From Siberia to the Bahamas

 You just gotta love Oklahoma.  We were in Siberia last week and the Bahamas this week.  Today was in the 70's after being -12 a few days ago.  Ron and I took advantage of the sunshine and picked up my daughter's little dog and brought her over for a play date.  While the two pooches ran around in the backyard we cleaned out one of the flower beds and just soaked up the sunshine.  I told Ron I'm a little concerned about the upcoming tornado season.  Since we have been in a state of extremes for so long no telling what that will be like.  Last year we were considering building a tornado shelter but could never decide what kind or where to put it.  Normally we just get in an interior hallway and put bike helmets on our heads.  That is about as much of a shelter as I can get Ron in anyway.  I could just see him getting blown away standing outside the shelter door.

I got a long overdue haircut today and feel so much better.  It's funny how that one little thing can improve your disposition.  I literally couldn't do anything with my hair.  I prefer to keep it short because basically I'm too lazy to spend too much time fussing with it.  Besides no matter how much time I spend trying to fix it my hair has a will of its own.  I've either had really long hair which I put in a ponytail (when I was younger) or really short hair.  I guess I have my extremes as well.

I've been thinking about the yard projects I'd like to get done this year.  We have to have another tree removed because of storm damage.  We are also considering having a new patio installed, larger with a cover.  We want to have a ceiling fan as well.  If you don't have shade in the summer you just can't bear the heat.  It's brutal.  In my wildest of fancy's I'd like a screened in patio so I can get away from the mosquitoes....I'm a human bug zapper!

I guess we'd better keep entering those publisher clearing house sweepstakes if I'm ever going to get my wish list completed.

The Big Thaw

 Well we are beginning to thaw out in Oklahoma.  We were above freezing yesterday by only 3 degrees but we got up to 40 today and the snow is melting.  We were so lucky compared to our Texas neighbors.  Not nearly as many people lost power here but then Oklahoma didn't deregulate their energy grid.  We were able to buy from other states which kept us going.  I've been amazed at how Texas Republicans are blaming everybody from the Easter bunny to Santa Claus but mostly Biden and AOC for their problems.  The federal government isn't moving fast enough says the state that is always wanting to secede from the union.  Anyway I wouldn't wish what they've gone through on my worse enemy.

Mike didn't pretty good through the arctic blast but he's been a little wack-a-doodle the last few days.  I think his meds were cut just a smidge too much.  We missed the sweet spot.  Guess we will talk to his psychiatrist again.  Also his hand tremble is back since he stopped the buspirone. The shaking is a side effect of Risperdal.  Everything has side effects and you just have to decide which is worse.

We got to visit with my daughters Thursday for a little while.  We didn't wear masks but maintained distance.  It felt almost normal.  I'm looking forward to them getting their second dose of vaccine and hopefully soon we will be able to get together more often.

Our schools are still closed due to the weather.  Going into the third week.  A lot of the schools suffered damage from the storm.  A lot of broken water lines.  They will do remote learning Monday and that will allow teachers to get vaccinated.  A vaccination clinic is being held and they plan to vaccinate about 7,000 Monday.  All of this will make it safer for in person learning.  It's what I've been praying for this past year.

Here is to warmer, safer days ahead!!

Happy Valentine's Day

 Well, like everything else that's going on we are now getting unusually cold weather for Oklahoma.  Right now it is 7 degrees and will be about 17 below zero tonight.  They predicted 14 inches of snow but we don't have nearly that much.  Some places have 6 foot snow drifts but we are ok on that front.  I've just retreated under the covers and Ellie and I are keeping each other warm.

Ron, Mike and I are fully vaccinated now and my daughters have each received their first dose.  This was such a relief to me.  One clinic opened up to teachers for one day because they had so many cancellations due to weather. So the girls took advantage of the opportunity and got their shots.

Like a lot of people I watched the impeachment trial.  I had no expectation of a conviction so I wasn't disappointment with the result.  I just want 45 to fade away which unfortunately he has no intention of doing.  

Hope everyone is having a great Valentine's day and staying warm and toasty!