Cabin Fever

My father called with nothing much to say, other than his next goal is to live until 2008. I think he's a little let-down after Christmas, though now he can concentrate on his blueberry bushes.

Lily's cold is no better or worse, so she's going to a riding lesson this afternoon. We both need to get out. We've got cabin fever. (And one of us is a little hard to get along with, though I'm not going to name names since it might be my own.)

I wonder if all the crowds at the malls and the stores are not really people who need things, but people who need a place to go and a thing to do. Yes, there are bargains to be had. Or so I hear. But I don't really need anything, though if I saw it, I'd need it. So I'm not going near a store.

Time is short. Some days, like the few days between Christmas and New Year's, seem like so much time (I was going to make valances, scrapbook several boxes of photos, catch up on some work and write a novel) when viewed from a distance. But each day flies by. I haven't touched the valances, but I have spread out some photos and even tossed some.

How did it get to be Friday? I need to get going here or I'll be all depressed at New Year's that the photos are still spread out and the fabric is still on the bolt. But before that, I have a horse to haul.

To use one of my father's favorite quotes, "Let's go do something. Even if it's wrong."

A few years ago our town got snowed in. It easily happens. We're in S.C. and have no salt or snow plows. When it snows, you stay where you are until it melts.

This was an unusual snow in that it stayed for a few days. At first it was pretty, and as long as the electricity stayed on, it was kind of nice. Then we all got cabin fever. My father called me. "Where do you want to go?" he said. Paul and I lived in a house on the outskirts of town, my parents lived in town.

"I'd like to go check on my horse," I said. I had a horse at a boarding barn and hadn't seen him for days. The barn phone wasn't working, either.

"I'll come get you then," he said. "We'll go see your horse."

"But the streets aren't drive-able," I said. "Especially in the country."

"That's okay," he said. "If we get stuck, at least we'll have something to do."

Comments

[Anwyn]

I like a person who can foresee reasonable risks and take them willingly. I'm a little bit too inclined to wuss out.

I've been laid up with a bad stiff neck/back problem since I woke up Christmas day. It's not getting better, as they usually do after 24 hours or so, but worse. Ironically I didn't really *want* to lounge around in bed reading, but that's what I'm doing nevertheless.

[groovyoldlady]

Yep...I had plans today. Gotta take back the magenta velour sweatsuit and get jeans instead. I kind of like the sweatsuit, but Mulletman took one look at it and panicked. "NOooo. You may not keep it. Not at all, no wat. Only FAT WOMEN wear velour sweatsuits!" Ironically, it soesn't bother him in the least that I'm going to buy STRETCH jeans! ;-)

Unfortunately, it is storming here and Mr. Snowblower breathed his last yesterday. He is dead, Dead, DEAD. Yesterday I shoveled and scooped the entire driveway (which is QUITE long) and today I am predictably sore. Not good, since it is storming now! Again! So, even though those sleepless Maine plows will keep the roads clear, my own driveway will be impassable for my minivan.

Maybe I'll spend the day cutting the sweatsuit into Barbie clothes...

[Kimberly]

Hi Anne, Love your Christmas photos. I had to smile about the potato in your husband's Christmas stocking. My grandpa used to put potatoes (and an occasional onion) in our stockings when my sister and I were kids. And we didn't have any potatoe guns (my son has had to explain to me what that is) under our Christmas tree in the 60s! My grandpa just thought that was a hoot.

I think we're going to just do something today too. (I enjoy your stories about your dad, with his berry bushes and all, he sounds like a bit of a character.) Not sure what that will be yet, but sounds like a plan. It's snowy and windy here.

I'm glad Lilly likes her t-shirt! Thanks for buying one.

Pax. Kimberly

[zoe]

your dad sounds like an amazing man!