40 below keeps the riff raff out..

We are in the deep freeze. Yesterday was an amazingly different day. I took the kids to the library. The sun was out, it was in the 30's. As soon as I got out of the car I was hit up by a homeless person for some money. He said he needed it for brain surgery. I believe him- but was pretty sure my money would have gone to another bottle of beer rather than surgery.

The homeless group wandering the streets was large. There were about 15 right in front of the library and many others wandering around other places. I can guarantee all those people are not sitting around, relaxed, outside today.

Buddy is so sensitive that he told me he wished he could invite all the outside animals inside our house today. We are making sure the bird feeders are full and that a few apples make their way out for the deer tonight. ( some old, rotten ones from the bottom of my refrigerator)

I have put down counselors in the past, but I am currently seeing one. It has been a great experience. I am not the same person that started "therapy" a few weeks ago. I was unaware of many things, felt incredibly fragile, and helpless. I have learned that it is possible to gain control over emotions gone wild. It is possible to allow time to work without having to rush in and try to "solve" everything. I have learned how to better learn from the past. Would I have eventually reached these conclusions on my own? Maybe. There are times when it is helpful to have a neutral party provide some input. Anyway..that has been a big step, and well worth it.

For kicks my husband and I are listening to Salem's Lot by Stephen King in the evenings. Pretty crazy, huh? I am determined to read books of all kinds and that includes books by Stephen King. They are dark, but sometimes those books are the best. I spent a lot of time reading books about the Amish and feel I've made a pretty radical step away from that!! Anyone familiar with that book? We were able to download it from our library.

I wonder what I should try next? I also just finished a book by Ken Follett called "The Pillars of the Earth". That was an awesome book!! Mr. Follett grew up in a Plymouth Brethren "church" and so did I. This book confirms it, almost. The Brethren worship in simplicity- few decorations, no elaborate building, and definitely no " pomp and circumstance" as some churches go. This book is about a man who wants to build a cathedral- and much more. The story grabbed me and pulled me in. It is an adult book, though, so if you can't read about violence or sex (from the Middle Ages) then forget this book.

It is 1:44 and I have not had lunch. I always feel like I am saving calories if I can semi combine breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner. This isn't good for my blood sugar levels which hit lows when I do this, but I love having loose fitting jeans!!! Don't worry, mom, I am not starving myself..just a little calorie restriction every once in a while.

Time to eat something. Good day! Stay warm!