It Is Never Too Late

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

~George Eliot

Of Note: To great fanfare this week, Apple introduced the iPad, a tablet computer meant to change how people read and communicate. Listening to the hoopla, one might assume this large-screened flat laptop is something new. Not so. Tablet-type computers have been introduced and subsequently failed several times since the 1970's. Apple does not know if the time has come for their innovation but are counting on a different outcome this time around. The opposition is already lining up. Apparently, the iPad name graces a device manufactured in Japan used to count inventory, and a lawsuit might be imminent. Others are joking about the name which suggests a feminine-hygiene product. Said the Winnipeg Free Press: "The iPad is a Really Bad Name. Period." Most bet that Apple iPad will join its sister the iPhone in succeeding where others have failed. Stay tuned.

Today's Weather Report: Sunny and cold. That's it. As Mr. Rogers sang, "Just another day in the neighborhood."

The Malleable Cosmos

The cosmos is a completely malleable
experience that feeds back to us
what we want to perceive.

~Chris Ladue

Of Note: Some would argue that the cosmos is static--a concrete experience that is viewed by everyone the same. Others like this gentleman posit another thought which is very close to the concept that we create our own reality. Where the first belief leaves little to the imagination, the second makes the mind soar. Neither may be correct, but given a choice between the two, give me the second option and check back with me in about 10 years.

Today's Weather Report: It was 4 degrees Fahrenheit last time I looked but, when we awoke this morning, it was 20 below. I figured as much when I poked my head above the covers and was hit by a blast of cold in our unheated bedroom. We like it cold to sleep and get away with no heat because of a great heating blanket--but this was beyond cold. The puppies refused to go out at first. Finally duty called but they rushed back shortly. January is usually the coldest month of the year, and it is soon over. I can just feel spring around the corner.

Watch For Change Snippet: A woman named Kelly Kulick became the first female to win a Professional Bowlers Association tournament, beating a man in the Tournament of Champions. She said it was the yoga, extra gym time and country line-dancing that did the trick. Noting that the new champion would rather bowl in women-only pro events, the Wall Street Journal quoted her on their sports page as follows: " 'I don't want to have to bowl against the men full-time,' said Mr. Kulick." Seems the WSJ might owe Ms. Kulick an apology.

To Invite Peacefulness

TO SIMPLIFY IS TO INVITE PEACEFULNESS.

~Day 6, 64 Daily Practices

Of Note: The Season for Nonviolence is upon us. Literally. There is no better time than in the dead of winter to join the Greater Dallas Task Force on Nonviolence in their 64 Daily Practices available at www.64-days.org. In just over six pages, the group lists 64 ideas for change, beginning with the suggestion that "nonviolence begins with learning how to be less violent and more compassionate with ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with respect, honor and reverence for our own being." It goes on from there quoting such luminaries as Eleanor Roosevelt who urges the reader to do the impossible, Thich Nhat Hanh who suggest smiling everyday and Wayne Dyer who mentions how our beliefs have an effect on our daily lives. And this is just week one! Weeks Two through Ten get better and better and end with Margaret Meads unforgettable words: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Indeed.

Today's Weather Report: Subzero temperatures Fahrenheit greeted the puppies and I when we got up this morning. I took the early morning shift and let Jim sleep in. The sun warmed the air later in the day, but at first even the dogs wanted none of it. My brother, Mark, took the photo above at his new investment house in the Dakotas. This was the park across the street. The scene looked awfully familiar to me, but coming from Houston, he probably thought it looked surreal. My photographer sister, Marie, first believed that he had taken this and several other pictures in black and white but noticed in one shot an American flag. The monochromatic landscape this time of year leads many of us to hole-up in the house where color and warmth abound.

The Happiness of Others

AN EFFORT MADE FOR THE
HAPPINESS OF OTHERS LIFTS
US ABOVE OURSELVES.
~Lydia M. Child

Today's Weather Report: What a lovely, sunny day. Cold yes, but sunny. The spectacular sunset immediately above welcomed me as I left a friend's house today. I raced home in order to get the shot. Unfortunately, the sun had already set, but the pink-orange glow remained. No matter. During the winter, shades of gray dominate as in the first photo taken yesterday. Color is scarce. Thus, the dramatic show of color this evening was a welcome addition to the day. A gift really.

