Frozen palms

 

Seattle is frozen solid this morning and we won't even get above 30 degrees until Friday. The streets are covered in ice and snow. But you think that's cold? Tonight will be minus 17 in Twisp, with a high of about 1 degree for the next several days. 

I'm praying to the god of water pipes that nothing freezes under the house. This extreme cold is unusual, even by central Washington standards. After the dry cold snap breaks, there's snow in the forecast next week, making for more treacherous driving through the mountains. Not to mention, a snowed in driveway. So we're modifying our holiday travel plans somewhat. After all, the whole point of having a vacation home is the flexibility.

December 21st is "Look on the Bright Side Day." A reminder to count your blessings and reflect how happy you are to be alive and healthy. 

We are grateful that our strong 98-year old Dad is starting to recover from a serious chest cold, thanks to my sister's excellent care and some timely medical intervention. Hope you are feeling much better by Christmas, Dad!

And despite being out and about in germy crowds all weekend, John and I have avoided the plague of viruses (so far) this winter. I keep expecting to wake up with that sore throat, but I'm fit as a fiddle. 

Yes, indeed-- a good day to look on the bright side.