I worked a few extra hours to help out the company and it's always nice to have a little extra spending money. Being a companion is not hard work, but it's rewarding work.
I attended a "Battle of the Bands" to see a dear friend's grandson perform. It was a fun evening (thank goodness they provided earplugs). Each band is judged and receives feedback. They did well for being 12 years old and not playing together for very long. I never learned to play a musical instrument (playing an accordion for a few months does not count); so I appreciate those who can as it takes discipline and practice.
My emotions were up and down much of the week. I have developed one of my mom's habits and I peruse the obituaries (not only where I live, but also in the Plymouth area). So I shed a few tears when I came across the obituary for a man who was in the nursing home with my mom. He was definitely a character and I always had fun with him. I knew his health had deteriorated, but it still makes me sad. I know he is at peace.
I received a wonderful surprise in the mail from my sister. We had quite a few photo collages in Plymouth documenting my parents lives. My sister had put them together and they were chock full. I had left them behind to tackle later or for my sister to have as she has many of the overall family pictures. My sister put them together in two photo albums and sent them to me. I laughed and cried as I went through them. There is space in both books for me to add a few more. No words can express my gratitude for this gift.
I finished reading: "SUCH A FUN AGE" by Kiley Reid. It's about becoming an adult and dealing with stereotypes, cultural and racial differences. "LATE MIGRATIONS" by Margaret Renkl. It's many essays and stories about love and loss using nature and family.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
January 26
Australia Day
Spouse's Day
January 27
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day - last Monday of month
Chocolate Cake Day
Punch the Clock Day
January 28
Data Privacy Day
Fun at Work Day
National Kazoo Day
January 29
National Puzzle Day
National Cornchip Day
January 30
National Inane Answering Message Day
January 31
Backward Day
Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
February 1
1 Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day - first Saturday of month
National Freedom Day
No Politics Day
Spunky Old Broads Day
As I finish up, I see the sky becoming lighter and the neighborhood is waking up. I think I'll make some coffee and check out the sunrise. I hope you have a wonderful week where you are.
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - --Anne Bradstreet
"One kind word can warm three winter months. " - --Japanese Proverb
"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness. " - --John Steinbeck