It's Thursday, If That Makes Any Difference

In some ways I feel as though I should be documenting the historic events of Covid-19, but other than reporting the grim statistics and government mandates, my days look pretty much the same. Yesterday I went to see my chiropractor who straightened my neck. I went away feeling better physically, but a little guilty for having gone out.

We have a new state mandate regarding face masks. They "must"

be worn in public (along with hand washing, social distancing, and gobs of hand sanitizer) if you dare to venture outside your home. Today Hannah, Idris, and I went for a ride to pick up a bag of fabric masks made by a friend. I also dropped off a few jigsaw puzzles to a friend whose son has been enjoying them during this time of staying home. I have more than enough to share and the boxes haven't been opened in months, perhaps years.

I'm trying not to be frustrated. Staying home isn't the issue as much as how to spend the time, and being made to feel guilty if I happen to go out without a mask. It was weird enough when I was still working, but now if we dare to question whether any of this is induced hysteria or overreach, we are condemned as uncaring. Damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Is wanting life back to normal really selfish?

I woke to sunshine and blue skies, but it was cold and snow graced miniature leaves and branches. I literally drove into a snow squall on my way to drop off the puzzles. Working outside in the yard or putting in a garden would be therapeutic. I don't want to be cranky, and I promise to be nice even while I am frustrated. I am thankful for all the ways God has blessed me, but there are red flags waving from all directions and I'm not sure how to respond.

I actually had to look at the calendar to find out what day it is. (It's Thursday.) It's also Number 3's birthday. Today he is 10 years old. Happy Birthday, Simon! I wish we were having a party, but one day there will be a grand celebration and I'm eagerly looking forward to that day. I hope it truly happens.

Snowy Roads and a Late Start

I woke up on time this morning, but somehow left the house later than usual. It was just a few minutes later, but the roads were snow covered and it was still dark. I swept the snow off my already warmed up car, headed out and immediately caught two red lights. About five minutes into my drive I came up behind a CDS Monarch van traveling anywhere between 20 and 30 miles an hour. I prayed it wouldn't turn from Plank Rd onto Salt, but it did. I hoped against the odds that it would turn onto Atlantic Avenue, but it didn't. I was quite relieved when it finally turned onto Penfield Rd. and was going the opposite direction than me.

I made decent time driving down Gananda Parkway, and a good portion of the way down Canandaigua Rd as well, but just before I reached the junction with 31F another very cautious driver blocked my way. I was slightly impatient, but only because I knew I was destined to be late for work, and I hate being late. I realize there are a myriad of reasons for drivers to travel under the speed limit, especially in poor weather conditions. Tires and experience in the snow are just two of them.

I waited, mumbling a little bit under my breath, as I waited for Mr Sporty-Looking Car to cross the intersection. He was so very careful about crossing that I knew the double hill ahead might pose a challenge for him (or her). The brake lights lit up multiple times on the way down the hill and I couldn't help thinking how he was going to need that momentum to climb the hill on the other side... I was not wrong. He was losing speed as he went. "Don't slow down!" I instructed, but he paid me no mind.

Not far from the crest of the hill his tires began to spin and he came to a stop. I had to think fast as I did not have any way to help and did not want to become stuck on the hill myself. I peered into the darkness to his left and prayed no one was coming up the road on the other side, then I drove on past as did at least two people behind me. A short distance down the road I passed a semi headed his direction, flashed a warning with my high beams, and continued on to work. I was seven minutes late.

Heat Wave

The heat wave promised earlier this week has arrived. I am even more grateful for the air conditioner tonight than I was last night. I could feel the heat coming through my slanted ceiling this afternoon, and though it was still comfortable upstairs, I decided to give the machine a rest and go down for the rest of the day. This evening, when the sun ceased beating on the roof, I turned it back on. So nice!

In the village of Webster there is a little museum dedicated to the town's history. It's been there for years and I'd never been inside. This afternoon I decided to escape the heat and visit the Webster Museum. There is no charge to get in and it's fully air conditioned. I talked to the former mayor who was overseeing the place and learned a few new things about Webster's history.

This evening I took my camera for a ride down to the lake. Lake Ontario. It was warm and muggy, but beautiful. People were checking out the water and walking the pier. There had been a wedding on the hill with pictures on the mostly submerged boardwalk/ underwater breakwall, and a photographer with a wagon full of equipment was just setting up to capture the sunset. Since I was alone, I took my usual pictures, the backs of people I don't know, and then headed for home.

