Winter has finally arrived in North Texas. December was so mild that I was beginning to wonder if we’d have one at all. But I’m getting to enjoy our fireplace most days now. That’s about the first thing I do in the mornings is to fire it up while I’m brewing my coffee. Dennis bought me a new throw blanket, which I’m also enjoying daily. Even though I’m a Southern gal, I love snuggling up in cold weather (as long as it doesn't last too long!).
Dennis is making progress in the back guest room. Demo is completed, and he started putting up sheetrock last week. It will take a while for him to finish with that, since we are having to wait on our window order. They said it would take 6-8 weeks for them to come in (and there is no guarantee that they will be here even then). He is thinking about going ahead and doing his new closet while we are waiting. It will make things a bit messier in our bedroom, but it will ease the load in our current closet when he gets it done.
I have started a new project…making a rag quilt for Archer. This will be the second one that I’ve ever done…the first one was for Jesse when he was born. I’ve got my squares all cut out, sandwiched, and hand-stitched together. Now it is time to start sewing the blocks together. I haven’t used my sewing machine in years, so I’m hoping that it works ok!
Last Sunday I spent the night with Diane and went with her the next morning to Paris for an appointment she had with Stephen. We all ate lunch together, then Mandy, the kids and I went to the park to play while Stephen and Diane took care of business. It was fun to spend some time with the grands. I also enjoyed road-tripping with Diane. She’s a good travel buddy!
As I was backing out of her driveway to come home, I plowed
into a parked car across the street from her house. I never even saw it! I felt
terrible! Thankfully, the man who drives it (it is his company car) was super
nice about it all. It only did a minimal amount of damage to our Highlander.
Dennis plans to take it in to the body shop this week if they have an opening.
The insurance money has already cleared for our repairs. I tell you, I am now
paranoid every time I back up!!!
We are planning a short trip in early February. We are going
to Stephen’s to take Jesse’s birthday present and visit with them (and take
care of a little business). Then we plan to head north to see Archer (and Rick
and Amber). Sure looking forward to seeing that little guy again. Even though
we saw him a month ago, he is changing SO fast! We also hope to get in a little
visiting with Dennis’ siblings while in Arkansas. I hope the weather
cooperates!
I got off diet maintenance mode at the first of the year and
am trying to lose, again, in earnest. It is slow going, but I’m still making
progress. I’m down another 3-4 pounds (depending on the day). It is really nice
to pull out old clothes from my closet that I can fit into again! Every once in
a while, I will try something on that is just too baggy to wear anymore, so I
add it to my donation stack. I can finally wear my wedding band again! I’ve
been having to make do with silicon bands for a good while, as my fingers were
too pudgy! As slow as it is going now, it will probably take me most, if not all,
year to reach my goal weight. I’m ok with that though. The longer I work at it,
the more it becomes “natural” for me, and will be more sustainable. I am
determined that this will be a new healthier lifestyle from here on out! I want
to be able to play with my grandkids, go hiking with Dennis on vacations, and
do a lot of other things for a good while to come!
I hope all of you are enjoying the new year and staying safe
and warm! Take care and be kind!
Ps 92:13-15 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (NKJV)
