HOME ALONE

I keep a file of pictures and quotes on my computer that is labelled "Inspiration".  I was browsing through them and came across this quote from the book of Joshua in the Old Testament.  It seemed a suitable one to start my blog on this windy, cold January night.  Some have wondered how I can stay out here on the farm by myself, especially in the winter.  I think the above words are the answer.  I do not feel alone and have no fear because God has promised to be with me and I believe His word.  I'll admit there are times when I feel like the little boy who, when told that God was with him in the dark, replied "But I want someone with skin on!"  Evenings are often the hardest.  I don't spend much time watching TV downstairs as that's where Howard and I spent a lot of evenings.  Often he would be watching a ball game or a hockey game and I would be reading a book, a cosy evening together.  If it was a Saturday evening, he would often make popcorn.  Just the thought makes me hungry for it so I'm going to leave my blog post and make a batch with the Whirley popper.  See you later!

I'm back on another COLD evening.  We've had record breaking windchills of -50º C today.  I didn't venture out to morning worship this morning and spent a quiet day at home.  I baked a batch of flatbread on Saturday, made a big kettle of Gen's "Potato Cheese Soup" and some tapioca pudding so I've been eating well!  Tomorrow it's time to bake a batch of whole wheat bread.  I've been enjoying the Julebrod (Christmas bread with cherries, raisins and mixed peel) but I'm on the last loaf now.

The above picture of our deck was not taken this weekend.  It's such a peaceful setting with no wind (or cats!) to make a mark on that newly fallen snow.  I doubt if the conditions will ever be duplicated to have that snow just stick to everything like it did.  No windchill worries that day!

Todd's were going on a winter picnic with their "After Seven" group today.  Kristiansund has no snow and the temperature was +7º C this afternoon. 

A large part of North America is under this wave of cold weather.  The state of Minnesota has cancelled school for tomorrow.  I'm glad that I don't have to go anywhere until this cold snap lets up.  We have our first quilting day at Trinity on Tuesday so I'm looking forward to that.  I might have trouble getting the Escape out of the driveway as the snow has been building up in front of the old JD tractor by the power pole.  I'll have to check it out tomorrow and call for help if the bank is too deep.  The only time I've been out of the house the last two days is to feed the cats.  They aren't going far from their house either!

Eric's team had a hockey game in Weyburn yesterday so Clare, Jodi and Abbey got to watch the game. Their team remains undefeated in 13 games Eric tells me.  They have a game in Crosby on February 16th so I'm looking forward to watching that in the new skating rink there.  There might even be a chance to do some shopping uptown too!  Dawson't game today was cancelled but Kirk's were in Arcola for Carter's game this afternoon.  

Today was the 12th day of Christmas so it's time to pack the decorations away and take the tree down. Tomorrow is Epiphany and also Ukrainian Christmas.  The holidays went by quickly even if I've been home alone for the past week.  I love to read and there's no shortage of books and magazines around here.  Now I can even read books on the iPad!  I'll leave you with another item from my file.  It's a good one for stormy, COLD days like we've been having.