We ventured out of the house yesterday. I was really in need of a break from being inside for days. Although it is cozy in here, I just have to get “out” when I can. If only for my mental health, but truthfully, my husband and I both just enjoy it. We did not have grand plans. Ended up at BJs so I could get my steps in. All that to say, much seemed “back to normal” in my neck of the woods. The piles of plowed snow are about 15 – 10 feet deep but, other than lots of snow, everything seemed rather routine. I was surprised how busy everything (and everyone) appeared to be. But here we are at the end of this first month of January. I thought I would take a look back at the month but, let’s be honest, this weekend’s winter storm pretty much dominated all the memories of January. Nevertheless, here a few highlights. By the numbers:)
EIGHT – the number of inches of snow I think we (officially) received here. I’m not sure how you can really tell with all the blowing and drifting that happened but eight is what the officials have put into the record books. It has been several years since we had more than a few inches of snow at a time. Maybe it will be another five years before it happens again. Just sayin…and crossing my fingers.
THREE – the number of times my husband cleared our front porch and sidewalks before the ice completely took over. Sometime after dark, our neighbors came and cleared them one more time getting almost all of the ice clear. Our neighbors are the best!
TWO – the number of times my son got stuck on the way home from work on Sunday night. Once in the neighborhood (hubby was able to walk up there and help get him off the ice) and once again right in our alley. This time the neighbor and his sons (same amazing neighbors!) came out and the five of them were able to clear the back. Corollas are not the best for the ice:)
FOUR – the number of degrees forecasted for the temperatures overnight!! Four!?! (About -16 in Celcius…either way, it sounds miserable). I know there are still many without power. I pray they can stay warm. And I have to say my heart breaks for the homeless. We put several piles of blankets in our car and drove around looking for the homeless in our area. We were unable to find them. I PRAY this means everyone has found their way to a shelter. This is something that really burdens my heart.
SIX – the number of weeks that I basically had no hearing. Not to repeat my story but just to document it here. I wish I could say that the procedure to drain the fluid in my middle ear was a complete success, but I cannot. My hearing is still (once again?) off but only in one ear, so there is not the silence like before. Those were six long weeks. I am grateful for having at least some hearing now.
ZERO – the number of messages and/or Sunday School lessons that I have heard this month. Mind you, I attended. I even paid attention. I simply could not hear. Any of it. And our pastor has a very commanding voice. Sitting….nodding and smiling…and trying to look as if you are “on the same page” is not only aggravating but it is also exhausting. I was really looking forward to church this past Sunday. Storm Fern shut that down. Sigh.
TWO – the number of Bible studies I am currently doing that are entitled ANCHORED! Yes, anchored which is also my word for the year. I was excited when Bible study resumed and I discovered the study was called Anchored. But imagine my surprise when our monthly ladies meeting (at church) began a completely different study but one that was also entitled Anchored. I’m only in the beginning chapters for each but both have already been so encouraging!! And did you notice my ANCHOR screensaver? Lisa suggested this idea and I like it:)
THREE – the number of batches of cookies I have made in the last four weeks. I guess I missed a week somewhere? I really enjoy making cookies…but I am (was) trying to get back on track with no sugar eating in January. And I have no one to blame but myself. Yesterday’s cookie was Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal. Triple yum.
THREE – the number of pounds I have gained. It is the same amount of pounds I lost when I was sick for the month of December. However, I think I see I real connection with those cookies baked!!
FIFTY – the number of ounces of water I drink every day. I recently had a doctor (well, NP) tell me that was not enough. Really?? I’m curious…how many ounces have you heard is a good daily water goal? And…
THREE – the number of small Valentine touches that survived the purge. I had already significantly pared down my Valentine decor. I just don’t enjoy it that much anymore. The colors seem a bit garish in my home. I pulled out my small box of things this week and pared it down even more. Now the ones I have are the ones I really enjoy. Just little nods to February’s upcoming holiday! I like the holiday. And have fun with it. Just don’t need the decor so much.
Well friends, I think that is enough number crunching for this month. I hope that you are warm. That you have been safe these last couple of days and that this week continues to have lots of sunshine and blue skies. It’s going to be cold but I’m glad the sun is shining. Happy Wednesday everyone!
Brr! Can I just say it is COLD everywhere! This was a really cool post. I am sorry you were not able to hear for so long and missed the messages at church. Take care and stay warm. Maybe Valentines will bring in some warmer weather!
We are heading out today even though our roads are still rather messy. Everything that wasn’t plowed or snow blown has turned into a solid mass. Even our heavy-duty tractor with snow blower attachment isn’t able to cut into it, let alone blow it. Today’s high is only supposed to get into the upper 20s. Clean up hasn’t been easy and now there is another storm coming for the weekend. Hmmm!
I am glad that your hearing is better, Jennifer. I hope it continues to improve or at least remain stable. As for the amount of water you should be consuming, I was told to drink (and/or eat foods that are high in water content) at least half of my body weight.
Take care and stay warm!
Oh, I am praying for you RIGHT now about your ear. Lord, thank you that we can reach out to you anytime and anywhere. I pray you will touch her ear and bring complete healing and hearing. Thank you, Jesus, Amen.
Hey, I hear ya on the water!!! I have such a hard time and I think I do good if I do 32 oz.
What a blessing to have such good neighbors, Jennifer. Your cookies sound delicious and I was excited to see that you linked back to Lisa. She and I have been friends since 2008 and she is such a dear.
I’m sorry to hear that your hearing hasn’t totally returned. I will continue to pray, my friend. xx
I am so sorry to read about your hearing loss. Sounds like they are attributing it to fluid in your middle ear? But the procedure to remove the fluid wasn’t completely successful? Can they repeat the procedure? I have recently started wearing hearing aids. Didn’t realize how much hearing loss I had until I got them. Praying your issue can be resolved once and for all.
My brother in KY said the same thing about towering mounds of snow on the sides of the roads in Lexington. And the neighborhood and less-traveled streets are still frozen solid. Hope this week brings everyone sunshine and warmer temps.
As far as drinking water goes, I have been told that we need to drink half our body weight in water. Which keeps me in the bathroom about 50% of the day.