Bits and Pieces

* On Sunday afternoon my older younger sister invited me over for dinner. I was so tired when I arrived that I took a pre-dinner nap. Ha ha! Just curled up on the sofa, put my head on my wadded up jacket, and went to sleep. I felt much better afterward. It's nice visiting someone who loves me enough to let me sleep for a bit. Of course, it helps that I've let her take a nap at my house too.
:0)

* Yesterday was spaghetti and meatball day at work. It's a favorite with the kids. Somehow I managed to sneak in a batch (or two) of applesauce cake for snack too! Smelled yummy at daycare.

* The babies have had colds and runny noses. I was back in the baby room for the evening, tissues in hand, when I noticed Derek was in need. There was a white booger peeking out of his nose. I wiped/grabbed it and was in for a surprise. It was a piece of spaghetti! Well, just a quarter piece. I broke them in quarters before cooking them for the little ones. (So gross! Ha ha!)

* I went to work a half hour early today on dry, clear roads. I drove home this evening through snow and slush. I think "wintry mix" is right! Powdery snow, sleet, freezing rain... I even heard some people got hail. Ah, nothing is unheard of and anything is possible. Can't wait to see what tomorrow morning looks like.

(The photos are old. That's my Number One grandchild a few years back.)

It Was Cold Today

With school closed due to the arctic wind chill, we had a different kind of day at the center. No more than 31 children showed up, including our school age group. It was a more relaxed atmosphere and I had the rare privilege of going home 45 minutes early.

I've had two "much better than Monday and Tuesday" days. I know deep inside that grief comes in waves, but when it hits I am still overwhelmed. I also know I am not alone in my grief. Perhaps that is the biggest sorrow of all... It is just a part of why my heart is torn. I will be okay, but there will be days of intense pain in the process of getting there. I need to hurt, it's part of the healing, so please forgive me for the times when it bleeds through my writing.

Life is not all pain. There are hundreds of moments each day when I stop to soak in the blessings and remember to be thankful. Each little child, each hug, each smile... our sweet, soft babies, rascally toddlers, rambunctious preschoolers, and surly school age kids... I smile when our babies learn to walk, to talk, and say my name... We have one small child who calls me "Marka." Ha ha! When Sophia wrapped her little arms around my neck and said, "I luf you," my heart melted a little. I love the children, my coworkers, and my boss. I am thankful for my kitchen and the time I get to spend in the classrooms. It's a good place to be.

I am thankful for week days and week ends, for church on Sunday mornings, my step study on Monday nights, and the pottery studio. I am thankful for our counselor, my sisters, and my attic bedroom. I am thankful for my kids, for the cabinetmaker, and for my friends. I am blessed by the blog and my blog friends, and I'm even thankful for Facebook. And right now, I am thankful it isn't yet 11 o'clock and that my teeth are already brushed. I'm ready to turn out the light and go to sleep. Thanks for being there, guys.

Arctic Air Mass and Stuff

The weather was normal on my way to work this morning. Average winter temperature and no snow to speak of. Our after work staff meeting was cancelled and I left work on time for a change. The temperature dropped considerable throughout the day and the wind picked up, cancellations were many, but the drive home was uneventful.

I'd already been home for an hour when Hannah realized she'd forgotten about Joe asking to come over tonight. She'd already eaten dinner, but I hadn't, so I called to see if he still wanted to come. I figured we could grab something together and bring it back to eat. We decided on Wendy's. We went inside instead of using the drive-thru. We had picked up our orders and were about to leave when a small voice called, "Hi!" Three children hurried up to us. I got a hug from Lucas and was pleasantly surprised to find my son and daughter in law in front of me. It was a chance meeting (or divine appointment). They were planning to hit the drive-thru when they spotted my car in the parking lot. We all decided to stay and eat together. Funny thing is I'd been thinking about them on my way home from work earlier. I think God heard me thinking.

My Minnesota son was able to work from home today. He may be all grown up and far away, but when the weather is especially cold and nasty, he's still on my mind. I was blessed to know he was safe at home with his little family. How about that Number Eleven?

PS. It was a much better day. 

Snow Tires and Stuff

Yesterday morning I was entirely thankful for good tires on my vehicle. (I can't remember if they are snow tires or brand new all-season tires, but they are doing a good job in the snow.) All the roads were snow covered and slick. It was so cold that every step I took made a squeaking sound as the snow moved under my feet. It was what I call "booger-freezing weather! I left home while it was still dark out and didn't come home until it was dark again.

Monday night is Step Study night. I am sorting through hard things. Some of it gets written down, but there are also thoughts still swirling, thoughts that haven't yet found a landing place. I'm learning more about me and it's an interesting journey.