To Listen Generously

When we listen generously to people,
they hear the truth in themselves
often for the first time.

~ Rachel Naomi Remen

Of Note: To listen requires a quiet mind. Rarely do we attain this state. Therefore, we rarely listen, let alone listen generously. I would venture to guess that if we would learn to listen with a quiet mind, we would also hear the truth in OURSELVES for the first time. That truth might be startling.

Today's Weather Report: The precipitation continues but has changed to what appears to be lake effect snow. That means instead of the heavy, wet flakes, they are now small and dry. I can understand after living in Wisconsin for 30 years why the Eskimos have so many names for snow. Each presents different challenges and opportunities. We will venture out to get some groceries shortly, and I will be much more attuned to the situation after that. My current information comes from my husband, who has been out to feed the boiler and plow, and from my own observations peering out the window. Temperatures the last several days have hovered in the low 30's but promise to plunge below zero this evening. This photo was taken on our lake last fall. Rarely do we get such a display. Note that if the picture was turned up-side down, it would be unlikely the viewer would know the difference.

Smiling Muscles

IT TAKES HALF AS MANY
MUSCLES TO SMILE AS
IT DOES TO FROWN.
AND IT MAKES YOU AND
OTHERS FEEL TWICE AS GOOD.

~ www.wearewhatwedo.org

Of Note: Readers of this blog may think that I'm stuck on getting everyone to smile more. Actually, the readers would have gotten it right. That it takes half as many muscles to smile as it does to frown is just one more good reason to do it regularly. I would bet that our faces say thanks every time we smile as well because it relieves the facial fatigue brought on my frowning. Besides that, it doesn't cost a dime. This suggestion is brought to us by the We Are What We Do organization, which lists 50 such ideas in their book, Change the World for Ten Bucks: Small Actions X Lots of People = BIG CHANGE. Guess that title says it all.

Today's Weather Report: Well, I thought yesterday was going to be the bad weather day as far as our weekend sleet-snow storm went. But, no, that would be today. It was raining when I let the puppies out at 5 am, but that changed to sticky, wet snow by later in the morning. And I mean WET snow. Shoveling the stuff was like lifting wet glue. What a strange consistency! Jim had a heck of time snow plowing. The doggies were his companions, and they liked the uber-bumpy ride not one bit. I thought it was a perfect day to bundle up and read a good book. Marie's flower picture made me smile and remember that spring is just around the corner. Thanks, Sis, for sharing these photos, which grace this blog most every day!

Little Stars Come Out of Your Eyes

WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEBODY,
YOUR EYELASHES GO UP AND
DOWN AND LITTLE STARS
COME OUT OF YOUR EYES.

~Karen, age 7

Of Note: As Art Linkletter said: "Kids say the darndest things!" That was affirmed when I read an email forwarded the other day by a friend. Karen was answering the question posed to several 4 to 8 year-olds by a group of professionals: "What does love mean?" Some like Karl, age 5, answered very practically, "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other," or Mark, age 6, who believed, "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Others showed remarkable wisdom like Bobby, age 7, who suggested, "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." I got to thinking that President Obama should designate Nikka, age 6, as his Middle East Peace Negotiator: "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." And I'm not really sure what Billy, age 4, meant by his answer, but somehow I know it's the loving truth: "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Maybe we should send him to the Middle East, too.

Today's Weather Report: Outside was treacherous today because of freezing rain, which is going to turn to snow tonight through Monday. That means that a thin layer of ice will underlie any future snow. In other winter's when we've had this situation, many folks have fallen with a variety of results, none good. The puppies don't seem to mind any of it. They have been out a good portion of the day and have come in smelling like wet wool blankets. Ish! One of the more intrepid cats made a stand yesterday and would have held his own except for the exuberance of the smaller puppy. Maybe by summer the mutts will have learned to coexist with one or two of the cats. The wonderful photo above was sent some time ago by my dear friend, Jack. I used it at the time but felt it needed to be seen more than once since it was such a gorgeous shot of the northern lights.

