How many times, especially this winter, has that been your reaction?  As we watch the news, every day, and see what is happening around the world we can also have this reaction.  As we see, on the news, the storms hitting, from the west to the east coasts, we can have this reaction.  As we sit in our own homes, thankful for the food and supplies, we can have this reaction.  And...as we "again" check on family, and loved ones, affected by all these storms we can have this reaction.  We can also be VERY thankful for the people who help to clear our "spaces" so we can get "out."

Dad and I frequently said these same words to each other.  Usually when one of us was having difficulty with something - like technology.  We were blessed to have people who would help "dig us out" so the weather wasn't "usually" what caused this response.  I can remember a couple of winters, however, when schedules kept getting changed, and worship services cancelled, because we couldn't "get out."  Even those of us that lived "in town" were not able to get out.  IF we could get out we probably shouldn't BE out - which usually got this reaction.

At the same time, like I've said before, Dad and I always had plenty of food, liquid and things to do.  So... yes, I do have food, tea, coffee, fabric, yarn, projects and even snacks to last me.  It is, however, another one of those times when we need to laugh.  Otherwise we sill start screaming!!

All the "winter weather" we have been having has caused some interesting re-arranging of schedules and discussions.  When the weather, and the roads, are clear it is easier (much!) to get out to visit and have meetings.  We usually end up talking about the roads, which to avoid and how soon they will be cleared.  Thankfully, at least where we are, the power has stayed on AND the plows have been able to get through.  I know it hasn't been that way everywhere.

One discussion I had, recently, was about the "lift" chairs.  The person I was talking to didn't understand the need for a battery -- after all it "powers" you to a standing position and is plugged in.  I pointed out the need for power by telling about the time there was a "hurricane" where I was serving as a pastor.  I know they don't call them "hurricanes" in the upper Midwest but 95+mph winds in the south, with rain, ARE called hurricanes.  So I think of it as a hurricane.

There was no way Dad could safely get to the basement so we stayed away from the windows.   He sat in, you guessed it, his lift chair.  And, yes, we lost power.  It was only out for about 15 minutes.  When it came back on he got up, out of the chair, went to the bathroom, got food and something to drink and came back into the living room.  Did he sit in my recliner? NO!!  He sat back in his lift chair.  When we lost power, again, it was for several hours.  I don't remember how long he had to sit in his chair.  I do know there was NO WAY I could have gotten him out of his chair.

My sister got him a "battery back up" lift chair after we had this little problem.  So...of course....we didn't loose power again.  It is one of those things you have to laugh or you start screaming!