Today was a hard day. A cranky day. I felt off and I knew it, but I made it through. It helps to be aware of my feelings and work my way through the day by giving myself room to breathe and admit I'm not always going to be okay every day. I just need to take one day at a time.

This evening I met my son Joe and we went out to Chipotle for a bite to eat. It's nice to catch up with my kids every once in a while. I knew there would come a day when they would go off on their own, I just didn't know how fast it would get here.

I'm expected at work a half hour early tomorrow morning. For some reason that makes me feel like I need to go to sleep earlier. Or maybe I'm really tired and that's why I was feeling cranky today.
:0)
 

A Little Snow Storm Too

I didn't leave home early enough this morning. I wasn't late leaving, I just needed to leave earlier than I did. My first clue was the snow piled on the hood and windshield. The second was the ice underneath the snow...

Had the roads not been snow covered, the snow not flying sideways, and the temperatures not bitter, I might have arrived at work on time, but blizzard-like conditions have a way of convincing folks to drive closer to 25 miles an hour rather than 45 or 50. (The photo is not from today, rather one I took one snowy November morning. I left my camera upstairs today.) At the halfway point I was doing okay, but rapidly approaching a time crunch. The kicker was the 55 mile an hour section where the guy in front was going about 20 miles an hour.

I punched in ten minutes late. (Yes, we still have a time clock with cards to punch.) Thankfully, I still worked my 8 hours and punched out at ten minutes til five. Between the holiday and going home early, I lost about 8 hours last week. My unused vacation time is in this week's check, but it feels like I've been shorted by an entire day. Ha.ha! I think I might get over it. I do typically garner a little bit of overtime most weeks.

I went to the pottery studio last night before the storm blew in and worked on another box with a figure on top. This time it's sitting on the edge of the lid with its legs hanging over the front. I'm never sure what I'm going to do with them until they happen and sometimes I find myself smiling at the result. Kind of like the little guy standing on his head on the lid of the little trinket box. I might have stayed longer last night, but the few others there cleared out early and being there alone just isn't quite the same. Besides, my car was parked across Monroe Avenue and I'm not real keen on being in the city alone in the dark. I decided to go home once I was done. It was only 7:30 pm. and the snow hadn't yet started to pile up.

January? Really?

Can it really be January in upstate NY? Will the rain drumming on my roof be snow by tomorrow morning? Anything can happen, but it's not looking probable. The good thing is we don't have scrape rain off any windshields.

I popped into the pottery studio a couple of times this past weekend. I rarely stay long, but I do have a few items to show for the times I do stop. I've been asked by a couple of wheel throwing friends if I am going to take another class. They think I should take the advanced class on Saturday mornings... but for now I am rather satisfied dabbling. Throwing aggravates the tendonitis (or is it arthritis?) in my thumbs, while handbuilding is a bit gentler. I like both, but have been doing a little more handbuilding lately. Boxes. With figures on top. And... I really don't have the extra cash for a class. Right now I prefer renting a shelf. I think it's a nice arrangement.

I'm not even sure how I ended up with an upside down figure on the little trinket box. It just kind of ... happened. I hope it doesn't fall apart before it gets fired and glazed.
 
The blue box has music inside, and the other one has yet to be glaze fired. The head still isn't firmly attached. Perhaps it is a sign. Mom used to say I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached. Ha ha!

Today is Friday and It's Almost Christmas

I got to leave work early today. It wasn't raining when I left, but it's been raining for hours now. If the temperatures weren't unseasonably warm, we'd be having a blizzard. I'm not keen on getting drenched in December, but it sure is easier to walk through, and it doesn't require shoveling. I think I'll just be grateful, because I won't need to clear a path to my car in the morning or brush the snow off my car... unless the temperature really flash freezes. Ah, the joys and surprises of living in through winters in upstate New York. Anything is normal and no one really knows what to expect from one to to another.

Somewhere in Minnesota is a family I will be missing this Christmas. A quirky five year old with a silly sense of humor, his sweet, sweet momma, his fun loving father (once my own small son), and a brand new baby boy. I'm trying not to let the want take over the impossible. I can't be there right now, and they can't be here. I have to be okay with that, but I can still miss them. And I do. I hope they know how much I love them.