All Will Be Clear

HEAR ONE SIDE AND YOU WILL BE IN THE DARK.
HEAR BOTH SIDES AND ALL WILL BE CLEAR.

~ Lord Chesterfield

Of Note: Politicians from both sides of the aisle might take a moment to pause and reflect upon the meaning of the Massachusetts Senatorial election on Tuesday. Their constituents seem to know more than they that a paradigm shift from separatism to unity and love is beginning to radically reshape the environment. The people elected President Obama with the hope that, true to his word, this message of change would be carried to Washington. It would appear that our elected leader saw that Washington was not ready for such enlightenment and joined in the fray with the thought that the end justified the means. Once again the people have spoken--that compromising approach will not do.

If I could send a message to Barack Obama it would be this: "Time to get back to the original message, Mr. President. It is not too late. What we want is loving LEADERSHIP based on wisdom coupled with the political will to carry an enlightened global agenda forward. That the people will rally behind you once again is not even a question because of a special lighted quality you carry. Take off the bushel basket and the light will shine once more." Yesterday the President announced a desire to work with both sides on upcoming issues. That would be a good start, but he might remember his role as LEADER. Given the right approach, I predict that he would be unstoppable.

Today's Weather Report: Nothing to write home about but it's a good day to be alive, none-the-less. The same cloudy and 20's. Our January thaw for one day last week was short lived. We will run into town today for errands and take the dogs. They enjoy the ride more than we enjoy them being in the car. Two large puppies riding as passengers is a real treat....especially when they try to jump into the front seat. But they have to learn so we all have to go through the process. What fun is all I can say!

Compassion and Unconditional Love

If we make our goal to live a life of
compassion and unconditional love,
then the world will indeed become a garden
where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow.

~ Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross

Of Note: Just today in my studies on the three states of spiritual feeling, compassion was defined as "the antithesis of passion, which is selfish and grasping." The other two states were tenderness, otherwise known as mercy, "the antithesis of self-centeredness, which is always hard and self-absorbed" and dispassion, "the antithesis of desire." The promise is made that if these three states were entered into, we would be in touch with the souls of all men. The kicker here is that we will never truly know these states until we each know our own souls. How does this happen? By acting As If we are compassionate, merciful and dispassionate. If we are successful, one day we will have become these three states and will not be play-acting, and the world will be better for it.

Today's Weather Report: Just another cloudy day in the 20's Fahrenheit. A typical winter scene. Nothing to write home about but who cares. We are just glad to be alive here at Mt. St. Mossback Monastery (my tongue-in-cheek name for the homestead here.) The election in Massachusetts today may change the way any action on health care moves forward. Polls are showing that the electorate is not happy with the way the process has gone so far. But pollsters are saying this is more of a general message to Washington about spending, health care, climate change and other policy matters that have been taken up this past year by the new administration.

The Time to Understand More

Nothing in life is to be feared.
It is only to be understood.
Now is the time to understand more,
so that we may fear less.

~ Madame Marie Curie

Of Note: One aspect of Light is understanding, which when coupled with intelligence equals wisdom. The three synthesized aspects of Light eradicate fear. Primeval fear is an instinctual response to many stimuli and is shared with the animal kingdom. However, only humans fear death. It grips us; it owns us and thus rules the planet. Over the course of lifetimes, the fear of death is proven to be an illusion when transmuted by the Light of the Mind. What we find is no-death, only change of circumstances for the better. When humanity as a whole embraces this truth, the whole world will be transformed.

Today's Weather Report: By golly, it is 38 degrees Fahrenheit as we speak, and the predicted January thaw has arrived as evidenced by a dripping roof. If this would keep up for a few days, the dirt road to the house would be almost impassable. Bring it on! The dogs are even more wet than usual when they come in and smell like drenched wool which is not entirely appealing. Neither of them seem to mind and are glad to plop down on the heated floor to dry off. At least their "pee-you factor" is due to water not something more onerous.

