We've all had those days. We've all had those days before THOSE days . . . the days when you just know that what you're preparing to do just isn't a good idea. Monday, I was out with Curly Fry, my youngest, trying to resolve a chronic sinus problem hoping for relief as much as resolution. (Better living through pharmeceutics???) The nice thing about morning appointments is that you get an opportunity to go to lunch and maybe do a bit of shopping, too. It's a nice way to spend a few hours with your kid if you can get away from work.
I kept feeling like our upcoming trip to Michigan for the holiday was just not a good idea - predicted snow emergency notwithstanding. And there was a lot of snow in the forecast for southwestern Michigan - at one point forecasters were predicting 18 inches! But still, snow usually doesn't deter me. Something else was nagging at me. That CF didn't want to go to Michigan seemed a little weird to me.
Wednesday morning, I decided to call my husband about 10:00. I discovered that he was at home trying to find a heating and cooling company that could pay a visit same day. . . the circuit board on our Bard furnase was fried! No heat! Fortunately, we have a fireplace insert that keeps things very toasty when the heater does work and has provided much comfort over the last few days without the benefit of the gas furnace.
Yes, I got ahead. . . We couldn't get a part for the heater until Monday. We decided not to travel to north central Michigan for Thanksgiving. We were disappointed to have missed out on my husband's family get together - and certainly my niece's sweet potato cassarole . . . oh, my . . . the one with the carmelized pecans on top . . .
but we have enjoyed doing things we haven't done is so long. The neighbors on the west came over in the evening on Thursday and everybody played cards - even the kids! (I can't remember the last time we did that with them!) Today, the neighbors on the east invited us over for hot chocolate and to watch the Mistress of the Home decorate her tree. (We have joked many times that the only time we get to see each other is when we "bump" into each other when we're out and about.)
Several folks offered their warm homes and plentiful meals to us. It was lovely to feel so cared for, their invitations so quickly issued and obviously from the heart.
I'm so thankful that the heater broke down before we left. I'm thankful that I didn't spend 10 - 12 hours on the Interstate in a winter storm. I'm thankful that my family is resilient enough to turn a rotten turn of events into something fun and family-focused.
Just a question . . . how often has a disappointment been turned into a blessing for you? Is it worth a blog entry or comment? I figure if we're looking for the positive in life, there's plenty to see . . .
Although I'm not sure that I would label the results of disappointments as blessings, they surely make times memorable. It's wonderful that things turned out so well for your family. The time spent with your children was, undoubtedly, priceless. Hurrah!
ahhhh, pharmeceutics just what every person
needs. The desire to take medicine is perhaps the
greatest
feature which distinguishes man from animals.
Its always a good thing to spend time with your
family, even if it takes them out of school(very
boring day for me.) Ü
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring,
close-knit family in another city.
-George Burns