Snow, Ice and Sunshine

 The lesson isn't just that starting over doesn't have an age limit.

The lesson is that purpose doesn't have an expiration date.

In a world that is so quick to tell us to "rest," to move aside, to become invisible... remember this:

We are not disposable just because our hair turns gray.

We are not liabilities.

We are libraries. Every wrinkle, every memory, every book we've ever read, is a story.

You don't stop growing when you grow old. You just grow wiser.

Don't let anyone close your book before you're finished.

Go out and start the next chapter.

I copied this from one of those FB stories that of course now, cannot find. But the story being told by a 73 year old woman and after her husband died, and the protest of her son, she sold the house and cashed out insurance policies and the like. She didn't like being in a home filled with memories and conversations she wasn't going to have anymore. Long story short, she finds a situation needing help and it was the help she could give. Not easy but after a bit of time the story resolves into being the best thing she could have done. Even her son came around and knew she had done the right thing. She wasn't quite ready yet to give up her talents, abilities and enjoyment of life. She found purpose.

This past summer when reminded of that window of opportunity afforded to me, that I shouldn't waste the time and do what needed to be done became the theme of living. That summer theme has come into fall and should be a winter type theme as well. I'm walking a lot more, my gait is becoming steady and the excruciating sciatic nerve pain is in remission. My heart is staying in rhythm. My diet is more to deal with inflammation. I'm researching the avenues open to dealing with high blood pressure in a more nature or holistic way. Last week was the most social week in a long time, maybe before Covid. All that social interaction just about wore me out, but it was so good. Saturday afternoon, we dead headed more plants for a short time and boom, it was nap time. I've enjoyed spending time by myself in projects and such but a quick return to how life used to be was something I needed. Of course today I am thrilled to be wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, hanging out with Roy and our cats.

Our soon to be former church did pick the interim guy as pastor. He has a good heart as a pastor from what I've seen. We have been praying for the church and the influence it can have in Leicester but our time there is over. I miss friends but we know this is the right decision for us. Since I have quit teaching I cannot say I miss it. Not because of the amount of studying or anything, just the pressure I put on myself. I am on the go more even around the house. I am reminded that I need to do some strengthening exercise and some balance work. We have been half-heartedly looking at or really just thinking about moving to a one story home but several experts and doctors say the stairs help you maintain. They have a point. Although, I will skim Zillow and Realtor to see if anything opens up.

It is a snowy November day. Snow, then sun, snow, then sun and now heavy snow falling that almost looks like fog. This is unusual for this time of year. January and February holds these kinds of days. We officially opened The Garage on the Catmore Estate last night. It was to help those cautious cat members to get over their jitters of coming inside. We got the beds out, the food stocked and water bowl insulated to help their stay be warm or at least warmer and protected from the elements outside.

So last week I went to my first Circle meeting, the joy circle. They meet once a month, work on a Bible study, have a missions emphasis with support and have a lot of fun. It is a little different than Bible study on Thursdays. We are in the book of Mark and it has been such a rich study. Of course I went to choir and then Saturday morning we attended the new member class. Now we have some paperwork to fill out and submit.

I read an article about the song Amazing Grace, especially when bag pipes are utilized. We sang Amazing Grace a couple of weeks ago in the service and it just had a different sound...being sung with assurance of what we sing is true, not just pulling out that tired old hymn once again. There are times that is how I feel about that particular hymn. I have learned several hymns that we don't sing as a Baptist. Who knows?

Roy has been busy outside knowing the weather would be cooler. He painted chairs and got the deck looking pretty spiffy except for a few places that need a bit of attention. He picked the last of the tomatoes Sunday afternoon.

Friday, we went to Marshall to shop at Penland. Helene totally destroyed the bottom floor but with lots of hard work by professionals, church groups and family it is back. It was so good to see Georgette and visit a bit with her. The selection of merchandise is awesome! Roy got a coat and we also bought a handmade basket, wooden basket. The store still has that familiar feel with the old mixed in with the new. And they take credit and debit cards now. Love it! Then several other items. Other shops in Marshall are opening and even the tag office is back in business.

Looks like the sand and salt trucks were out last night. Still not a lot of traffic on our busy road. The sun is out and it is melting snow and ice in our front yard. Most of the back is in shade so it might take till tonight or in the morning for everything to melt. The Feral Fam is getting along in The Garage at the Catmore Estate but Roy wants to terminate reservations beginning tonight. We shall see.