OUT IN THE OPEN

The entire United States has been in the grip of an Arctic Blast--via the Canadian Freezer Stream.



We are not really prepared and have not taken the necessary precautions for living with well below freezing temperatures here in the Deep South.  Why this morning the pipe that supplies my commode is frozen.  This is when I am grateful to once again have two bathrooms.  It also explains my jump start every morning when lowering myself onto the C O L D seat.  (Mental Note to Self--explore heating options for WC)


That will jerk you wide awake and get the heart pumping!

One of the things I learned along the way is when it is really cold--keep the window coverings closed.  My blinds are all closed to keep any drafts or seepage of cold air from invading my toasty house.  Even when you have insulated windows, the panes become cold--they are NOT heated glass.  This cold lowers the temperature of the air next to it and contaminates the warmth you are working to preserve.  SO an extra layer of insulation works to prevent cold air encroachment.



The downside of all the blinds being closed is the loss of natural light of which I am a huge fan. Natural light tends to keep away the cloudy day/weeks blues.   Add to that the loss of your view and you soon realize you are living in a warm cave.  



I am known for occasionally crawling into my cave.  Usually I am recharging--taking a break--on sabbatical.  We introverts are like your cell phones- we are drained while in use and need plugging in to recharge.  Cell phones are made to be used--introverts love the company of others--but both have to be plugged in or will go completely powerless.  SO---I crawl into the cave.



The bad thing about crawling in the cave or closing the blinds is what I am missing when cut off from the world.  Yes, I am warm, and Yes, I am recharging, but the world is continuing to turn (even in freezing temperatures) and I am sitting behind closed blinds waiting for a recharge.  There is not one thing wrong with down time--as long as down time does not become all the time. 



When I looked through last year's pictures, I was amazed at how much joy and laughter  I had experienced.  Those experiences did not come behind closed doors and drawn curtains.  It all came while exposing myself to all the world has to offer--Good Friends--Beautiful Sights----Thrilling Experiences---ALL of which were enjoyed beyond the confines of my closed doors and drawn curtains.  God has richly blessed my efforts to live beyond the cave by throwing open the doors and drapes. 


HERE'S TO MORE JOY, LAUGHTER, 
LOVE & ADVENTURE
IN 2018~
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
OUT IN THE OPEN!

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:11

11 comments

  1. Try living in negative whatever temps for 6-7 months....sigh....I went to close the drapes yesterday to keep the draft out and hubby pronounced, "DO NOT CLOSE THOSE!" SIGH, never ending battle....keeping a sweater on helps.

    Anyways, keeping you in prayer, Lulu.

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    1. I CANNOT imagine! We have moderating temps coming & I am already planning my outdoor activities!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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  2. I am confused ... from the second picture, you seem to have your toilet outside. No wonder it is cold when you sit on it.

    Here we've had a bit of snow, but it's all gone now. But it's grey day after day. Quite miserable with drizzly rain.

    God bless you, Lulu.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be ready to jump off the nearest cliff! I NEED sunshine! Your weather sounds a great deal like Seattle in the winter--MISERABLE!
      Blessings!

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    2. Sometimes over here everything is grey. It is like living in a world where TV was in black and white, before colour TV. We do have some sunny days though; so it is not all bad. I don't want to discourage you from visiting.

      God bless.

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    3. You will be SO shocked one day when I pop in, Victor!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  3. My daughter lives in northern Minnesota...brutally cold. She works as a para at the school where they take the children out for recess as low as 10 below. She says it's takes more time to get them all geared up in their layers of clothes then they have outside but it also gives the children a chance to play in the snow. At first I thought are those people crazy but honestly even a few minutes outside in cold weather playing can ward off depression
    and restlessness. I laugh cause I freeze in southern California when it gets in the 40's at night. Good to have some warm memories to ward off the cold too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH, BETTY, your daughter is a STRONG woman! My daughter has four children and she tells me, "I fear being cooped on inside with the kids more than the cold. It MUST be for the young!
      Blessings!

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  4. Wow ... you're even freezin' down South, Lulu! I've got at least 3 layers on at any given time ... our heaviest quilts and throws are out and I'm often wearing fur lined boots in the house. I already went through a big pot of chicken soup made yesterday ... I couldn't help but give a few quarts away. Comfort food at it's best.

    Brrr ... may all our most fragile people be warm and well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AMEN, MY FRIEND~ Warming is on its way!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  5. Oh, yes, we've had enough frigid temperatures here in Georgia to last a lifetime, Lulu! I'm over it, but so grateful for our warm, snug house. And even the bathroom stays toasty! :)
    And being an introvert myself, I can most certainly relate to your cellphone analogy. However, if I couldn't see the light, it would be a dreary recharge to say the least.
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!