The Sweetest Thing

I can't remember the last time the sun was shining here. It's been gloomy and depressing. And wet. It's rained so much there was a small pond in the pasture, now it's a mini skating rink. The kid has been sick. That's always fun. Then we got the pleasure of performing our own version of Ice Road Trucking early Monday morning on the way to the orthodontist. A drive that should have taken 20 minutes ended up taking 1 1/2 hours. We actually got there before the doctor. Then I got the bill. Another depressing experience. Then another appointment that afternoon with the autism specialist. He ain't cheap either nor are the new meds. They must be made of gold.

Now it's freezing cold. Can't keep the water unfrozen for the birds or the dog. I opened the pop door for the chickens. They took one step out, gave me a dirty look and went back in. I don't blame them. Even the sheep have stayed in their sheep shack. Wind has blown so hard the cushions for the porch furniture are missing.

Then there's the news. Have you heard or watched any of it lately? The world has gone stark raving mad. Tis the season to be jolly, but I'm just not feelin' it. In fact I'd give the Grinch a run for the money in a grumpiness contest. So yesterday I put my long johns on and headed out to do the chores. I'm sure there was a storm cloud following over my head just like in the cartoons. Grumble, grumble, grumble...

Then I stopped at the mailbox. And inside I was surprised to see a little box. A little box with my name on it. What on earth could that be, I thought? I haven't ordered anything. So I trudged back to the house, shed my 18 layers of outerwear and sat down at the kitchen table to find out what was inside this mystery box.

It was chocked full of all sorts of wonderful goodies! All bright and cheery. It was like a box of sunshine delivered right to my door! My heart swelled up 10 times it's size.


Christine, the crazy gal that drove all the way from Wisconsin to pick up Sparky and his ladies sent the little treasure box. So I immediately thought of her little girlie and the chickens and my heart swelled even more. When we exchanged the chickens that day in the poring rain I noticed Christine had the most fabulous pair of cheery socks. I later commented on them and guess what...


she made me a pair! A perfect fit. It's amazing what a little sunshine can do to a person's attitude. It was the sweetest thing when I needed it most. Now I'm feeling red and orange and pink instead of blue. :)