STRAY THOUGHTS

Tuesday I got my taxes done. When I was signing the document authorizing e-filing, I wrote 02-28-17 and said, "Good grief! Two whole months of this year are gone already."

Yesterday was March 1st. The third month of 2017 is in progress. In another 18 days or so the calendar says we'll be at the First Day of Spring. 

Yesterday was also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season in many churches. Lent is a penitential season, when we examine our lives and search for ways to reconcile ourselves with God.

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The last quilt from the Christmas season is nearing completion. The final tasks are: quilting a design in the outer border; trimming away excess batting and backing; attaching the binding; attaching a label on the back to show who the quilt is for and who made it; and washing it so it will be clean and fresh for its young recipient. Oh, and taking a photo of the quilt so I can remember what it looks like--and to prove I actually did finish it!

Cutting and stitching blankets and pillow cases for the NICU continues this year. Earlier I contacted Laura, the nurse (now retired) who delivers our items to the hospital. We wanted to know if our sewing group should keep on with those projects, and if so, were there any changes they'd like. Laura's response (by text) was one of excitement and encouragement--the nurses in the NICU love the colorful blankets and pillow cases, and so do the parents who visit their little babies at risk. Our group has a good time--sewing is accompanied by coffee and treats and lots of laughter--as well as a productive one. In February we donated 31 items.

A new project--one that can be done in little bits of found time--is knitting or crocheting little red hats for the American Heart Association's "Little Hats, Big Hearts"; hats are for preemies and older babies, and are donated during February, which is Heart Month. We're gearing up for 2018 already!

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My personal 50-Book Challenge is out of control! I read 12 books in January and 18 in February. At this rate, I'll reach 50 by Easter. 

Last Sunday I played the church service--I sub when the full-time organist can't be there; a great joy for me.

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Even though February was much warmer--some days--than usual for that month,this feels like an in-between time. Not-spring. Not-winter. Too warm some days, too windy on chilly days. If you've read or seen any weather reports recently, you know there've been tornadoes, damaging thunderstorms, flooding, as well as ice and snow disasters. None of our weather has come close to those events, for which we are grateful. Makes me feel guilty for complaining about rain/wind/low temps.

The truth of it is, weather is what it is. As Mark Twain is supposed to have said, "Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it." As if.

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Stray thoughts . . . life goes on, despite taxes, iffy weather, disasters, and our responses to all that. Keep looking for the blessings.

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Hope you're looking forward to a good month. Keep thinking Spring. And take care if you're out and about in iffy weather.