It's Cold in Texas

Brrrr. The "s" word is in the forecast. That's not unknown here in central Texas, but it's rare. Rain, sleet, snow. I saw a little rain earlier, but not the rest. It is cold, though. And windy. I went out to pick up a few things earlier and, outside the house I was fine, but when I got to the large, open space of the parking lot it got windy and cold! I put on my jacket over my sweatshirt. I'm not complaining. I prefer the cold over the heat and humidity of winter by a long shot.

I found out that my mom has had a minor stroke. I found out by accident. My brother in Oregon called her. She seemed forgetful on the phone, not like herself. So he called his daughter, who lives near mom, and told her to go over and check on mom. That's how we all found out she'd had a stroke. She didn't want anyone to know because she didn't want anyone to worry. That's the way she is. She worries about everything. Worries like crazy. So she never passes along bad news about herself because she's afraid we'll all worry for nothing.

I didn't inherit the worrying from mom. I don't worry about anything. I'd like to say that's because I'm a Christian and I know that God doesn't want us to worry. So I don't. I pray, leave whatever in God's hands, and that's it. But sometimes I think my lack of worrying goes a little too far. Sometimes I think that I should worry a little bit! But I don't. Well, not much. I did worry a little bit about a friend and his cat, who was in pain and had to eventually be put down. But again, I prayed and left it in God's hands, confident that God would watch over both of them.

I put an ad in (on?) craigslist for someone to clean up my backyard, saying specifically that I couldn't afford to pay much. I did that before I realized that I wouldn't have the money to pay someone to clean up the backyard due to double-paying my electric bill by accident. But I'd already committed, and my backyard really is a mess.

I tried to get the guy to reschedule because of the weather, but he really needs the money, so I told him I'd call him at 9:00 a.m. (today) and talk about it. Since the worst of the weather seems to have avoided my backyard, it looks like he'll be coming over. I hope he'll take a check. It won't bounce, but it'll go into my overdraft protection, and that'll cost me an extra $18.

I just finished watching the HBO mini-series John Adams. It was very good, and very insightful about that time in our history. I don't know how much was accurate, and how much was drama, unfortunately. I recommend it highly. Go out and buy or rent it. Watch it. Or read the book on which it's based, John Adams by David McCullough.