Watch for Change Snippet: A brand new concept has been introduced in shopping--the drive-through store. Yes, that's what I said--drive-through. Picture ordering groceries on-line, then driving through a warehouse-like building for loading with groceries in less than 5 minutes. The idea was hatched in France by entrepreneurs who sought a McDonald drive-through experience for grocery shoppers, and it is spreading like wildfire. Wal-Mart is studying the innovation, and Sears Holding Company has moved even further by putting plans in place to convert K-Mart stores to drive-through warehouses that will sell department store merchandise. Why does this model hold so much promise for international companies? The warehouse model means that fewer employees are needed and that is music to the ears of CEO's, who are always looking for ways to cut expenses.

The Hidden Charm

THE WORLD IS FULL OF SUFFERING,
IT'S ALSO FULL OF OVERCOMING IT.
~ Helen Keller

PROVIDENCE HAS HIDDEN A CHARM
IN DIFFICULT UNDERTAKINGS
WHICH IS APPRECIATED ONLY BY THOSE
WHO DARE TO GRAPPLE WITH THEM.
~ Anne-Sophie Swetchine

Of Note: Today we have a twofer because both quotes wisely explain that the universe provides difficulties as a gift. Swetchine elaborates further by saying that the gift is "hidden" which means veiled, not readily apparent, in need of finding. In the midst of a crisis, we rarely think to look for a hidden charm. Most of the time we can't imagine that any good could come from the situation and resent those who say otherwise. But later in retrospect, when the emotions have lifted, the treasure beckons. Best to go find it, I have found, or the experience may be reconvened at a later date in a less subtle fashion.

Today's Weather Report: Don't know where the 30 degree Fahrenheit temps went but today it is in the teens and cloudy. We still have lots of days ahead for a January thaw, though, and I have my fingers crossed.

Watch for Change Snippet: The big news today is that the End-of-World Clock, or Doomsday Clock, has been set back a minute from 5 to 6 minutes before midnight. The announcement focused on both the positive and negative ways to stem nuclear weapons and global warming. One of the predicting scientists stated: "For the first time since atomic bombs were dropped in 1945, leaders of nuclear weapons states are cooperating to vastly reduce their arsenals and secure all nuclear bomb-making material. And for the first time ever, industrialized and developing countries alike are pledging to limit climate change..." The clock has been changed 18 times since its inception in 1947, the most recently in 2007 from 7 to 5 minutes before midnight because of negative global response to the same two issues. However, the closest the clock came to midnight was in 1953 when it only had 2 minutes to go. Nuclear testing by the two super-powers that year caused that change. Lest we think the time has always been within minutes of midnight, in 1991 the clock stood at 17 minutes before the fateful hour.

Smiling

The source of a true smile
is an awakened mind.
Smiling helps you approach the day
with gentleness and understanding.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace Is Every Step

Of Note: Every day Tibetan monks awake with a laugh. Not just a little chuckle, but a laugh right-out-loud. They believe that the act of laughing makes them calmer and more focused during the day. Scientists have now found that the monks were on to something. Studies have shown that laughing shuts off several stress hormones and turns on happy endorphins which in turn relaxes capillaries in the head and improves the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. More surprising, any laugh will do, even a fake one, because the body does not know the difference. Other scientifically proven Tibetan monk activities include sitting up straight which increases the efficiency of spinal neurons, listening to bells before and after meditation which enhances relaxation and creativity and humming which releases feel-good hormones.

Today's Weather Report: My husband has declared that the worst of winter is over. Maybe it is wishful thinking because he envisions the time when he will not have to fill the boiler twice a day with wood. But I'd have to agree with him on this one. Something in the air says winter is passing with a whimper this year. That's a blessing. A more mild winter might make up for the deep-freeze last year when it hit minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit for way too many days. The two puppies certainly enjoy the cold. Although with their long-coats, we wonder how they will fare in the summer.