I stole a couple photographs from Facebook... :0)

I am not ready for Christmas. I haven't been stressed over preparations. I shopped here and there throughout the year and have a stockpile of bowls from my time at the pottery studio, but family relationships are strained. I was asked if there was "anything beautiful that you wish your kids will buy for you for Christmas?" but the truth is, I only want to find my kids all in one place and happy. I know it's a lot to ask, but that is my only wish, even if it's only my area kids. Perhaps deep down that is the wish of every Mom of Many.

Tomorrow I will meet my friend Laura for breakfast, and maybe I'll check out the mall before Christmas is over. I havne't been there yet this year. And maybe I'll go back to the pottery studio, glaze another music box, and start putting the next ones together. Who knows? Maybe by this time next year I'll have a whole collection of those.

Wind, a Runaway Slide, and a Dinner Date

A potpourri of weather, that's what the radio said. It was windy but pleasant when I went out for lunch this afternoon, but a few hours later the gusts were brutal and snow was dancing in the breeze. Lots of wind damage out there today. Six tractor trailers were flipped in the Rochester area! Crazy!

On my way home I picked up a runaway kid's slide... It was blowing into the neighbor's yard from the driveway of a vacant house where it spent this past winter. Yes, I took it home for my grandson, but last night I'd messaged the owner to ask her about it. She hadn't answered my note yet, so I sent her another telling her I'd "rescued" it. It didn't even need to be washed. It was already clean from the recent rain. Number Nine thinks it's fine.

This evening I met my sisters for dinner at Proietti's. Once upon a time, when we were little girls, Prioetti's was a pizza shop. There was an open counter where the cooks rolled, and hand tossed the pizza dough. It was fascinating to watch and that pizza crust was the best around. I haven't had anything like it in a long time. The owner was there at the restaurant this evening so I asked him if he still hand tosses his pizza dough. I think one day I'll splurge on a good old fashioned pizza, close my eyes, and pretend I'm back at Proietti's with Mom, Dad, and my sisters for an evening out.

Winter Surprise!

Weekends are for snowstorms and bitter cold temperatures. Or maybe that is winter in general. The temperature gauge in my van read 54 degree on my way to work yesterday morning. By the time I went home nine hours later, it was reading 34. As the rain continued to fall, the temperature continued to drop. By this morning we had about two feet of snow in the driveway. I had my reservations when I saw Sergio's snowblower last weekend, but it is doing the job and has earned its keep in just seven days.

The snow must have fallen all night long. Rarely have I seen so many vehicles literally buried in snow. While Sergio ran the snowblower, I took the shovel and cleaned the house and garage sides of my car. Soft, fluffy and light on top, heavy and slushy underneath. It's crazy to think that yesterday morning there was literally no snow in the driveway or yard, just dirty, leftover piles along the edge of the street.

People are commenting on the "crazy weather" we've been having, but this is exactly what I remember it being like when I was a little girl, and that held true all the way through my high school years. In fact, I've often found myself wondering why we so rarely get crazy snowstorms anymore.

I even took a walk around the corner and down to the woods this afternoon. (I'm reliving my childhood whenever possible...) I came home with snow up to my knees and finally took off the wet jeans and traded them in for flannel jammie pants. And then I shivered for what felt like hours. Ha ha! (I'm toasty warm now.)

Gold in Them Thar Hills

Another couple pictures from yesterday, because we didn't spend the whole day in the woods. Naples, NY., like Naples, Italy, is known for grapes and wine. The Cabinetmaker took this photo for me (Hey, Tom, maybe I did have a barn photo... ) since he was in the passenger seat.

We headed down Italy Valley Rd but took a left down a seasonal use highway. It's going to be gorgeous when the leaves turn. Almost looks like a painting as it is!

Back to work today. A week ago it felt like July and now we're back to reality. I needed a jacket this morning. It was downright cold!

Sandblasted

This goes along with last night's post...

After skipping along the shore at B Foreman Park and getting soaked by a monster wave, we headed east toward Sodus Point to see what was happening down at the pier. We found more wildness. Same lake, same crazy waves, with an added twist. Sand.

I saw it before I got out of the van, but didn't fully comprehend what I was seeing. The air looked cloudy, almost like it was full of smoke or fog. But it was neither of those, it was instead little grains of beach. I stepped out of the vehicle and into a giant sandblaster.

You wouldn't have thought it painful to be standing out there, at least not by the number of people dotting the beach and shoreline, but the wind whipped sand was nearly impossible to escape unless you took shelter behind a car. Yet there they were sitting out in the open, many sporting cameras, enjoying the pure exhilaration of a Great Lakes sand storm.

