Monday, March 4, 2019

Where Oh Where Did I Put My Funny Bone

Today I am doing OK.



My sense of humor has been lost for awhile and there are some moments when I think I see signs of it, but if I try to get a hold of it, pop, it disappears. I have become Serious Arleen and am bordering on Debbie Downer.  It has been a hard few years living in a country where the pot seems to be boiling over; there is so much negative noise; and, well, it is always raining (at least, where I live).  I need to laugh more, tell funny stories, be silly, relax and chill out. Today, is a good beginning because I woke up this morning to blue skies and the beautiful sun shinning down on one of the loveliest snow scenes I have seen in years.  



Those of you who have read my blog before know that from January to March, I bitch and bitch and bitch about Mother Nature.  The darkness plays with my mind and it is all about getting thru it rather than celebrating the days. Driving  is always a problem and at this point in March, I hate the idea of more shoveling.   

This storm came in the evening, and although I did not see any wind, the power to my house went out.  There was no other choice than to get under the covers and go to sleep.  At 6 AM, I awoke to the blinding sun piercing through the curtains and bouncing off the newly laid snow.  It was so beautiful and I couldn't help but smile.  I looked out the front door and the snow plows had already done their work during the night and despite having seven inches of snow, the roads were clear.  The power company was also busy and the heat was back on.



I got on Facebook to read what my neighbors were saying about the roads and came across this:
If  you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life, 
but the same amount of snow.

I liked that!  There is a lot of wisdom there.


The Retired Man shoveled the driveway with our handy, dandy Toro power shovel snow thrower and he had no complaints (another reason to smile). I will be starting my inside seeds this week, and I found a great recipe for some leftover meat for a nice dinner tonight.  All is well.

Then the mail came with some local tax bills, but I will open them another day.  Today is for joy and the beautiful things that surround me.  Who knows, my funny bone might show up also. It might be hiding among the dust bunnies under my bed.  I never look there.








54 comments:

  1. I always say 'The difference between an optimist and a pessimist, is that the optimist enjoys himself whilst waiting for the inevitable'. A similar attitude to your neighbour's, I think.

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  2. Dear Arleen, your upbeat post brought some cheer to me here and it's not even snowing. It IS raining but we have a new roof now. I was also concerned about E(a)rnest Squirrel but Norma says she heard him scolding Roofcat today. Sometimes I'm just easily pleased.

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    1. Geo, I always worry about the outdoor critters when the weather is bad. We are so relieved when we finally see them when the storms are over. I hope Roofcat and E(a)rnest found a place to stay dry.

      We all need to run for cover these day and a new roof is a definite plus. I hope your rains subside and California returns to its sunny days again.

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  3. We are so lucky here in that we don't have to shovel snow. If a couple of flakes hit the nearby hills it is front page news. I hope that your weather continues to improve along with your mood.

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    1. I meant to add that the photos look wonderful - well, from the warmth here anyway.

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    2. I think grey days bother me more than the snow. This last storm disturbed some of my plans but the beauty of it was worth it. It is not so pretty today but I have the photos to remind me of Mother Nature’s artistry.

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  4. The snow has been getting me down too so I put away all my snowmen decor and changed the picture on my blog so that I only see warm things. Love your funny bone I do not think you lost it. Carla

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    1. The good thing about snow is that it melts, and the bad thing about snow is that it overstays it’s welcome. Spring will be here very soon, Carla, and there will be more colors to enjoy other than white.

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  5. Great post!! And yes-- that is the bridge!!-- i love going over it

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    1. I remember when they were building it. The old bridge was a nightmare and when I visited my friend who used to live in Mt. Pleasant, I was very nervous driving over it, especially at night.

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  6. Hi, Arleen!

    My friends over in York and Lancaster Counties sent me pictures of the winter wonderland outside their windows. Your pictures are equally beautiful. That is indeed a wise saying. You add joy to your life by learning to appreciate things like late winter snow storms. They are winter's gifts. I'm happy to know you didn't lose power very long. Here in Florida the air conditioner has been running day and night for the last couple of weeks.

    Keeping a sense of humor will be important as our troubled nation grinds through the upcoming election cycle. Let us hope for a much better outcome next time.

    Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Arleen!

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    1. I don’t live far from Lancaster County and, yes, we all had similar scenes. I think this storm was easier to handle because it happened at night and we all woke up to a beautiful sunny day. Others around the country were not so fortunate with the weather that happened this weekend and my heart goes out to them.

      Yes, let us hope for better outcomes and better times for our country.

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  7. Such beautiful pictures. Country snow is beautiful, but I know what you mean about the problems it brings. My daughter is always losing her power. I was just thinking last night that that's one reason I am happy to be in the city. Have only lost our power once.

    You are much like me in the winter months. I'm sure we both suffer from SADD. In January it is the letdown after the holidays that gets to me, and in February it is just the grayness of the month. March is a bit different for me because I have my birthday to look forward to and spring.

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    1. We seldom lose our power because our lines are underground but if a transformer is hit, houses go dark. This one happened at 11:30 PM and was back on by 3 AM. and many people never knew about it till they saw the clocks on their ovens the next day.

      I think many of us in the North East suffer from SADD. Grey days set the mood in not a good way. However, I think how joyful I am when spring comes and wonder if we didn’t have winter, would I have the same enthusiasm as I do when March 21st comes around.

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  8. Here's something to try to make you smile Arleen:

    "I went out with a lovely lady dentist last night. She wants to see me again...in six months."

    "I got cast in a silent version of Oliver!. I couldn't ask for more."
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s enormously exultant Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  9. Starting seeds indoors is always a joyous occasion. It reminds us there is always hope.

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    1. Absolutely, Colette! According to the calendar, it might be a few weeks early to start my seeds, but I could use hope now. I have it in my mind that we are going to have an early spring and I am going to prepare accordingly.

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  10. A beautiful scene indeed...like a living Christmas card. The sun is such a blessing this time of year. Hope you find your funny bone soon.

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    1. I know it’s around, It might be just taking a rest and storing up new material.

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  11. Oh, Arleen, I know, I know. It's been so long since anything sent me into a bonafide belly laugh. I do want to be happy, and sooner than later.
    Your snow scenes are entrancing. How happy this weather will make me, some day soon, when I start with forty degree temps and go up from there!

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    1. A belly laugh would be good. Maybe I will be in the mood for one come spring, which is only weeks away. I have heard of 50 degrees temperatures next week.

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  12. Dear Arleen, you and I seem to be in the same boat--letting joy pass us by while we dwell somewhere in the darkness of our own psyche. But yesterday you found that quote and you delighted in the snow and your whole spirit was lifted up. That's happening for me also as I post about the ridiculous schedule I've tried to maintain all my life. Soon I'll be posting about the real changes I'm making. About the way I'm bing gracious to myself. . . finally. I like to believe that you, too, are delighting not just in the snow but in the wonder of your deep down love of life. Peace.

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    1. I did love that quote. It was simple and true. Look for the joy and you will find it.

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  13. Hello from Winterland Alberta. Love, cat.

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    1. How long does Winterland last in Alberta.

      Cat, I tried to follow your blog but could not find a way to do that. Help!

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  14. The sun makes such a difference in winter. Your photos are beautiful, including your header. Spring will be here soon . . . soon . . . I'm counting the days.

    Have you ever watched the Pink Panther movies? I find that funny videos (truly funny, which doesn't include a lot of stuff on the internet) can help me find my funny bone. Hang in there, my friend.

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    1. Oh yes, Jenny, the sun in winter is a glorious thing. We have had it two days in a row now and my mood has improved 100%.

      Pink Panther, including the last one with Steve Martin, always made/make me laugh. They really don’t produce many funny movies today, and that is a shame.

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  15. I hope you find that special feather that will tickle your funny bone until you can't laugh any more.

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    1. I think I have gone through the worst of it. I will be starting my seeds this week and am thinking of going to a flower show, so things are picking up. We change to daylight savings time this weekend and that will be a plus.

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  16. I wish you posted more often. I always find something worthwhile to read. Winter is giving me a terrible case of the blahs. It's nice to know someone else gets down and more importantly can bounce back. Appreciating beauty surely is good for the soul.

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    1. That is so sweet of you to say, Susan. Your kind words made my day.

