More Snow but relief on the way

Yesterday I strapped on the gear, backpack and trekking poles and headed the 10 blocks to the shopping center where I could get to the post office, bank and grocery store for a loaf of bread. On the way back up the hill on the snowy and icy sidewalks, I said silent thank you's to the various neighbors who were able and willing to clean the sidewalk in front of their homes. About every block or so, someone's sidewalk was clean so it provided a nice break from the slippery, cautious walking. I also had a brief thought of how nice it would be to have a neighbor pull up and offer me a ride home. One block later, Lucy's caregiver and our neighbor, Lucretia drove up.

After reading that we were going to get more snow today and Christmas Day mixed with rain, I decided we were going to brave the icy, snowy roads and get to the grocery store. It looked like our Christmas Day plans of joining our friends was not going to happen and I needed to have a dinner that felt more special than the leftovers and pasta we were living off of this week. We haven't been to the grocery store in 10 days so it was time anyway. It only took us 10 minutes to dig out the car and 2 hours to do the full shopping trip but I feel much better about tomorrow's events.

We woke up this morning to really wet snow fall in big flakes. The kind I remember as a kid. This is the first of the four dumps that was wet enough for real building. Rodney began making his fort plans. While I have been quite annoyed with being so trapped in our little house, I am so grateful that we have power and great neighbors and a two year old to remind us how much fun this really can be. Both Rodney and Lucy have been in great spirits and this morning, Christmas Eve, I found Lucy in her room, reading her various Christmas books and showing me the plate and cup she had out already for Santa's cookies and milk.

I just can't stay grumpy with her energy and excitement. (Or Rodney's for that matter. I think he is channeling his inner 9 year old) We all headed outside and Lucy played in her playhouse or threw tennis balls for Murphy while I built a snow man and Daddy built an igloo. Actually, he's still outside working on it long after we have come in for tomato soup and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

SO...Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you are able to find this little magic that we are experiencing. It really is about being present with family, living in the moment and enjoying the simple things.