The First Thing We Feel Is LOVE

Some of us fear that when we die
there will be an awesome tribunal
sitting in judgment upon us.

The truth of the matter is that
the first thing we hear is laughter,
and the first thing we feel is Love.

~Emmanuel

Of Note: Thousands upon thousands died or will in the coming days following the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday. The grieving by the survivors has just begun. May they be filled with knowledge that a loving embrace and celestial sounds welcomed or will welcome their deceased relatives and friends. May peace be with all those left behind.

Today's Weather Report: I did not step foot outside today except to take a bag of cat poop to the trash can in the garage. From the feel of it, temps were in the 20's. Sun was out, all was good. We watched the news streaming out of Haiti for awhile....for some reason neither my husband nor I knew that an earthquake could take place in Haiti. From what he and I now understand, two plates meet right in that spot, and an earthquake was due. Wonder if it had anything to do with the sizable earthquake that hit California at the end of last week? That's another place that the authorities say is ready for a quake. However, California has prepared for this for years whereas Haiti never stood a chance.

Save the World While Brushing Your Teeth

SAVE THE WORLD WHILE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

Most people leave the faucet
running while brushing their teeth.
This wastes more than 2 gallons a minute!
This means your street alone could fill an
Olympic sized swimming pool each year.

This wastes huge amounts of water--
it's like having the toilet flush
the whole time you are on it.

So why not turn off the faucet
while you brush your teeth?

~www.wearewhatwedo.org

Of Note: The book from which this passage came, Change the World for Ten Bucks, went on to say: "We bet this is one of the actions you don't forget from this book. For some reason, it seems to strike a chord with everyone." The whole book was like this--each page spread contained one pithy idea and a great accompanying photo--50 in total. With the water down several feet in our lake over the last few years so that once covered logs are revealed, ideas about saving water always hit home. At our house, water comes from a well which has no chance of drying up any time soon but worldwide water shortages are real. Collectively, we live and die by water. Thus, every drop saved at a minimum may contribute to the collective consciousness regarding resource conservation and sharing and at the maximum may save a life.

Today's Weather Report: It is so nice when the weathermen get it right. At 26 degrees Fahrenheit today, it felt almost balmy outside. Tomorrow, we can hope for even a bit warmer. Others besides me are talking about a possible January thaw. I started walking on the treadmill a few weeks back and have chalked up over 10 miles already. This was the treadmill that Jim almost moved to storage last summer but I stopped him because I thought it might make good winter exercise. Good move. 5 minutes was all I did the first day but I've worked up to 30 minutes. If it makes me overly fatigued, I take the day off, and with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, that is often. But the winters are long, and walking is often difficult outside; so, the treadmill is a good alternative to hibernating until gardening season begins.

Participating in Divinity

WHEN BEFORE THE BEAUTY
OF SUNRISE OR A MOUNTAIN,
YOU PAUSE AND EXCLAIM,
"AH,"
YOU ARE PARTICIPATING
IN DIVINITY.

~Joseph Campbell

Of Note: We all know the moment about which Campbell is referring. It is the "chills up the backbone" scene when we all know that God Transcendent is Real. Maybe even more amazing, we each carry God Immanent in our hearts and can experience this "Aha" moment at any time and place.

Today's Weather Report: It was one of those funky days when the sun shone at our house but 15 miles away it was snowing lightly. The weather forecast shows minus 10 degrees tonight but then for the next few days it should be in the 20's. My hope is that we have a January thaw with the temps in the 30's. This past week all the world has been in an unusual deep freeze. The short term effect of the brutal weather and the weak dollar has been gas prices at $2.79 per gallon. It looks like gas prices will top $3.00 again by the summer.

Someone Ought to Do It

"SOMEONE OUGHT TO DO IT,
BUT WHY SHOULD I?--
SOMEONE OUT TO DO IT,
SO WHY NOT I?"

BETWEEN THESE TWO SENTENCES LIE
WHOLE CENTURIES OF MORAL EVOLUTION.