James, who carried no camera, retreated to the safety of our vehicle, leaving me to brave the tempest. I couldn't resist. It was all so wonderful!  Now I was not only wet from God's sprinkler system, I was being exfoliated as well! Like a free trip to an exotic spa. ha ha! By the time I made my way back home there was grit stuck around my eyes and settled into my ears. My hair was full of sand and a pre-bedtime shower was inevitable.

I have to say it was worth every second. I came away with a few decent pictures and I'm sure I wasn't the only one.

A Second Snow Day

After looking out the windows, weighing my options, and seeking opinions, I decided to stay home from work for a second day. I didn't really feel like staying home, but the weather is so awful and the drive is 40 minutes in good weather. If my part in her care was absolutely imperative, I'd have braved the elements, but even on good days I typically arrive to a sleeping companion. She is awakened for lunch, eats as little as she can get away with, is toileted, and then put into bed from about 2 pm until about 4:30 pm. It just didn't seem worth the risk today, although I'm sure the staff at the facility would have been appreciative. (picture courtesy of the facility's FB page)

It's hard to tell how much it's snowing when the wind is blowing so constantly, but my son in law posted a few pictures that show how deep it is at their house. I remember many winters when my dad shoveled that driveway by hand.

The baby was supposed to show how deep the snow was, but the angle is a little off and all you really notice is his cuteness. He's too little to play outside this year, but it won't be long before he's out there helping his daddy clear the driveway.

The storm, along with its wind, is supposed to dissipate sometime between tonight and tomorrow. Between the windstorm last Wednesday and this week's blizzard, some school districts lost four days of school in the past week! In a few days it will get warm again and winter will be over. The snow will melt and we can think about spring and daffodils. March always has the last big snowstorm and it's typically a big one. Time to let the lion rest so the lamb can come out and play.

The Wildness of the Weather

Last week it was wind, this week it's snow. I found a flock of linemen parked by Target yesterday. They were just coming back from grabbing a bite to eat across the street when I pulled up. They really are unsung heroes.

I was given the choice of whether or not to go into work today. Seeing as the weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate, and seeing as it's already a 40 minute drive, across the Irondequoit Bay bridge both ways, and seeing as my friend will be warm, hopefully well fed, and well taken care of with or without me, I decided to stay home where I will be safe, warm, well fed, and taken care of. No one will have to rescue me from a snowbank or a car accident, and I won't be sleeping in a nursing home recliner overnight.

It looks as if we lost a bit of roof in last week's windstorm. The old migrant shack (yes, seasonal workers actually once lived there) isn't our favorite outbuilding, but in spite of its appearance, it's still functioning. It's a great winter shelter for Ben's old Ford truck, a storage area for milled lumber, and it's holding that old silver maple up in windstorms, ice storms, and blizzards.

My youngest son took off for Minneapolis last Thursday morning and almost got stranded in Detroit until tomorrow morning. He had a great weekend with his oldest brother and family and is making the most of his homeward bound adventures.

Ground Control to Major Tom

Dear Tom,

It's still windy here at home. Lots of downed trees and power lines. Lots of folks without heat or electricity. Our power did not go out, but the internet was down for over 24 hours. I can live with that. It wasn't cold when the wind kicked up on Wednesday, but it's cold now. Drove to Wegmans yesterday and decided to take the "scenic route" home. Down 250 to Lake Road where I thought I might take a drive down by Webster Park. I found a large tree blocking the way. (Holt Rd was already closed from 104 north. I should have known.)

I set off toward home along Lake Rd but had to turn around just past County Line due to downed trees and power lines. School was closed yesterday because of all the loose power lines. I don't know what happened today. I opted to stay home myself, since the wind is ferocious and I don't absolutely need to be anywhere. I can't imagine the work crews have everything cleaned up yet.

March has been a blast so far!

Martha

PS. Check out the pictures. Windy days

Windy Wednesday

I stopped to drop off some papers to my favorite Hannah this morning and came upon my favorite Bethany. It was the perfect surprise! I got to snuggle two babies!!! Good thing I had my camera along.

The day was bright, sunny, and pleasant. The wind kicked up a little after noon and turned the city and surrounding areas into a bit of chaos. Lots of downed trees and power lines, branches everywhere, and a few flying trampolines. Empty tractor trailer trucks were eventually banned from the highways, traffic lights went out making multiple 4-way stops, and rush hour commutes doubled and tripled in time. A tree came down on a car in the work parking lot,

and Bethany had the foresight (or maybe a whisper from God) to move two of her vehicles out of the driveway before the pine tree came crashing down. The third one had a dead battery and the tree landed directly behind it, tickling the back bumper as it dropped.