Welcome to Frigid Friday hosted by Mr. McGregor’s Daughter. It’s a balmy 25F in Oklahoma today, and we are supposed to reach a new high of 46F by this afternoon (the warmest temperature all week). This is a far cry from yesterday’s low of 9F at my house. In Edmond, Oklahoma, it hovered around 14F which shows what a different micro-climate I have.
We did go above freezing yesterday, but tell that to the plants. Remember my head cold from hell last week? Due to fog brain, I forgot to move the Agave americana, and it may not survive. The others were close to the house, but they don’t look too good either.
Neither the agaves, nor I like weather this unseasonable. However, the “pip pip” of the Cardinals and their bright red plumage is abundant and brings good cheer.
The weather is worse for HH, who owns a paving company and can’t pour concrete, not even that made with hot water. He is understandably grumpy, and it’s almost Christmas.
Then, last night, our water well ran dry (actually just quit working). You can imagine how excited our teenagers were with no showers. We bought some water and brought it home so they could wash their hair. The good folks from Shady Nook Pump and Supply are here early this morning searching out the problem and will soon set things to rights. UPDATE: we need a new pump, which is expensive, but Okay. The old one lasted 35 years.
What I can’t change, I might as well accept with good grace and gratitude.
But how?
- With a mug of steaming hot tea made with an early Christmas present, like this cordless jug kettle
, SmartWool socks
and an extra thick hoodie.
- Remembering, that unlike much of the world, I am safe and warm and will soon have running water.
- Looking at the amaryllis growing in pots next to the window; their bright green tips are the perfect antidote for the blahs.
- Burning the best smelling candle (Tyler Candle Company’s “Splurge”
) in my kitchen where I work.
- Reaching out periodically and petting Audrey our soft, gray kitten curled up like a cinnamon roll and fast asleep between the keyboard and computer screen.
- Once the well is fixed, I’m promised a shower and a visit to a classic car auction with my best guy. We’re looking for a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T with a 440. I’d like four on the floor, but our son wishes for an automatic. We want a straight body, fixer upper project for my boy and his dad.
In other words, we can lament the cold and what it does to those plants we grow at the edge of our hardiness zones, but nothing has to change the hardiness of our souls.
Keep warm my friends.
I’m so sorry about your agaves–but so glad you are a redneck girl and got your muscle car priorities right. I second that 4 in the floor. Love your little cardinal on the fence.
Anna, I belly laughed when I saw this comment. Yes, my neck is red (from working outdoors and whatever red dirt gets splashed on it.) I like my cars fast and my men sweet.~~Dee
I’ve got an equally sad Agave out back. I need to watch the Central Texas Gardener video from one of the last two Fridays: the producer promised information on saving freeze-stricken agaves. I’ll let you know if it can help us.
Dee, Your last line says it all. Things come and go but, our spirits can endure. gail ps No hot water in the middle of a cold spell would be a big problem; glad it’s being fixed.
.-= Gail´s last blog ..Have You Seen The Frost Flowers? =-.
Honey-bunny,
The photo of the redbird is stupendous! It would make a wonderful card.
I got several agave plants from Jim’s friend in FL. One rather large. I must take pics to show you.
Thank you for your lovely blog.
xxxooo
CurtissAnn
.-= CurtissAnn´s last blog ..Yes, There are Still Miracles, Virginia =-.
Dee: Oops! that should be “!” (not a question mark) after “happy New Year.” Sorry. Pam
Dee, You are so.o.o right: things could always be worse: At least you don’t need to have a new well sunk. Have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year? Pamela
Well, best to see the glass as half-full. And you’ve done that. Your candle came from our little city of Tyler, Texas too!
Brenda
.-= Brenda Kula´s last blog ..Antique Store Deals =-.
‘Mama said there would be days like these…’ We got hit with the same sudden cold here in NW Arkansas. So sorry about the well pump! Thanks for your inspiring post of taking comfort in blessings present.
Leigh,
from A Larrapin Garden (Ozarks, US)
.-= Leigh´s last blog ..Susanna: May I borrow your headlamp? =-.
What a cute little cardinal on the fence rail. He doesn’t look like he has missed many meals! I am sorry about your Agave and Pump.But you are right about having so much to be thankful for regardless. I loved your description of your little Audrey, curled up like a cinnamon bun. Our cats and dogs have all been hibernating with our cold weather.
.-= Jenny B´s last blog ..It’s December–Oh my! =-.
Well said, Dee. We have much to be grateful for, and I think we realize it better when things don’t go well for a little while. I am sorry about your agave and hope it will recover. I have some aloes that are pouting a bit in my garden where I’ve pushed the zone limits too.
.-= Pam/Digging´s last blog ..Japanese maple says it’s still autumn =-.
More people need your attitude, especially at this time of year. I am reminded of my aunt’s favorite expression in the face of adversity – “It will be as nice as it can possibly be” (said with an exaggerated southern accent). We were a week recently without hot water when the flood hit. When the new hot water heater was installed, never did a hot bath feel so good.
Happy Holidays!
I can hear the wailing from the teens regarding no hot shower. Ha… Life is rough. I am glad to hear you are able to be so warm and philosophical about your lack of water and well problems. You are mightly blessed Dee. Such a great outlook to life. A car auction sounds like an interesting outing. The ole four on the floor sounds great. I saw a skull head shift knob the other day that brought back some memories. 😉
Have a great weekend.
I have ‘electric socks’ with a battery to heat ’em. If the damp cold persists, I may have to bring them out.
I love when the cardinals show up, kind of a naturally animated Christmas decoration.
.-= Nell Jean´s last blog ..Second Looks at Holiday Amaryllis =-.
Thanks for joining in the pity party. It’s too bad you have to, that Agave does look very sad. Your photo of the Cardinal is wonderful! He looks like he’s posing for a Christmas card cover. I have to check out those Smart Wool socks, they sound like just the thing.
.-= Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..Frigid Friday =-.