Checking In

I’ve finally gotten good and started on my work project and not a minute too soon, either. This is the second day I will have spent pouring over statistics. I’ve developed a compromise that keeps me from running to the fireplace for a quick arse warming: I sit with a heating pad tucked between my back and the chair, set perpetually to low, and this keeps me in my chair in a productive state much longer.

My house is cold, I think, even in summer, a theory the S-Man finds ridiculous at best and insulting at worst. If I say I’m cold, he often reads me the temperature off the thermostat, “By God, it’s SEVENTY DEGREES in this house”, information that, while I’m sure it’s accurate, makes me actually feel no warmer.

We had a quiet weekend and now that I think of it, I’m not sure I actually ever left the house. I did make Pad Thai for dinner on Saturday along with some Tom Kha Gai soup, which, even though lacking the more exotic ingredients, was still very tasty.

Last night, I made a batch of chili and, thus fortified, we decided to brave the (extremely) windy night for a walk. As luck would have it, the temperature dropped over ten degrees from the time we set off until we got back and so the last half of the outing seemed a bit like a struggle against the elements. The S-Man and I imagined the horror of our fellow Lowertownians at awaking Monday morning to find us frozen solid in, say, the Paducah Bank parking lot, or perhaps near the Etcetera Coffee Shop only steps away from life-giving java.

Lately, I've found myself completely unable to wear anything on my feet besides what I call my "riding" boots. I purchased them a couple of years ago, from TV no less, and they somehow, miraculously fit like a glove. Almost knee high, they are made of serious leather and it's taken me a couple of seasons to break them in. Now that they are broken in? They have taken the place of my beloved hiking boots as my very favorite footwear. I wouldn't put it past myself to start pulling them on under my flannel gown at night. There's just something about powerful footwear that is transforming, don't you think?

Otherwise, I continue to be surprised every Sunday night when I come to the realization that Monday morning is no longer something to dread. What a gift these last six months of peace have been. And, heck, who knows, there may be more in store.

But this week promises to be a very busy one. I am traveling in and out of town beginning tomorrow and on through the weekend, so not sure how often I’ll be updating.