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  17. That's a fantastic quote about the snow. And life, in general. I reckon if you're only looking for the bad stuff in life, that's exactly what you'll find. That's why I prefer to strap my blinders on and look for the good stuff. (Granted, it's harder to find some days than others...)

    Dr. Swiderski prescribes a good funny movie. And yes, they DO still make them... have you seen "Book Club"? My girlfriend and I laughed so hard, it's a wonder we didn't get kicked out of the theater... then again, every other gal in there was laughing herself silly, too. Definitely a chick flick, but there WAS one guy in the theater, too. Dunno if he laughed or not, but I guarantee, it'll make YOU laugh. :)

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    1. I want t to see Book Club and I am waiting for it to be free on Netflix or Amazon. I love all the actresses in it. I am waiting for it to be free on Netflix. Meanwhile, I laugh at Grace and Frankie which is the funniest show I have seen in a long time. Lilly Tomlim is at her best and Jane Fonda is also very good. However, I found this year’s episodes a little disappointing, but still worth watching.

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    2. Grace and Frankie? I'm not familiar with that show, but I'm glad it makes you laugh. We don't do any of the streaming stuff... yeah, I know... how out of it can we possible be? So we're stuck with regular programming, which is why I READ most evenings!

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  18. At least you are happy for a short time, I believe you have to be miserable sometime to enjoy those moments of sheer joy.

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    1. Yes, if everything was wonderful all the time, life would be boring.

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  19. Snow is OK, for awhile, but there comes a time when enough is enough.

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  20. Sorry you lost power - no wonder you were feeling like Debbie Downer. But your beautiful photos had to cheer you up. Your backyard is picture postcard perfect! I expected to see Bing, Grace and the gang strolling by. I also enjoyed your quote. Now that we change the clocks tomorror, I’m sure the extra hour of daylight will put the zip back in your doodah!

    Julie

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    1. Oops...wrong movie reference. I should’ve said Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney as they starred together in “White Christmas,” while Bing and Grace Kelly starred in “High Society.” The movies don’t compare. Sorry about that.

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    2. Yes, I am loving more daylight, Julie. That snowstorm was so beautiful but it is almost gone now and I am hoping that it will be the last till next winter.

      I recently watched White Christmas on Netflix. It was very dated but lovely to watch.

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  21. Oh, I think your funny bone is peeping out in that last comment! Have you thought of volunteering at the infant school? Little ones can keep us in stitches with their funny comments and joy in life.

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    1. I worked in a nursery school for nine years when my children were young. I loved doing it but there came a time that I wanted to talk to taller people.

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  22. Well said. In my so called golden years and despite my spouse being in "memory care" I to be at least a jar half full kind of guy but with essential familiar tremors I do spill the jar occasionally.:)

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    1. I also think that my jar is half full (maybe 2/3rds), I just have trouble with the darkness and solitude of winter. There are nine more days till spring and I am sure that I will snap out of this malaise quickly.

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  23. Say what you will about snow, it sure is gorgeous in the pictures you posted. Seriously though, I hope you will feel better as spring arrives. I think the flowers will be gorgeous after all the rain we have had.

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    1. It was a beautiful sight and it is all gone now. I feel, but can’t see, the beginnings of spring.

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  24. Your photographs look so lovely, and I always find that a little sunshine lifts the spirits.

    I must say that your header photograph is quite stunning.
    Spring must soon be here …. surely?

    Take care

    All the best Jan

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    1. So true. Blue skies and the sun shinning works amazing things on the brain, especially after months of grey.

      The crocus should be up this week.

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  25. I'm never my perkiest in the winter, and though this was a relatively snowless winter, it was still not much fun. I didn't realize how much I missed the longer days until last week. Saw my first spring flowers and that did me a world of good. Take good care!

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  26. glad you stopped by and came by to see what you've been up to. Replying to your comment...gosh yes, I was just tickled to get to see Fleetwood Mac! I have seen them numerous times over the years, fan since the 1970s here...but this one was a night to remember. I enjoyed this one more than ALL THE REST even w/out Lindsay Buckingham. nothing bad about Lindsay at all....I just enjoyed this one out of all them over the years. It was an amazing evening and if you get the chance to go........GO!!! LOL

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