1. It’s the damnedest coldest winter I can remember in many years–and we’re only three days into 2014.
2. The Christmas lights still shine in our Little House in the Big Woods–but I’m taking them down on Sunday. You can hold me to that resolution.
Twinkles
3. Barry plans to go ice fishing on Huron Bay tomorrow if the wind chill doesn’t kill him. Let’s not even discuss wind chill in this blog or you’ll run away quickly without reading another word.
4. I do not like Facebook yet. After all these years of trying to make peace. I’m not comfortable with the format of conversation and likes and, oh-so-many-things. Once I quit for six months and may do so again some day on a whim. In the meantime, I learn to be comfortable with indecision.
5. Wind blows sideways outside the window. It’s supposed to be a high of -7 (-22 C) degrees on Sunday and then again on Monday. I may not leave the house until April. (That is not a resolution and you may not hold me to it.)
Last night the bears danced at midnight…
6. We owe an unexpected $3,300. Add our car insurance and a delivered load of firewood and the total skyrockets to $5,000. Let’s not even discuss car troubles, please. (You see, I do tell you some secrets.)
7. Hey, we do have health insurance as of January 1st, though. Celebration!
8. Certain extended family members have experienced health setbacks. I am sad for them. In an attempt to honor their privacy, I won’t blab details. Wishing we could all be healthy in 2014.
9. I am actually feeling quite happy these days. Sadness is allowed to exist. Hey, it’s all OK. Even writing an unscheduled blog post.
10. I wish you the happiest of weekends! What are your plans? Do you owe more money than you make in a month of Sundays? Is everyone healthy? Is it a blizzard in your neck of the woods, Mr. Wizard? (Someone searched and found my blog this week by typing: Is it a blizzard, Mr. Wizard? I am still grinning about that.)
Lake Superior Spirit 
just to put in perspective what I make a year–my lawyer makes the same amount in one week–and I am only slightly exaggerating
aww crap kathy….some of that stuff isn’t nice to navigate!! I wish you creative solutions that astound in or with(watches your old English teacher do flips in her grave) unforeseen benefits!! We have 3 inches of ice around the insides of our windows but so far (yay, phew) I can keep it at 70 in here hooray! We did get inches of snow but were at the bottom of the blizzard belt, we got nice sparks from the wizards beard!
I have not taken down my Christmas lights yet. I love to watch them light up at night. Maybe one more week. I will miss them.
Kathy – I’m with Elisa, boulders in the flow are never a pleasure. Sometimes they feel precarious enough to tip the boat. I wish you safe paddling as you navigate.
It’s so cold down here that my teeth are doing jumping jacks to stay warm!
The governor closed all the schools in the state this coming Monday with morning temps likely in the -20’s and significant (although anything is at that temp) wind chills. I don’t have health insurance because the feds and the state don’t play nicely together, but I will when someone gets around to sending me a letter telling me the next step. I am taking a $2.50/hour cut in pay as of 1/1/14 which I was notified of 12/26 – unilateral, across the board legislative mandate. Don’t know what’s happening with the other services Orion receives. My car goes in for repairs Tuesday, my insurance company will cover most of it but won’t pay for a rental I can easily get the wheelchair into so I’m not planning to go out much next week either. It looks like grocery shopping before it gets warm though. So I feel your stress and I also get the happy. I’m counting my blessings, enjoying the snow flurries and sunshine (because the colder it gets the clearer it gets) and appreciating that I’m not alone in this crazy shift into the new year.
I hope the wizardy blizzardy winds blow some sweet changes into your life, Kathy, and I love that you maintain happiness through life’s surprises — no matter which way the wind blows.
I’m feeling a little spooked by this wind — something metallic sounding just fell or blew by and scared the bejiggers out of me. Hoping all of our power stays on while we ride this out. Supposed to be 20 tomorrow. May bode well for the ice fisherman cometh.
Thanks for this impromptu blog. Love from blurry Baraga.
We’re looking forward to high temperatures in the negative teens. I feel your pain. I hope things look up for your unwell family people and that you remember where you hid that stash of bills out in the back yard. ?!?!?!?!? Even if you did bury a stash you’ll never find it under the snow!