~ Annie Besant

Of Note: Babar Ali runs a school in India for 800 students. Nothing too spectacular about that, except this teacher is 16 years old and has been running the school for seven years! What started as a "play-acting" teacher situation with un-schooled friends has led to much more for the impoverished children in Babar's village. This visionary young man now attends school in the morning and teaches in his familiy's ample backyard with 10 other volunteers in the late afternoon and evening. The video accompanying the BBC report showed the volunteers teaching groups of eager students sitting on the muddy ground with their books. Even though education is free in India, few can attend formal school because they have to work to help sustain the family. This informal schooling, which provides free material and books through donations, is the only alternative. Many of the children begin work at sunrise, take a break for the schooling and then return to work afterward. However, because of Babar Ali, their future may be different than that of their illiterate parents. Onward and upward always. Thanks to my sister, Marie the teacher, for not only contributing this awesome photo taken at the Dallas Arboretum but also for emailing this inspiring story.

Today's Weather Report: Today was partly cloudy as the meteorologists are so fond of saying. Meaning it was mostly cloudy with a spot of sun here and there during the day. No problem. Inside it was toasty, and that was all that counted. The dogs went in and out and then out and in all day. They were thankful to have two ready doormen, who have proven to be easily trained to do their bidding. With the cat door closed because of the extreme cold at night, the five cats are now ensconced in the turret. They thought one dog was bad enough, but two was simply over the top.

Connections-in-goodness

Recipients of our appreciation are apt
to express their own gratitude to others,
lengthening the unending, golden chain
of connections-in-goodness that
stretches across the world.

~Mary Ford Grabowsky
The Way of Mary

Of Note: Connectedness is a "catch-word" these days--but one with which we can certainly live. One day this word will replace the fear-filled words that dominate current news such as war, terrorism, and unrest. But unity, connectedness and brotherhood are gaining a hold. We know this when a global corporation presents awards to honor innovators from around the world who are applying technology to address humanity's most urgent challenges. A full page advertisement in TIME magazine highlighted The Tech Awards and listed the multinational companies sponsoring the program. Many times corporations get a bad name for their collective behavior which seems to work against the best interests of mankind. On the other hand, they also bring into fruition the best the human mind have to offer on the physical plane.

Today's Weather Report: It plunged to 20 below zero Fahrenheit again during the night but it must have only been for a short time because the shower line did not freeze. Two days ago Misty was joined by a 4-month old "brother" German Shepherd from the same parents but different litter. Little Chewy was pretty freaked out the first day because Misty, apparently recognizing her younger litter mate, wouldn't let the little thing alone. I use the word little lightly. Chewy weighed in at 37 lbs. today at the veterinarian and has paws larger than Misty's. This dog is going to be BIG--probably over 100 lbs.

Stand Up and Show Your Soul

One of the most calming and powerful
actions you can do to intervene in a stormy
world is to stand up and show your soul.

Struggling souls catch light from other souls
who are fully lit and willing to show it.

~Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Of Note: Two social scientists using the Framingham Heart study data culled from 15,000 individuals proved that happiness is contagious as are other good behaviors. These and their opposites appear to spread between people like viruses; groups of friends and family can "infect" one another with good or bad habits. The researchers concluded that "Staying healthy isn't just a matter of your genes and your diet--good health is also a product of your sheer proximity to other healthy people." From the soul's perspective, it would appear the same law applies if Clarissa Estes has it right. That puts a great deal of responsibility on shining souls to not hold back even in an un-welcoming environment.

Today's Weather Report: For northern Wisconsin, this could be called a perfect winter day. Sunny, in the teens, no wind. The layers upon layers I put on this morning when going out were unnecessary and just weighed me down while at the same time making me very hot in the car. Layering is an art I obviously haven't mastered. A neighbor brought over fresh fish fillets which he caught while ice-fishing. These are northern, which many people just throw back, but there's nothing better than fried northern with potato pancakes for dinner--or at least that's what I've been told by my husband who is preparing the feast this evening.

