Cold Enough For You?

  

There are some massive icicles hanging off  roofs lately. 

The cold temperatures make being indoors an entertainment challenge. 

On YouTube, there are channels that run videos of fireplaces and rooms with fireplaces that run for hours.I find it comforting when I sit in my recliner, to have videos like that on my television providing a homey background ambiance. Music is also soothing. Radio talk shows and podcasts are another entertainment source. 

This week is a slow blog week for me as I tend to the bag of shredding last week’s sorting created. Also on my to do list are sewing, craft projects, painting, culling books to get out the door, and maybe making some Valentine’s cards.

Birds at a favorite birdfeeder

Recorded indoors, no sound

Day 37 of Week 6 February 2026

Lake Champlain February 2026
Photo via phone from a camera 

 Have a Lovely & Warm Weekend

Mix up a nice hot toddie

Whistle to the song, America

Browse snowshoes online

Read about ice fishing

Draw a rocking chair

Write a poem about snowflakes

Search flower websites for blue flowers

Plan for a day-cation in June

Day 4: Time off

 Almost a week into the organizing, down sizing, and declutter project, I've had it! I ache. My hands look and feel like sandpaper. A pinched finger, in something I don't remember what*, really hurt bad. It is funny only remembering the pain. At the time, I was sure it was bleeding.

My shoulders will ache awful when kept in one position too long. My neck is sore on one side, then the back and then the other side. The bad bone-on-bone knee is very sore. Otherwise, I feel all right. The major portion of the clear out is finished. I now will rest, do laundry, and take breaks sitting in my room admiring all the effort I put in to make it look nice. 

Apple leaf on a steel tray circa 2010

* I remember now.

I was fixing a frame that had a corner separated, when my finger got caught between the two pieces I was pushing on to align them. 

Thoughts on the thrift store cycle in life

Why is it so difficult to part with things? 

Easy. Methinks it’s the warmth of the company of things surrounding us, a crew of comfort saying we belong. Out the door with stuff can feel like leaving the team. For where!? Most things were bought at a thrift store. I’ll think of donating as stuff being with the home team.

Gladly, I notice that there are many more things at the thrift store that I will not buy because the prices are above thrift store range. I imagine for resellers, high prices can devour a percentage of their profits. Add higher shipping costs would make reselling online more difficult. 

Times changing doesn’t feel like it use to. Currently it feels to me that it has a no thru-way sign because the change leaves too many of us behind. It’s not worth the time to go along the out of touch highway. 

Going to a thrift store is like attending a community event. Folks are always friendly and engaging. Finding and seeing treasures is a bonus. 

After down sizing, I dread buying stuff. Unless I will use it and it is not on my buying ban list, I will not buy it. All my stuff space is occupied until enough goes out the door. 

A favorite thrift store purchase
Aluminum tray