Stocked Up on Snakes for the Season

Time is just going too fast. Today, I wanted to practice some music but I haven't had time. After work I went and bought gas at the Dillon's closer to where I work because gas was (I thought) 10 cents cheaper per gallon (though it turned out I only saved 2 cents a gallon), then went to the grocery store for one item, then stopped at the neighborhood Dillon's to get a deli chicken. I came home to fix something to eat to go with the chicken, and then decided I needed to go to Menard's to get some "draft stoppers." By the time I did all that it was time to write, so it is likely I will only practice music over the weekend to get ready to sing on the 17th. Last month I forgot and they called me and asked if I was on my way. I wasn't, but I got there in a little more than five minutes. Two and a half weeks until Thanksgiving break. And then get ready for Christmas. Have got the main people's gifts. Don't have too many main people left. So, there's that. Today I had three layers on. I kind of felt like Barney or something, all packed out. Thermal underwear plus sweater and jeans plus a sweatshirt with a hoodie. Then a heavy coat, a scarf, a scratchy, fuzzy winter hat and gloves. Thank God it wasn't windy. Only got up to 39 today. Tomorrow it's supposed to get up to 63. I'm a bit ambivalent about winter, as you might see. Fall is great, but winter...lots of hassle. I probably would not be so concerned for it if I didn't have to go outside for 40 minutes every day for playground duty. But Kansas weather really is superlative, in general. I can't complain. However, when you live in a drafty apartment the heating bill can go sky high in January and February. So, I had to go to Menard's to buy those "draft stoppers" I mentioned a minute ago. I've got them all placed: three in front of the French doors leading to the patio, one in each front room window, one by the front door. Now, just a bit of information about the "draft stoppers." They are long, stuffed fabric tubes for the bottom of doors or windows to help keep out cold air. I have not had a great deal of success with taping around doors and windows. It’s a mess to remove afterward, for one thing. I found some additional names for these things in case you might be shopping for them. I find "draught excluder" particularly interesting. I have heard of them being called "snakes," as they look like snakes. The ones I got were made in India. There are "window snakes" and "door snakes," and here is a list for those of you who like lists. I like lists from time to time. They're kind of easy to look at. So here you are: More names for these delightful additions for your winter preparation below. And the ones at Menard's are less than $3 each, and you can't beat that. Breeze blocker Draft guard Draft blocker Draft dodger Door blocker Door sausage Window snake I find "draft dodger" also a particularly interesting name for these things. My mood is on the verge of melancholy because I picked some very beautiful piano music for writing background and it's kind of crumbling the edges of my heart. It's the holidays. They always do this. One has to be vigilant. It is not wise to let these days bring sad memories to bear too much. And it is not true that there is no truth and things that no one can answer, such as if there is life after death. Jesus answered it very clearly. I don't want to get into an argument with anybody on social media but if I did not know that the Bible was true and the Jesus was the answer, well, I would probably be hating Christmas already like my atheist neighbor, and I think that would be very miserable state to be in, especially now. Meanwhile, I have my tree lights on and my Yankee Balsam and Cedar candle burning and I am enjoying the life God gave me even when it's 15 days until I have another birthday. I have one wish for my birthday. I'll let you know later if I get it.