I Don't Like Negativity

I don't like negativity especially when it comes to the temperature. I have many errands that I simply cannot put off today. The pharmacy to get my thyroid medication, the post office to mail a birthday gift, the grocery store for well, groceries and the gym. Normally I don't mind having to run to a few different places around town but today I am dreading it. It is MINUS ELEVEN outside. Seeing as how it is January and I live in Nebraska one might think I should be used to this. Cold is one thing, bitter cold is another but minus eleven with the additional horrid windchill makes it an Arctic blasting cold that I just have a hard time dealing with.

Brrrr.

Life isn't just about me though so as I sat here in my warm house delaying my errands because of the weather I thought about those who would gladly trade places with me. The homeless shelters are at capacity and it is not supposed to warm up for a couple more days. I gathered some extra blankets, a couple coats, mittens and scarves and the first place I am heading is the Open Door Mission in Omaha where these items are in high demand.

I feel warmer already.

Fontenelle Forest

We took a short jaunt to Fontanel Forest. Perfect time of year for it. The trees seemed to vie against each other for colorful bragging rights. We hiked a short loop to view the Missouri River. Taking my mom along we walked single file along the path listening to her stories of the hikes she took as a child growing up in Indiana. Clean, brisk autumn air was the perfect complement to the crunch of dried leaves under our feet. We listened to Grandma's stories of the Great Depression and how times were tough but the people were tougher. The economic hardships her generation faced helped them recognize what was truly important to them. People, love, relationships. Buying things, getting stuff was not part of her childhood. She has fond memories of the games they played,songs they sang. Hikes and campfires. She is homesick now for Indiana but her sisters and parents have passed away. The farm she grew up on is no longer there. She longs to go back for a visit but the reality is that there is no one and nothing left to visit. As we walk under the trees their falling leaves remind us that there is always changing seasons and to enjoy each one as much as possible.