Status Report: March

Sitting … in my favorite spot on one of the couches in the living room. 

Drinking … my after supper cup of Earl Grey tea.

Feeling … excited and nervous about a project I’m working on. The possible opportunity I’ve mentioned in the last few status reports is now a go. I can’t tell you more than this right now. 

Planning … to neglect the blog for a while while I work on the aforementioned secret project.

Also feeling … sorry for my daughter-in-law, who has been stuck home with sick children for two weeks. Yes, two of my grandchildren have had hand, foot, and mouth disease, and not at the same time, but in succession. 

Wondering … if the average age for a child to begin walking has risen in the past few years. There are several 14 months or older non-walkers in the church nursery, and that seems to be the norm among the little ones I know. Twenty or so years ago I had two 14 month walkers, but they were outliers—slow to walk compared to all the other babies around.  

Reading …  The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders. It’s the best book I’ve read in a year or so — a book on the Trinity that’s fun to read.

Loving … the sunny warm winter weather we’re having, and that it’s light when I get up in the morning and light when I eat my supper.

Not loving … the ice that’s everywhere. Thankfully, I have cleats on my old hiking boots to help keep me safe on icy walks.

Wishing … you a March full of sunshine — and no more snow.

Status Report: February

Sitting…on the couch in the living room.

Watching…Antique Roadshow. My excuse is that I’m dull and lazy because I’ve been sick today. Nothing serious, but my stomach and head are both wonky. 

Feeling…a little better now and hoping to be all well by tomorrow.

Not loving…the weather forecast. I’ll show you.

I think it’s been a couple of years since we’ve had -40 temps, and I was hoping we’d skip the very cold stuff this year, too. At least when the colder temperatures come in February, it’s more likely to warm up a little during the day. When -40 comes in January, it often stays -40 all day long because there’s so little warmth in the January sun.

Wishing…I’d remembered to my my frayed block heater cord while the weather was warm.

Loving…The bright blue sky and the sundogged sun of the cold winter days, and the bright moon and the northern lights of the cold winter nights.

Telling…this story. Two-year-old granddaughter and her mother dropped by yesterday evening. I wasn’t expecting them and had a candle burning on the coffee table in the living room, and forgot about it. I was standing in the kitchen chatting with my daughter when my granddaughter came in, carrying the still-burning candle. “Put this up, Grandma” she said. “Candles are dangerous for kids.”

Thanking…God she didn’t drop the candle, or spill liquid wax on herself, or start her clothes on fire. She did, I’m told, burn her finger on the stovetop today, but it’s just a tiny blister. So I’m thankful for God’s protection today, too. (No child would make it to adulthood without it!) 

Reading…Can We Still Believe the Bible? by Craig Blomberg. We have it in the church library and I plan to review it for the church newspaper once I finish. I don’t agree with everything in it, but still, it’s a good defense of the reliability of scripture.

And I’m still reading Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image by Hannah Anderson.

Wishing…you a February full of friends and family and fellowship. And no flu.

Status Report: January

Sitting…on the couch in the living room.

Watching…the darkness slink in. Sunset comes now at 3:58 pm. 

Waiting…for the snow. The weather forecast has been warning of imminent heavy snow since yesterday, so I expected to awake to 5 to 8 inches of new snow on the ground. But so far, we’ve only had gentle flurries amounting to an inch or so. 

Loving…January’s promise of fresh starts, time to tackle tough chores, and the return of normal life.

Not loving…January’s low clouds and dry air.

Anticipating…the beef and barley stew that’s been simmering in the slow cooker all afternoon. 

Remembering…waking yesterday morning to the sound of a fox screaming and more foxes yipping, and falling asleep last night to the sound of fireworks and a coyote howling. (It’s been warm enough for me to sleep with my bedroom window cracked, and my home sits at the edge of the forest.) 

Thanking…God for last month’s safe arrival of my newest grandson and safe return of my travelling youngest son. Also thankful that the new baby has been easy, so far. (If anyone deserves an easy baby—finally!—it’s my son and daughter-in-law.)

Considering...a new opportunity, wondering if I have the time or the skills at this point in my life? Ten years ago, I would have jumped right in without hesitation. Now, I’m uncertain. Can I? Should I? Do I want it?

Reading…The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor. This is the first Flannery O’Connor I’ve ever read, and I’m still unsure what to make of it. The stories seem simple enough—nothing much happens—but they won’t leave when I finish them.

And I just started Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image by Hannah Anderson. 

Wishing…you a January that’s full of warm fellowship to drive the cold darkness way.