One of Santa’s elves sent me this picture taken at our recent party.

“Yours truly” is seldom in a picture because she is usually behind the camera.

“Today is the first day of the rest of my life.”

From the picture of me with Santa, you wouldn’t know that I have been so depressed for several weeks (since Thanksgiving). Gratefully, I am feeling “fine” this morning!! I tackled projects that have been neglected; I finally opened a stack of Christmas cards!! (All the residents had stockings, in the CARE Center, and I dutifully emptied it occasionally.)

Warmer today but overcast. With the exception of filling the most-popular bird feeder, no outdoor “projects.”

“How curious; why’s the cat on the feeders?” I’ve never seen that cat before. After a few pictures (through the window), I went outdoors to check. A little bird was caught inside the feeder. I opened the top and it flew away.

—-

Didn’t take very long; the birds were on the freshly filled feeders. “Mercy,” it’s cold outdoors!! “Merci,” it’s warm inside my trailer home!! ~~ I was wearing a warm jacket, and stocking cap, as I worked (rapidly) in my yard. Next time I’ll wear gloves!!

(Honestly, I don’t like cold weather!!)

unexpected, unprepared…!!

—-

I spoke to my friend, David, on the phone. He has a simple solution: Another “tie down” on the inside over the roof frame. Why didn’t I think of that?? 

—-

I prepared for cold weather!! If we have freezing temperatures, I’ll cover plants in large planters. Rain water on the roof of the tarp shelter never occurred to me.

—-

Houston TV meteorologist said “Feels like freezing…” due to wind chill.

I’m planning to stay in my pajamas and warm robe all day. This is one day where I have no desire to be outdoors!!

Speculation: Three inches of rain in the gauge but fifty gallons in the pocket on the tarp?! ~~ A CARE volunteer came and helped me dump the water.

—-

At noon, Houston TV meteorologist said “ ‘Feels like’ temperature is five degrees below the observed number.”

—-

The bird feeders need a refill **BUT** I don’t want to go out in the cold!!

My faithful followers know I am “an old-timer”–three quarters and counting. I recall a radio program–and TV program–titled Life of Riley. Moments ago, I smiled (to myself) and thought “Life of Lorraine.” I’ve certainly had more than my share of humorous(?) situations. A pool of water on the roof of the tarp-shelter is just the latest. Remember the Feeding Station that toppled over during (or after) a rain storm? Remember (after a storm) I found one of my favorite planters upside down? The Christmas Cactus disaster is noteworthy

“What a revoltin’ development this is!”

Check back because I’ll be adding more… as our temperatures plummet.

—-

—-

—-

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The storm burst on us in a matter of seconds!! The rain is pounding on the roof; lightning  is lighting up the night sky. Through-the-air TV reception has major interference (so TV was turned off). The temperature dropped over fifteen degrees in less than thirty minutes.

—-

Visual evidence that the temperature dropped twenty degrees between 5:00 PM and 6:40 PM.

—-

Almost three inches of rain in the gauge. Too cold and wet to linger outdoors for a picture. When the temperature started to drop (earlier), I put on a sweater. Moments ago (9:00 PM) I turned on the heater. Tonight the door is closed, and I’ll enjoy a warm blanket. Last night, the door was open and I slept under a sheet. ~~ No complaints from me because our unusual Fall and Winter weather is preferable to conditions in other states.

—-

Seventy-two degrees this time last night. Seventy-four degrees five hours ago!!

—-

Burr!!

“We have a gift for you!!” ~~ Remember, this was a recent planting from cuttings (no roots). This Kalanchoe plant (indoors near my computer) is getting ready to bloom. How delightful. 🙂

—-

Yesterday, a resident in the adjacent RV Park asked me to shelter a very large fern, and an Angel Wing Begonia. I used my faithful hand truck to move them to the tarp-shelter. Sorry, no pictures of the transport. 😦 However, here are pictures inside my disorganized, crowded shelter.

An after-thought: I snapped this picture of the “Money Moss.” I still hope for a proper identification. I’ve already given away several small planters. All cuttings have taken root and standing tall.

—-

Postscript, Tuesday, December 29th: The plant (indoors) is getting prettier each day. It appears the plants “in the basement” will also bloom.

On behalf of a wide variety of birds at my feeders, a squirrel brought Christmas greetings. That being said, the chorus is “Hey, Lady, the feeders are almost empty!” ~~ After lunch, I’ll fill them.