The weather channels are fulfilling their new commercial purpose of scaring the Hell out of the country, huge sections at a time. The newly named storms are coming at us quickly and with great drama, and if the hyper-ventilating weather people are correct, as they sometimes are, we are on the dawn of some brutal cold over the next week and possibly into April.
We are lucky, at least so far. We have a shed full of wood and a heating tank full of oil. I know there are many people without those comforts, and the hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are not getting paid are on my mind. It is hard for me to be so warm while they are so out in the cold and at the mercy of politicians.
Climate change is frightening, but also beautiful, it brings us some of the most beautiful skies. The sheep and dogs and donkeys remind me to practice radical acceptance. Do not worry about things you can do nothing about. I always see beyond the cold and into Spring, which is next up.
I was sorry to see stacks of burgers and pizza and french fries in the wood house, I’m sure the Clemson football players weren’t hungry or starving. Those burgers could have fed a lot of people out of work and without pay. They were marching just outside of the White House. Gluttony is not an admirable political stance when the people who serve us are out getting some groceries at food pantries..
I am getting older, and there are fewer things I can do in a big stormy – they say a foot is coming on Sunday. I can shovel, but in- 10 weather, I can’t be out in the cold too long, my angina protests, too much falls on Maria. I don’t like not doing my share. I will try.
One thing I can do is take pictures, I love the winter pasture and I love the spare beauty of the cold. They are talking about the Polar Vortex splitting open again, and that is never good news. I wish warmth and safety for everyone, especially the federal workers, who have done no wrong.
One thing I’ve learned with the progression of my spinal problems is to learn my limits for physical activity and, when necessary, swallow my pride. I used to take great pride in how clean my driveway and sidewalks were during the winter, but eventually I had to admit that I couldn’t do it anymore. So I hired Arnold, who has been a lifesaver in terms of shoveling and mowing. So don’t feel bad, Jon. You’re not alone by any means. And if you’re like me, your body will give you hell if you do too much. It sucks to admit that you’re no longer in charge all the time but I also think it makes you stronger emotionally and psychologically. And in my opinion, that’s more important than physical strength.
Lovely picture.
Beautiful sky, wonderful capture Jon! I too feel for the federal employees who are off work or working without pay. It’s a sad situation.
Thanks Jon for the thoughts for the federal workers out on furlough. As you know I’m a fed out on furlough and I’m more than tired of being used as a pawn in this political game. No matter what side of the political isle people in DC are on, its time to get off the pot and come to some sort of compromise. I highly doubt there’s a single one of them worried about paying their mortgage, taxes, utilities, car payments, gas, let alone food on the table. This shutdown is playing games with peoples lives and hurting a lot of good dedicated folks who like you said have done no wrong.
Thinking of you Gretchen..we are here if you need us…
This is a WOW picture that increased my heart rate! The cold is captured with beauty.