Hidden Beauty in Every Crumb

Holiness comes wrapped in the ordinary.
There are burning bushes all around you.
Every tree is full of angels.
Hidden beauty is waiting in every crumb.

~Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB

Of Note: With all the apparent "evil" occurring in the world these days, the thought that holiness abounds in every crumb may be a new thought. Man may be responsible for arranging the crumbs in ways that have nefarious ends but the lighted substance at the core never changes. This nuclear sanctity is the guarantee of a future filled with Truth and Beauty, though at the moment that might be inconceivable with all that is transpiring on the physical plane.

Today's Weather Report: The sun, oh how glorious, the sun. It shone today even though it was cold, cold. We awoke this morning to 20 below zero Fahrenheit outside--inside, of course, it was a bit warmer though furnaces of any ilk have a hard time heating in extreme cold. Jim has faithfully filled our wood-boiler twice a day since November. He will continue to do that until April, or even early May. Although wood is less expensive than propane, it is also very labor intensive which is OK for now. As we age, that will change, of course.

Sunshine Smiles

What sunshine is to flowers,
smiles are to humanity.
These are but trifles, to be sure;
but scattered along life's pathway,
the good they do is inconceivable.

~Joseph Addison

Of Note: I've spoken of the power of smiles many times in this blog. When we smile we produce a potent chemical that actually lifts our mood. Pretty good for moving a few muscles in our faces. The best thing of all, though, it's FREE. I'm big on free which is another theme in this blog. Speaking of FREE, have you "clicked" on www.thehungersite.com today? Just by "clicking" through the six categories of giving, a contribution is made. The simplicity and speed of the encounter is sure to make you smile and thus lift your mood on a busy day.

Today's Weather Report: It was a bit warmer last night at only 12 below zero. The water did not freeze in our shower pipe as it did at 20 below the night before. Misty loves this weather and rushes to and fro in the snow, burying her snout deep to find whatever goodies she can although, thankfully, poop has not been in her menu lately. By spring we hope she has grown out of eating this "canine delicacy." Friends have assured me that this is a very natural habit for dogs but it is one I wished she'd forget. The cats have still been scarce and continue their encampment in Jim's 4th story turret office. It's a small space for five felines, who prior to the dog did not always get along. Apparently, a detente has been reached. Thank heavens, Jim does not mind the crowded conditions including at least one but sometimes two cats sprawled across his desk. It's quite the scene, let me assure you!

Keeping an Untroubled Spirit

THE FIRST RULE IS TO KEEP
AN UNTROUBLED SPIRIT.
THE SECOND IS TO LOOK
THINGS IN THE FACE
AND KNOW THEM FOR
WHAT THEY ARE.

~Marcus Aurelius

Today's Weather Report: There was no getting around it this morning....it was definitely 28 below zero. Under these circumstances the best approach was to hunker down and get comfortable indoors. That was only possible, though, after the wood boiler that heats the house was filled. Jim was sick today so I got to fill it for the first time. Everyone would have laughed at my "layered look" but it kept the cold out except for my frozen hands. Mittens will be in order for this evening's fill. Misty didn't think a thing about the frigid temperature, however, and just plunked down for a look around accompanied by much woofing at nothing in particular. I think she just liked to hear her sound echo in the woods. With no neighbors, it didn't even matter.

That Narrow Plank

WHEN THE BRIDGE IS GONE,
THE NARROWEST PLANK
BECOMES PRECIOUS.

~Hungarian Proverb

Of Note: May we each serve as a plank to our brothers and sisters in the coming year. Happy New Year and many blessings in 2010!!

Today's Weather Report: The new year brought a full moon along with frigid cold. The two seem to go hand in hand. Tonight it is predicted to be 20 below or so. We may be the coldest spot in the nation. The snow we had over the last few weeks is now permanently frozen into place. Hopefully, the snow is where we want it because it's not going very far. We do have a 2-foot ball of snow in the drive--a leftover from the last snowplowing adventure. Wouldn't want to hit that with the car because I think the frozen snowball would win. Thankfully, it's a bit off to the side so we can steer around it.