Friday, January 18, 2008

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!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

You can be bought! That is hilarious.

I am glad you are using your time to the best advantage. That little one will be sitting pretty with all the new things grandma .. grammie ... nana ... mimi ... YOU make for him/her.

And your description of the early mornings with your horses is exactly the way I picture it should be. Straight from a movie set. Only you don't get paid.

Rats!

Enjoy your time.

Dawn said...

I didn't know you had horses! Sounds like a lot of work, but it turned out to be a blessing.

I personally enjoy being home alone for a few days. I've never been afraid. But I lived alone for awhile before I met my husband.

The trip to Argentina will change their lives, if it's anything like the W&W trips our church folks have taken. I'm hoping to go to Peru with my hubby next summer, and lots of other people. I've made one trip to Brazil,a but need to go on another one - after all I am the missionary president!

Tara said...

Ummm...I'm a little concerned about these bed bugs. If those little stowaways get into your house, you won't be able to get rid of them. They can live up to a year without feeding - resilient little buggers. You might want to look into it before they get home.. :) Wish I was there to keep you company!!

Just Me said...

Hey Tara....can I ask....when you said 'work and witness program' something twigged in me - are you in/pastoring a Nazarene church by any chance?? My son was hired by one in California..and he just used that term with me last week - so I'm just curious!
Enjoy the horses!! And by the way..did you figure out a gramma name?

gail@more than a song said...

You can't be the world's biggest chicken, because that would be ME! I hate staying by myself, hope everything is still going ok if they aren't back yet.
I'm home and trying to catch up and clean up! Oh and you'll have to show pics of the sewing and baby nursery stuff y'all have been doing.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Robin, this was a beautiful blog. The imagery was great. I remember now--you are the Yorkie breeder. You'll have to come see the video of my Yorkie I have posted today. I know; she has bad knees and a sway back, but I think she is the most wonderful button-nosed little girl ever! Glad you got hooked up with Beth Moore. someday I will!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Also, just wondering ... is work and witness a Nazarene program?

Aunt Angie said...

Love the horse picture!
You are a blessing :)
Someone told me that no matter what I picked for my name...my grandchildren would pick something else....but they didnt'. They stuck with Nana.
You will be a wonderful "Grand" whatever you choose!

Mishel said...

It's good catching up with you! And I know I'm a little late on this one, but my vote is for "Grammie". I'm just a little more partial to that one! : )

Dawn said...

You must be having a very busy week! It's almost time for Potpourri Friday agai -- I hope your husband and daughter had a wonderful time in Argentina. Our pastor's son and his Peruvian wife are missionaries there. Wonder if they met? OF course, Argentina is a fairly large place!