Chin up, Kathy. You’re sturdy stock. 🙂
I can certainly commiserate(?) with you Kathy. We are in the throws of a snow storm with blizzard like conditions. Not nice. Everything shut down today. Snow, snow and more snow plus high wind and freezing temperature.
Sounds like the wind blew in some unwanted events…may the next winds blow in the solutions.
Until they take away Medicare, I have health insurance, however, some covered test I need are no longer covered. Ahh, the winds of change…
Our respective daughters in NY and Boston are still surviving last I heard and so will you; you are tough! This is a test.
Kathy, Kathy, Kathy!!! It is not a happy time of the year. I feel your pain and I’m not living “up north.” But I can identify with all the bills and I am so dang depressed about how my $ is slowly slip slide-n away. As you know I’m retired and had a nice amount of savings. But my daughter’s health problems are putting a serious dent in my stash.
Well the list goes on. I dont even know of she has health insurance right now since she wrote that she was having h— getting signed up.
When this computer goes I reckon I’ll use the library and then maybe get a desk top from Goodwill or stop computing for I have to conserve every red cent that I can.
So yes it is hell to have a family member experiencing health problems. I
hope that person is not saddled with something that puts a dent in their ability to work.
I have to be grateful that things are not worse. That old saying “grin and bear it” is my new motto. Only I am not grinning.
PS: You threw out a bone and I decided to chew on it for awhile. Sorry to sound so defeated/depressed.
I’m sorry it’s so cold and that there are money and health worriments in your life. I do not like Facebook yet, and don’t think I ever will, but I stick with it because I can keep up with my granddaughters that way. If I could afford an iPhone (or at least a smart phone of some kind), I’d join Instagram and give up Facebook because Instagram seems to be the place to be to keep up with the younger generation these days. That will probably change a year from now, and change again a year from then. Congratulations on the health insurance! I’m sure that’s a relief.
We had snow here, too, but it wouldn’t qualify as a blizzard. Just enough to be pretty and make nice pictures. It was, however, brutally cold today. It would be unfair of me to complain too much since it will be back in the 50’s by Sunday. Everyone is fairly healthy these days (knock wood, cross fingers, and whatever else it takes), although there are things I need to be doing to improve my health (and I’m doing them). Money is like water around here, being sucked and drained into the house. We’re okay, though, because we’re spending the money that we could have used to buy a newer house that didn’t need all this fixin’ up. My big plan for the weekend (besides continuing to unpack the kitchen stuff) is to start playing with my new camera. Santa delivered it yesterday (he was running a little late), and I just opened it today and started figuring things out. I feel like a kid with a new toy. 😀
Ahhhh sweetie. What a timing on that question. Just (1 hour ago) had a pipe burst in the wall due to the cold. Had to turn off the water at the main shut off. Soaked carpet in the basement. Water in the wall. It’ll be Monday before I can get a plumber and I don’t know where the $$$ is coming from and Tuesday the car goes in for repair … sigh. Wanna hug ?
We will get down to 1 degree tonight, not counting wind chill and got about 7 inches of snow last night. This is a wicked winter so far! I also hope to get the Christmas lights and decorations put away this weekend. My glasses broke so I need to figure out what to do about that tomorrow. But overall, I’m very grateful to have the good things I have, one of which is reading your blog. Thank you!
I love the blizzard Mr. Wizard. It will be dangerously cold here soon. Right now we are having rain, oh yes so lovely in January. I hear that the Minnesota Gov. called school for the whole state on Monday, ya for some sense. I am worried about what to do on Sunday, do we try to make people go to church or call it good for one week. Hmm what would Jesus say about this cold? Happy weekend to you and Barry to, and I will say a prayer for your sick relatives even if you are protecting their privacy.
I do not like sub-zero temps, blizzards (unless I can watch from inside and a couple of days later the roads miraculously clear to dry), unexpected expenses or many other of those speed bumps that get tossed haphazardly in our paths. Today I went shopping – I’m feeling a need to imprint me on this house – my choices, no compromising – and I found some great deals and know that I can pay the credit card bill in full when it arrives in February. Then? Well, then I must curb my impulses and learn to be frugal.
