Gas, weather and Thanks

Gas prices and the weather report. Both incredibly interesting to me.

My favorite gas station (and the least convenient) is an old Kangaroo station across the street from the Mayo Clinic. Because I work there and I take Liam there three times a week for light therapy I am able to keep a good eye on the gas there. While my Dad was here he got into it as well and it was a common topic. Yesterday Gas was down to 1.81 a gallon.

The weather is unbelievable right now. High today should be about 67 F and the lows seem to be in the upper 40's or low 50's. What is best about this time of year in Florida is the lack of humidity. During the summer it is oppressive and incredibly irritating. This morning I am able to open the back sliding glass and enjoy the fresh air. Of course the experience is thwarted by my barking dogs and fear that the big dog will blast through the screen to chew on some random dog's neck (she has done this before). But, I love the air and someday I hope to live in a place where I have a safe back yard with a fence so that the dogs will be able to roam outside a bit while I keep my doors open.

I have a cold. I ache and my dripping nose is relentless. I took some Motrin this morning and am feeling a lot better.

It is two days before Thanksgiving. Being a hospital nurse requires you to work at least one major and one minor Holiday each year. This year I am working Thanksgiving. I am always grateful when I don't have to work Christmas. I don't know it I could do it. My in-laws and the kids will be going to the Hinder's house. They are great friend's of my in-laws and are always generous with their invites for these occasions. They have two grandsons that my kids have known for years and enjoy. They only see these boys a few times a year but good times are always in order. The older boy is Hazel's age and is growing to be one of the sweetest boys I have ever known. He and Hazel run around in their pre-teen way that makes us all laugh. He is the only boy I could say I have seen her with a "crush" on; but that would ruin it. She really just enjoys his sweet ways....always a hug and lots of attention. They run around the garden and string Christmas lights and spy on adults. I know she is looking forward to Thanksgiving.

I was able to chat a little with Lee yesterday. We tried to skype this morning with the kids home but his connection kept getting dropped and there was no video. Hazel was trying very hard to type a description of the bungee event at the church "lock-in" last Friday. I know she wanted to tell Lee this because it is something she knows he would admire her for doing. Rappelling etc...Anyway..I don't think he had a clue what she was talking about. I say him test one question... Who's birthday was it? --Lost in communication. I woke Liam up telling him to come down quickly so he could skype with Dad. He was disappointed that the line kept getting dropped and he did not get to talk to him.

I am trying to get excited and motivated for the Christmas season. I do love the Holidays. However, my energy is a bit low. I am making progress on the shopping but need to buy a tree (artificial--allergies) and pull the boxes down to decorate. I should probably invite some people over to help because the idea of doing it alone is making me sad. Christmas Eve without Lee is making me sad as well. I think I will make a point to have everything ready well before so that I don't have to feel the Christmas Eve rush and late night solo. I know it will be difficult for him as well. I am working on his Christmas box that needs to be sent by Dec. 4th for it to arrive at the base in Iraq for Christmas. Simply put, a lot to organize for a fairly unorganized woman!

I close today with a blessing. I met a fellow nurse at the store this morning. We both were wearing our sweats/ pajamas. I was buying a pie to take to Hazel's class for a party and she was getting stuffing to make for 50 kids by 11am. We were talking about how fortunate we are to be nurses and have the ability to work yet be present in the daily school life of our children. Becoming a nurse was a very good choice for me. I am so blessed with flexibility. With Lee gone I am very aware of the importance of time with the kids and being present in their life. It would be painful to not be able to be inthe school with the kids because I was at work all day. For my career, I am grateful.