Things I've discovered

Since I'm semi-preparing for my trip back to a place where it can get cold, and even snowy(shiver!), I asked Older Daughter if I needed to buy some snow boots. Her response: "I don't know because I just wear my duck boots." Duck boots? So, off I went on line to google this interestingly named footwear, then headed over to a shoe ordering site, and voilà...

You would think that living in a rainy place, I would be familiar with these; I'm sure I've seen them around and found them hideous. (still do) But if they keep my feet warm and dry, well, QUACK, QUACK. ;) 

I took great pleasure in throwing away a couple of free 2020 calendars. Although I said good riddance, I don't really believe that this year was cursed. It's certainly contained its fair share of "curve balls" and disappointments. That's normal for most years, although the pandemic and the crazy election have definitely added enormous challenges and stresses. I didn't make the Rick Steves trip to Ireland this year that I was looking forward to. My cruise to Alaska got cancelled. However, my incredible grandson was born in 2020. I finally found reliable workmen to fix and paint my house, outside and in. My relationship with John has survived, although I wouldn't say it's thrived. Covid coiffure not withstanding, there have been beautiful moments and positives. 

I've learned to narrow my focus, and concentrate on what I can control and enjoy. I've tried not to wish away 2020 because it's time I'll never get back. 

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." Alfred D. Souza

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Kathy]

I'm reminded of something I heard Reverend Al Sharpton say at the beginning of all this: "Don't serve the time, let the time serve you." I try to remember that. And the fact that I'm quoting Al Sharpton? Just another reminder of how weird 2020 has been.

[Ed]

I have always called those Sorels. So after doing a google search, I see that Sorel and Duckboot are the same, but the Duckboot came earlier and the Sorel was just a copy of the Duckboot. I have a pair and I wear them when clearing the driveway in winter.

[Doug M]

A cruise to Alaska; my gosh Margaret, you get around! BTW, do you ever go by Peg? I had a couple friends named Margaret growing up, and they both went by Peg...

Anyway, I think those boots are sharp--does your neck of the woods get snow? I know you get plenty of rain... :) Finally, I very much enjoyed (and related to) that Souza quote, thank you for sharing.

[Marie K]

That's a great quote! One of the best pieces of advice when I first started teaching and couldn't wait for the weekend was to not wish away my days. Similar idea. I'd forgotten that you had other trips planned. Those look like sturdy boots for our weather and theirs. Love the leaf!

[Joanne Noragon]

I bought my first pair of winter boots in twenty years last winter. I bought them for the soles, hopefully to be more safe in slush. I avoid walking in bad weather. Actually, I just avoid walking. In spite of knowing about you youngsters and Fitbits, I haven't succumbed. Sadly, my wrist is too small for a watch to snugly fit, and I really would like to have all that technology on my wrist. So as my mother said, If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Zazzy]

I wonder whatever happened to my duck shoes? They were incredibly handy at keeping my feet dry and I think they were even comfortable. I guess they went the way of all other shoes when I injured my knee and sneakers became the norm as foot swelling became a thing. Enjoy your duckboots! I think they would be even better than the shoes.

Thank you for reminding me to appreciate the positives. That quote by Souza is one of my all time favorites and one that I have tried to live by since, coincidentally, my knee injury. I think we are all waiting for 2020 to be over as some great cure-all magic the changing of the year will bring. I do hope that many things can be appreciated in 2021 but perhaps first we have to accept that this is life as we know it right now and appreciate the beauty and positives we can find within.

Happy Thanksgiving week!

[Tonya]

I feel that I have coped fairly well with what this year has handed us, but I realize that I am feeling sad now that Thanksgiving is a couple of days away and it will be just a regular day with no grandson (or adult son/daughter-in-law). I've been purchasing some Christmas gifts, but I have to assume Christmas will be yet another regular day. Sigh.

[AC]

Calendars. Usually get ghet them in the mail from charities or here and there, like at the turn shop when I get my snows put on. Nothing this year. Nothing at all. I don’t use them, but Sue does.

[Pam Donaldson]

Yes, that's the sad thing, isn't it? - a year we won't get back (from our dwindling store...).

[Liora]

What can beat a Mountain Men of Alaska calendar, anyway? :) You found the perfect leaf to photograph--looks huge, too!

[Anne@HeadFullofBooks]

what are our plans? New York for Christmas? I bet you are super eager to get your hands on your little guy.