Sent from my iPad
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The entire state of MN’s public schools already have been closed for Monday, in anticipation of the even-colder-than-this-week (how can that be?!?!) temperatures. Yes, winter cold fatigue is setting in early this season! Off to a ski race tomorrow where temps are going to struggle to stay above the minimum competition temp. Delightful 🙂 Cheers and Happy 2014, Kathy, my blogging friend. I always enjoy seeing a new post in my WordPress Reader … OR my Facebook feed!
That’s funny … it’s a blizzard, Mister Wizard. I heard about the frigid air that’s hitting most of the north right now. I can’t imagine a person would choose to go ice fishing in it. Yikes. Good to hear that you’re feeling happy despite the setbacks. Many positive thoughts sent your way. Stay safe and warm.
“It’s the damndest coldest winter” here in Virginia too, and it’s only January! What happened to global warming? Well, at least we have no snow yet but walking outside is a painful experience anyway. May the sun shine warm on all of us soon.
Sorry about the set back, I hope that your luck changes soon! Try to stay warm, it’s going to be nasty the next few days.
Kathy, I hope you and Barry will be warm and cozy up there because the weather will be freezing cold over the next several days. We’re under a wind chill warning and schools all have been closed for Monday because of the terrible temps…(-11 on Sunday and -18 on Monday with windchills ranging from -35 to -60) Brrrrrrr.
Today has been a beautiful day filled with blessings….our belated Christmas celebration with Ben and Cassie (my oldest son and his girlfriend and their little dog, Gus) AND our precious new puppy, Dodee who Ben bought for a Christmas gift for us—-she is adorable and such a little lovebug! ♥
Please know my prayers are going up for your family members who are suffering from sad news and for you too honey, trying to make ends meet and figure out how to remain happy and aware of blessings around you this frigid winter. My love and hugs are with you too ♥
My tree is still up, too, and so are the other Christmas decorations around the house. I’m taking it all down on Monday while the kids are in school and the husband is (hopefully!!) at the office.
I was glad to read that you have health insurance, that must be a big relief for you!
Stay warm, my friend! Supposed to get cold here, too, with a low of 16 and a high of 30 on Monday (no snow in sight, though).
My Christmas stuff is still up. I am hosting one more party – today actually. A small gathering of the dearest of friends. Tomorrow will probably be the day it all comes down – perhaps we will be working “together” Kathy.
I thought we had it cold around here with daytime highs around 10! Dang, -7, I bet even your cars don’t like starting in that weather!
1. Our tree is coming down today. 🙂
2. Health problems… 😦 I’m sorry to hear it. Will send some positive healing energy your way to use as you see fit.
3. Health insurance…Yay!!!
4. $5000…UGH!!!!! My husband is unemployed as of 12/31/13…we are fine for now, but uncertainty is unsettling to say the least. At least we have health insurance until March 31st! YAY!!!
5. I love FB for staying connected, but my 16 year old daughter deleted hers over a year ago and doesn’t miss it one bit. She is not on any social networking sites. Pretty proud of that girl.
6. Last night it went down to -21 here in Upstate NY at my last check around 10pm. BRRR. The high of 20 today will feel like a heatwave.
7. I hope to be around more in 2014…blessings to you and yours. 🙂
I think that money owed and the health problems are behind your uncharacteristic grumpiness over cold, Kathy. My husband says that if Lake Michigan freezes over this year, we’ll have less snow — and immediate I think, hmmm, won’t need as much plowing (save $$) but will use more fuel oil (spend $$). But we can only do what we can do and deal with what comes, eh?
Yes, moods and feelings are rarely (if ever) only one solid color….
I find Fb annoying, too. Do it to connect with friends I wouldn’t be in touch with otherwise, and once in a while there’s something that’s really important, but if I spend too much time there I feel my attention span shrinking and my empathy leaking away. Much more enjoy longer, deeper conversations — via blogs, letters, and of course face to face.
