Saturday, December 12, 2009

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. :)

12 comments:

Nancy K. said...

I know exactly how that feels! I've had blog reader/friends send me unexpected surprises and there is just nothing like the smile that glows in your heart when someone thinks of you like that.

I'd say the Best Chicken Mama's got a pretty special Mom of her own...

Karen Anne said...

What a wonderful surprise :-)

You maybe saw the new photo on Christine's blog of the yarn girlie dyed that Christine first made into sox and then changed to mittens. Best colors on the planet.

Perhaps we should all just turn off the news.

I use this in the birdbath to keep the water unfrozen. It works unless there is also a howling wind, although it might only keep an inch unfrozen right around it, but the birds seem to find that open water okay:

bird bath heater

Patsy said...

So glad you had a bit of sunshine in your bad day .Like nuts we just keep watching the Fox news shows. It is a dark December day here in Arkansas today, but it did warm up.
You make me smile.
Hugs Patsy

Deb W said...

If we 'biggify' the sock picture, can we see if you shaved your legs?
ha - ha

Really - it had been a long time since you posted, and I was wondering....SO glad you got such a lovely box of cheer when you needed it!

Unknown said...

I know just what you're talking about. We finally finished getting our crops in on friday. What a relief....now I have just two weeks to get ready for Christmas. I'm feeling somewhat like a grinch too.

Christine is so talented and I don't think her hands are ever idle. Love the socks.

Jayne said...

Love those socks! What a nice surprise on a gloomy day--bet those colors just cheered you right up.

Michelle said...

It's no accident that such blessings arrive when they are needed most. I'm so glad!

Lori said...

Ah, that was pefect and came at the best time! I'm always amazed at the generousity and kindness of bloggers. No more Eeyore!

LDWatkins said...

I'm so glad! You really needed that!

Lori Skoog said...

The sweetest thing. "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."

Terri said...

Now that is a good story :) What a wonderful pick-me-up, just when you needed it!

Please stop by and enter my giveaway if you have a few minutes - I'm putting the word out because we're trying to get the items shipped before Christmas and I'm drawing a name in two days!

Renee said...

Do you have electricity out to the sheep shed thing? I have a heated water dish for the dogs that works great, but it has to plug in.

Great socks - I wish I knew someone that knit. ;-D