Potpourri Friday

It occurred to me this morning that I haven't done a Potpourri Friday in a while. And since today is Friday, well, let's Potpourri!

Coming from a large family, and having a large family has a lot of benefits. One of those benefits is that I have never lived alone. Or stayed alone. Until the last couple of weeks. For the last couple of weeks, Chuck and Jessica have been gone. Last year when they signed up to go to Argentina on a work and witness trip through our church, it didn't seem like a big deal to me. I knew I couldn't go because I don't have enough vacation time built up and besides, somebody would need to stay home and take care of the dogs and the horses. But it didn't sink in that I would be staying alone. As in just me. In the house. By myself. At night. Alone. Did I mention that I am the worlds biggest chicken? It's been an interesting time. All in all, it's gone quite well. My daughter Michelle has stayed with me some because her husband went on the trip too. And she is a bigger trooper than I am because their first wedding anniversary was this week. And she spent it with her college roommates and he spent it with his father-in-law. Romantic huh?
Anyway, I have been staying alone for several nights. I can't say I'm getting any better at it, but I have been doing it. I hear every noise, every creak, every sound. Needless to say, I don't sleep well. Which is very different that how I usually sleep. Usually a Mac truck driving through the bedroom wouldn't disturb me.

I have also been responsible for feeding the horses twice a day. Once in the morning before I go to work and once in the evening when I get home from work. I was really dreading this. But you know what? I have actually enjoyed it. Do you have any idea how peaceful it is just before the world wakes up? It has been crispy cold outside. So I bundle up in Chuck's heavy Carhart coat and put on my boots and trudge out to the barn. Wow - the stars are so bright and close. The sun is coming up over the ridge of the mountains. Yet behind me the moon is still brightly shining. Who knew? My breath meets the cold air and creates a white cloud all around me. The horses softly whinny and their breath makes even bigger clouds. The cat jumps out of the haystack ready for his breakfast too. It is a new day and I can't help but tell God how impressed I am with His creation. What a beautiful way to start a new day. I might just have to keep this new habit going. At the end of the day, on goes the Carhart coat and the boots and out to the barn I go again. The horses are happy to see me. We have a short conversation and I feed them once again. They are grateful because it has been cold outside all day and the night time is descending quickly. Hay will keep their metabolism burning and help to keep them warm. They nuzzle my hand and are happy for my company. What a sweet time. But then I hurry into the house, because it is getting dark and I must get the doors locked.
I have spent lots of time knitting on the sweater, watching TiVo'd quilt shows, and making sweet baby gifts. That has been fun. I don't feel guilty thinking I should be spending time with my family and not in my sewing room so much. I have taken down Christmas and boy have I cleaned. My house is sparkling. So it hasn't been bad. Not bad at all. But I am looking forward with great anticipation to a couple of days from now when my family returns. It's been hard not knowing when I will get to talk to them. It's been hard knowing they are so far away. It's been hard not cooking for them - how in the world do you cook for just one? I don't! I snack - and not very healthily I'm afraid!

I look forward to hearing about their experiences. I know it's been hard. It has been hot, humid, and have done lots and lots of manual labor. I know there have been bed bugs. I know the food hasn't been great. But I know their hearts have been changed by what they are doing. And I can't wait to hear all about it! It won't be long now!

This weekend, Michelle and I are going to the fabric store to buy fabric and patterns to sew the Baby Nursery! How fun is that? Her theme is going to be "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Do You Know How Loved You Are?" She wants dark blue and champagne for her colors. Just like she had for her wedding last year! This is going to be fun!

I have had much fun with the Grandma Name post! There are so many sweet names to choose from and there sure are definite opinions out there! I am still contemplating it but I think I have it narrowed down to two and am leaning heavily, heavily to one. I'll keep you posted! Keep sharing your ideas. I can be swayed. Or bought!