Friday, January 24, 2014

I Feel Grateful For That Huge Electric Bill

      I often wake up in the wee hours of the morning and if I can't get back to sleep I get up and get on the computer.  I know, totally wrong thing to do, but I do it.  It is currently 7 degrees outside but since we always have wind it feels like -8, according to my local news website.  I haven't opened the door to see what that feels like but when one of my dogs went out and came back inside the doggy door in just a minute her fur was freezing cold.
     I am grateful for a working heater.  I am even grateful for the enormous electric bill I received for December because it means I was toasty warm through a very cold month.  I am even more grateful that I am hot natured and am comfy with the thermostat set at 67 degrees or that electric bill would have been really, really bad.
     I have been thinking a lot about things I am grateful for this week.  Of course I am grateful for my most important blessings like my kids, grandkids, dogs, sister, nieces, Heavenly Father.  This week it has popped into my head numerous times that I need to say thank you Lord for some other things that make my life better.
     I am seldom out after dark.  I can't see well to drive safely ~ mostly I see glare from the streetlights.  Sunday I had a chance to visit with my grandkids and I left their home a little late.  By the time I got to my house it was dark outside.  I always park in my driveway, then walk along the 50 feet of sidewalk next to my trailer house to get to the back door.  Even in the dark I feel perfectly safe since I have a 6 foot chain link fence surrounding the back yard, and a couple of Dobermans next door that watch me through the fence until I get inside.  I feel safe because of the porch light which lights up most of my back yard. I was grateful when the motion sensor on the porch light turned it on for me so I could see to unlock the door before I got too cold. I was grateful that I just bought a replacement light bulb for the porch light last week.  I had done without a porch light for a while.  You know how I hate to pay retail for anything and when it burned out recently I was waiting for a sale since those big bulbs are pricy.
      I am so extremely grateful for a library card and a wonderful library.  My daughter came for dinner last night and on her way through town she picked up a bag full of library books for me.  I honestly don't know what I would do without a library card.  I read more than anything else, especially when it is too cold to get outside.
     I think on Sundays I will post 7 words.  7 things I found myself grateful for during the week.  Other than the important things -- family most likely -- what do you find yourself feeling grateful for?
     

20 comments:

  1. Great post. I too am thankful for those things; and for slippers and couch throws and good books and the movie network, all great things to take advantage of on cold nights. And like you, I will get up and turn on the computer on those nights when sleep eludes me ... even if I do have to work the next morning!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What did we do in the middle of the night before internet?? I probably read alot.

      Delete
  2. I know what you mean. Every time I come in from the cold and blessed warmth greets me, I am ever so grateful. Same thing in reverse for summer. Climate control is wonderful. Thanks for the reminder to not take things for granted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A/C is even better than heat! I can pile on the quilts but there are only so many clothes you can take off trying to get cool!

      Delete
  3. I am grateful that it is sunny and 49.6 degrees outside right now and I am grateful that I am able to go outside for a walk and enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad you could get out in the sun and enjoy a walk too. My son tells me Seattle has not been as rainy as he expected...yet.

      Delete
  4. I am grateful there was a Retiree's Meeting today where I used to work. There were people there I've known for 30 years or more. Lots of hugs, smiles, laughter, and even a kiss on my cheek from my first boss.

    I'm grateful I had my leaky roof replaced even though we are now in a drought they expect may last for several years. How funny is that?

    I'm grateful my son hasn't moved far far away - yet.

    I'm very grateful for wifi and cable, which keep me sane in the middle of the night when I can't sleep.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh the meeting had to be fun! I hear ya on the wifi. I hope your son doesn't move far away any time soon. Mine did last summer and about killed me. If you have read this blog often you know my memory is about a half inch long, I forget things constantly. Do I know you? Do you have a blog? Whoever you are, I am glad you stopped by. :)

      Delete
    2. Hi - just recently started following some blogs and really enjoy yours. Just thought I would share the things I'm grateful for. Hope that was ok. I'm a "baby" when it comes to blog etiquette. Don't have my own blog yet, but I'm thinking about it.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    7. Hi Annie, Of course it is fine to share what you are grateful for --- that was the purpose --- to make ME think and to maybe make Y'ALL think too. Comments are always welcomed, they make my day. If you start a blog make sure and let me know. Your comment got posted here 6 times so I am deleting some of them....they are all the same thing....that happens sometimes. :) Have a great day and come back by!

      Delete
  5. I like your grateful news. And I guess I am grateful for my air conditioning bill in the summer then. For I am cool in Georgia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean. I can get warm easier than I can get cool and we also have hot summers. I love my A/C! :)

      Delete
  6. Wow, this sent a list pouring into my brain. Good idea Aunt Betsy. One important thing is my cardiologist report on my recent echo cardiogram. I'm good and can plan to stay on my chicken ranch:) I might try going for a seven word Sunday myself. Good idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to hear you have good news from the cardiologist!

      Delete
  7. As I read this, and the comments, I was also very thankful for all the comforts that we have. Since I have just finished reading my scriptures this morning, I also thought how thankful I am to have God in my life, to be living in a country where I can read my Bible any time I choose, to be able to attend the church of my choice. There are so many little every day things that I take for granted that other people don't have. Thanks for posting this as I think we will all look at our lives a little more closely. Even if it only lasts a week or two. Love you baby sister.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I had already decided to add scriptures to my Sunday list. love you too

    ReplyDelete