Hope this isn’t too long a comment! It’s devilish cold here, too, and my husband is My Hero for getting our old truck started every morning!
Unfortunately, 2014 has started with pain for me .. twisted my back irritating my SI joint (doing physical therapy, pain killers and forced to stand a lot). Mom in cardiac care unit with blood infection and heart blockage – 2nd open heart surgery imminent this week. Cold bitter winds and snow .. 70 below wind chill with schools closed down in entire State by Governor for Monday.
Or, I could look at it with a positive spin … it is sunny and pretty outside, I get to stay home and enjoy the wildlife outside my window in the warmth of my house, there is time to heal without school pressures, mom is in good hands, and my hibernation sleep can last as long as I choose. 😉
It is unseasonably cold in Karachi too! I’m freezing in 18 degrees 😛 I promise it feels like 7 though, before you throw something at me 🙂
Nothing better than seeing what brings someone to your blog. Great title.
I do not like FB either. I lasted 6 months on it. I might give Google+ a go this year, but am indecisive about it. 🙂
All our Christmas decorations are put away except for in the foyer where one large red poinsettia is still looking vibrant. I’m thinking that I might get crazy and leave this last bit of Christmas up through January… February even, if it hangs on.
When times are tough, it is nice to know that you have a positive attitude. You are so right about this weather. We had to have someone shovel off part of our roof because the snow was covering the windows. We have had below zero temps but we are getting rain Sunday and Monday and then back to a high of 7 for Tuesday. All the snow will turn into a solid block of ice.
No blizzards here in the bay area, but I made my New England daughter really mad at me because I texted her a photo of my guy (her dad) basking in the sun with a good book on the deck. I think that was really stupid and insensitive of me, but I’m so sun-happy right now, even though we need rain here as badly as you need a warm day. Anyway, stay in good spirits (with the real liquidy stuffy, as well as the spiritual stuff) and warm this weekend. We are watching football playoffs (this is MY secret – I love watching pro football – I know, you don’t believe it) and welcoming friends over for dinner – fresh fish and broccoli. And a glass of wine spirits. 🙂
Thank you for all your comments. I enjoyed reading them all. Am still enjoying a peaceful happy weekend despite Life’s challenges. Wishing the same for you!
I shall send you lots of sunshine (even though we’ve just driven through torrential rain) from the summery Western Cape, and lots of happy healing thoughts for any family members experiencing bad health. May everyone be radiantly, luminously, vibrantly HEALTHY in 2014!
Peaceful, quiet weekend here. Tim has a bad cold and we are resting for the first time in many months, enjoying the great indoors. Yesterday it was 1°F when we woke up, today 13°F. Sounds like you are a lot colder out there! Brrr…
Ah, so many questions, Kathy! This weekend I will be un-decorating for Christmas and re-decorating for Mardi Gras and winter. As for happiness, I do believe it is possible to be happy and sad at the same time, for many reasons. They aren’t two sides of the same coin, they are the same side of different coins, at the same time.
It is frigid in Louisiana, thanks to the Arctic blast – but the way I see it is that it comes from the North Pole, and we all know who lives up there, so I see it as an after-Christmas present.
Please, Universe, rain down your benevolent forces on Kathy and her world, for she is such a dear part of mine. ❤
We must have lows in order to appreciate the highs. I love that you crafted your post based upon a “search term”. Happy 2014 Kath. Stay warm. It’s 5:23 am and I am going hiking here. 🙂
Well, Kathy, you have successfully made me realize just how wonderful my life is right now! I was feeling sorry for myself today because I’ve had a terrible head cold since Friday, but other than that… it’s been nearly 10 degrees (C) outside since we got back to Victoria; plenty of sunshine, no rain. Marty made his ‘collection’ rounds yesterday to retrieve any $ from sales we had made over Christmas while we were away, so it felt like winning a (very) mini-lottery. We are (knock on wood) totally, 100% debt-free and thus free as birds in this world. And yes, I have a cold and am feeling emotional (cried for hours today over trivial things, like a beautiful letter I received), but wowza– my life is peaches! 🙂