Cold now.

No crows. No coyote. No geese. No dog walkers. It’s seven degrees or thereabouts.

I’m fine. Warm and comfortable. Although my left foot has fallen asleep from sitting here for so long. I was working some puzzles. I was avoiding the “news”. I was vowing, NO Facebook. I had been on a bit of a daily binge. That’s enough of that young lady! It started with my birthday. There were so many happy wishes and lovely notes. But then I got hooked in. Those darn reels of cooking and the ones of artisans making amazing items. I watched a video of Japanese calligraphy ink being made. Fascinating stuff but it goes on for hours. Hours that I will never get back. At the age of seventy I want my hours.

Then I was acknowledging to myself that I did secretly have an expectation of something special for my birthday. Some little fanfare. Like a gathering of friends or something organized. As usual, shoulda done it myself. Made my own idea of what I would like.

Don’t get me wrong, I did like the quiet time. I mostly prefer it now. However, for me seventy feels a little more special than usual.

I did get a fabulous pedicure. So now when I shake my foot back to life I can admire my blood red nails.

So, on this very cold Sunday I am extremely grateful to be alive and sober. I’m grateful for heat hissing up and a humming humidifier. I’m grateful for all the birthday good wishes and a few dollars for a splurge on a pedicure. I’m grateful for groceries and a strong cup of coffee. I’m grateful for this quiet morning in this place. I’m grateful for my neighbors. I’m grateful for the Y.

I invite you to take big breaks from your daily screen time. From the scroll. From the mind numbing. We need to stay sharp for the days ahead.

☮️🦋🙏🏻