Baby, it's cold outside! November has been lovely but I feel the approach of winter in the air. I'm happy to report I'm 90% ready. My outside work is done. The leaves are raked, the gutters cleaned, the windows washed, the garage readied to receive my car, and today I even bought a big 4' x 6' heavy-duty mat at Home Depot for the back hall. I had to cut it to size but I got all the area covered that I needed to out of the one rug, so I was happy. I just have to get the snow blower ready to go.
My baby cleaned my gutters for me. He even climbed onto the very top of the roof and cleaned out the very-hard-to-reach gutters that haven't been done in a couple years. Ben inspected my chimney while he was up there and reported it looked good. Needs some minor repair but nothing that can't wait.
The flowers have faded and withered as a result of heavy frost. My last hydrangea bloom nestled into the fallen leaves and posed pretty with my thrifted garden statue before it said "farewell". This time of year is always bittersweet for me. It was seven years ago that my man headed home to heaven - exactly one week before Thanksgiving.
The kids and I take time to remember the gift he was to us and marvel at where we've come as a result. It is an understatement to say we're not the same people we were seven years ago. No, we're better, stronger, and more capable for having weathered this storm. I think he'd be proud.
The Abiding Love
It singeth low in every heart,
We hear it each and all, -
A song of those who answer not,
However we many call;
They throng the silence of the breast,
We see them as of yore, -
The kind, the brave, the true, the sweet,
Who walk with us no more.
~John White ChadwickWith a thankful heart,
Lynn