8 hours today-- that was intentional. I may decide we need to get out tomorrow to get away from the fumes, too. I don't think I want to open any windows today to air the place out....

The Office

My street hasn't been plowed yet, but I decided I had to get out of the house, and needed to get Daughter out, too. We needed structure and a change of scenery. Once we got off our road, the streets weren't too bad, except for intersections. The sun is shining today, and it really is beautiful with all the snow. It won't be so fun when the snow all melts-- the long term forecast shows one day above freezing (33) in the next 10 days. The snow is going to be around for a while, I think.

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Daughter is missing her program. She watched a DVD when we first came in, but now is napping. On February 15, they are supposed to move to their new building. She has some anxiety about it, but I am looking forward in not having to be here to open and close for them 5 days a week. The bus will pick Daughter up at the church in the morning and drop her off at home in the afternoon. On Friday, my day off, they will pick her up from home, too. I'm looking forward to that. Of course, I'll have to be even more intentional then about spending time with her.

I had a number of things I needed to do that can only be done at the church. We were debating about what to do about choir tonight, I finally pointed out that while attendance would be down, there would probably be some people who desperately needed to get out and see people. So we're having choir tonight. I have an appointment during choir with a couple who wants to get married next month. I'm hoping it will continue to be a productive day.

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I hope everyone is staying warm and safe.

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