Amazon had a deal I couldn’t turn down. I downloaded… then started–and completed–the process. I’ll e-file as soon as possible.

Yup!! As predicted, we had a hard freeze overnight. I know because my water line is frozen!! Because of the prediction, two days ago, I attached a long electric cord to the electric heating tape around the water hose. Too early–and too cold–to check the outside electric outlet.

On the NBC Today Show, weatherman Al Roker said “Hard freeze into the deep South. It is brutal out there.”

Thumb down for weather–not Al Roker!

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Postscript, Saturday, January 10, 2015: The “hard freeze” killed the Begonias. The tomato plant, and Honeysuckle plant, is still in my living room. I’m all bundled up… sitting in front of the electric heater.

This month there are two of my social groups having special events. Both need donations for raffle and/or silent auction. OMG, what can I contribute?? I’ve lost sleep searching my mind for items in the closet, cupboards, storage buildings. Can’t buy something… (too much month, too little money).

Miraculously, gratefully, I thought of three Charles Kuralt “On The Road” books for our Escapees RV Club Chapter Ten event. With the never-used book 1000 Places to See Before You Die, and brand-new, still-in-the-wrap, DVD movie titled “RV“ (with Robin Williams), I have something to share.

The square dance club is hosting a BIG event. From one cupboard I pulled two attractive, still-in-the- wrap, “Texas designs” (flags, Stetson hats, wagon wheels, brands) plastic tablecloths. I thought I’d use… but desperate times call for desperate action?! Now I’m physically searching cupboards and storage buildings. Next: Search the T@B teardrop trailer.

“Downsizing“ is a frequent topic on my blog. Something that haunts me all the time!! Too much stuff!! Eventually, eliminating the storage unit (four miles away), I’ll save $49.00 per month.

(Must maintain the present storage unit because it is storing a picnic table [donation] for the upcoming CARE Health Fair.)

Postscript, Sat. Jan. 10, 2015: Boo-hoo, my donations (for Chapter Ten) only brought in $45.00. Retail cost, over $100.00.

FYI: “Two birds, one stone.” Translated: Two organizations, one task, downsizing.

Tommy would have frozen to death outdoors! I began to nurture “Tommy” when he appeared in my garden in late Fall. A “volunteer”–not one of the tomato plants I enjoyed during the Spring and Summer. There are numerous blooms so–with TLC–I may have tomatoes in a couple of months?! ~~ The sensor for my indoor-outdoor thermometer (hanging in a tree) says “30 degrees.” However, the thermometer on the table outside the door says “28 degrees.” ~~ Houston weatherman predicts a very cold week!! ~~~~~~ (Couldn’t sleep; out of bed early!!)

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The warmest place in my trailer: Sitting at the computer, in front of the electric heater!! I have a minimum of heat during the night so the trailer was frigid this morning!!

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Astonishing, unbelievable, remarkable, etc., etc.! It’s difficult to fathom the change in temperature in twelve hours. Hey, I’m not complaining!! The afternoon sunshine feels wonderful!!

Sunshine this morning!! Oh joy!! According to weatherman “low of 31 degrees” (last night). He predicts freezing temperatures for tonight. After many days of “gloom” and rain, I’m overjoyed!! Weatherman says it will be cold all day and all week.

The morning was spent at the laundry room ($6,00). Home just in time for lunch in the dining room. After lunch, and social time, I filled seven bird feeders–and picked up downed tree limbs. The rain gauge indicated we had almost four inches of rain the last two days. Now (at 3:00 PM) it is “tea time.” ~~ Clothes to put away a little later; starting the new year with everything clean. ~~ It is so delightful to spend time in the yard!!!!!!!!!!

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This is curious!! That seed was wet, and dumped from the feeders before refilling the feeders. But I sprinkled it on the patio “in case” the birds or squirrels might want it. No sign of birds at the hanging feeders. Isn’t that strange??

If I remember French correctly, my blog title (à vôtre santé) says “to your health.” Naturally, I am concerned about the welfare of my feathered friends. That’s why I was out in the yard–in 53 degree weather–to refill the feeders.

Like the view from my front window?? I love the view!!!!!!!

Noisy, loud rain pelted the trailer all night. I wondered if it was hail. About seven AM, we had lots of lightning and thunder!! The pictures were taken from the steps into my trailer. The sidewalk, and patio, was covered with an inch (or more) of moving water. The local weather-woman says we will see sunshine this afternoon. I’ll believe it when I see it!!

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Three Quarters & Counting (my age) and I’m loosing some of my skills. Many hours after I wrote the following blog message, already in bed for the night, I realized that I used the word “pin” incorrectly. Spelling, and vocabulary, has always been easy for me. At the time I wrote the blog I was confident that my “play on words” was accurate. This is frightening!! It is my hope, and prayer, that I do not lose my memory!!

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Seriously, I received the following… as an email message (at 11:30 PM). This message (Bummer) had been published and the following blog message had been corrected. Without being aware of my faux pas, a friend sends this.

I have good news for you. The first 80 years of your life are the hardest. The second 80 are just a succession of birthday parties.  Once you reach 80, you’ve got it made. Everyone wants to carry your baggage, help you up the stairs, find you a seat, get you a cup of coffee. Everyone is so nice. And, if you forget your telephone number, or promise to be three places at the same time, or you can’t remember how many grandchildren you have, you need only explain that you’re 80. 

 

Being 80 is a lot better than being 70. At 70, people are mad at you for everything — they want you to do everything, and know everything, and blame you for everything. If you act foolishly, you’re in your second childhood. Everyone is looking at you for symptoms of softening of the brain.

 

Being 70 is no fun at all. At that age, people expect you to retire to a house in Florida, and complain about your arthritis. But if you survive until you are 80, everyone is surprised that you are still alive. They treat you with respect, and kindness, just for having lived so long. Actually, they seem astonished that you can walk and talk sensibly.

 

So please, folks, try to make it to 80. It’s the best time of your life, people forgive you for anything. If you ask me, life begins at 80!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Anonymous