Oopsy

Friday, January 19, 2024

Yesterday, I was thankful for not having to go to work. That would have meant having to drive, and icy rain that fell all day froze the already deeply-standing snow. Driving was an awful thought, and walking at home also was challenging.

I had animals to feed down at the barn and periodically went to them. I suited up in heavy outerwear, wore cleated boots, and carried hiking sticks. The pathways worn slick forced me to trod carefully throughout the day and evening. I did manage to care for all my outside critters.

For much of yesterday, my dogs stayed inside, and we just hung around. I wasted hours by streaming “Downton Abbey.” I’ve seen that series numerous times; it’s always fun because of some great characters, especially the wonderful Maggie Smith.

Over the past lousy-weather weeks, I’ve realized in this harsh weather, that the worst part of going outside is thinking about going outside. Once physically out there, it’s less about anticipating than coping, which consumes most energy and brainpower.

So, I’ve been officially hired, but yesterday, there was a sudden rub: The chain is about to lay off some 2,500 employees and close five of its stores! If I wind up having to leave, at least I can claim to have worked well for the store and was appreciated enough to be hired.

Dear Friends: Forever, coping with relationships, weather conditions, and the economy. Diana