At Least There Are No Stink Bugs

It's been a few weeks -- maybe a month -- that I was able to pull up all the blogs I follow and comment.  My computer allows me to do one or two and then blocks EVERYTHING!   I suspect it's something in the security settings of my computer.  I've not been able to detect exactly where, but believe me it is a  pain in the ass.  Bloggerland is not the only place I'm having trouble, it's now stopping me from accessing a few of my other favorite sites.  Time to call in a nerd...

We had snow yesterday, but no appreciable accumulation.  Our daughter, however, who lives only 10 minutes north of here had about 3".  Go figure.  Everyone says this is a harbinger of things to come.  Certainly the people in states north of here who are digging their way out are wondering.   I'm not so sure.  I tend to think this will be a mild winter.  Why?  Two reasons:  the law of averages says we're due one, and more importantly, we had 2 cords of wood delivered.  

Yesterday was fun, though, as we found ourselves getting into the Christmas spirit -- never mind that  the impatiens are still blooming (albeit snow-covered) and the leaves are still on the trees and haven't even changed color, yet.  Today, by the way, is GLORIOUS -- gorgeous blue, cloudless skies and about 39°.  And yes, we have fires going...

This evening we're attending a home concert -- something offered in our area.  These are fun.  The host engages an artist and invites 20 couples to dinner (everyone brings something to share) and a concert for a nominal fee.  We've heard some great artists and met some very nice people.  Tonight I'm bringing "Outrageous Brownies" -- a Barefoot Contessa recipe that is off the charts.  It calls for a pound of butter and about two and a half pounds of chocolate -- and a side of insulin.  People usually love these and I'm hoping to bring home an empty tray.  Wish you could join us.

Cold Nights

The football team at the high school where I taught English and from which my children graduated made it to the state championship. They played last night at M & T Stadium (home of the Baltimore Ravens). I went because I'm still part of the Wilde Lake community, and to show my support for the kids and for their coach who will retire soon after 32 years of coaching and over 300 wins.
The weather was miserable: not quite cold enough for snow, but cold enough for the rain to feel like ice against our faces. I thought I had dressed warmly enough--lots of layers, but soon was "amazed" at how that cold rain could soak through everything: my flannel-lined rain jacket with hood, my gloves, shoes, socks, and most of my layers. We stayed until the end of the fourth quarter (they were losing 13-0) when the cold just got too much. I needed to be dry and warm. (Just sitting here writing about this caused me to get up and change into a sweat suit and heavy socks!) (I guess this is where I should mention that I am NEVER cold. Just ask my daughters and daughter-in-law who when they visit even in August must don parkas because of the temperature at which I'm comfortable. Ask my husband who suffers through my sleeping beside an open window all winter.)
What a pleasure it was to slip between flannel sheets into our nest of a bed. Normally, this means instant warmth, but two hours later I was still freezing, chilled to the proverbial bone, and so we put yet another blanket on the bed. Only then did I begin to feel comfortable. It occurred to me that many cannot come in from the cold or feel any relief from the elements, and I cannot imagine, even as cold as I was, what having no anticipated relief feels like.
Every Christmas my husband gives gifts to all of his clients. We think long and hard in choosing something appropriate and meaningful. This year, he will be writing each client a letter wishing them blessings for this holiday season and explaining that his gift to them is a donation to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Baltimore. http://www.littlesistersofthepoor.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=23
These nuns take their own vows of poverty very seriously in caring for the poorest in our society. Hopefully, through them, we can make someone's night a little warmer.