What a wonderful weekend!

I have not had time this weekend to do much reading. My mother and father-in-law came for a visit along with my sister-in-law and her roommate. Thursday was spent preparing for their arrival. This means the extra pile of laundry sitting in the hallway finally got washed, little fingerprints were actually removed from the mirrors in the living room, and the dog was bathed.  Along with a few other things I have been avoiding! (Dusting...oy!) Friday, I realized I needed to shovel the snow and get to the store for some things. What a disaster that turned out to be! After making a path to my van, I started to dig around it in order for my kids to have a clear path.  For some odd reason, the snow shovel broke! The shovel part just fell plum off. I stood there thinking for a few moments. At first, I was flabbergasted with the situation; however, I thought to myself, "Perhaps a rake will work!"  I actually thought this.  I don't think the outcome needs explained.  At this point, I simply get into my van, start it, and turn on the heat.  I go back inside, bundle up the kids, and sit back in my chair and think.  My two oldest kids are standing there looking at me confused. I ask them if they are ready to go, and they look at each other weird.  They are standing there in their snow boots and coats with their hats and gloves on.  So, we get into the van, and I get them all buckled up.  I then climb into the driver's seat and shut the door.  And we sit there....and I think...and we sit there...and I think...

Well, for a little background information, I am not feeling well at this time.  I have an ulcer, so the stomach pain sometimes keeps my mind on it instead of other things such as snow.  I also had a head cold!

Anyhow, I am sitting there thinking because I wasn't for sure how I was going to get out of my driveway! Even if I somehow managed to clear my driveway with a rake, I would never be able to shovel the entire alley! I was defeated.  I look in the rear view mirror, and my three kids are staring back at me.  I unbuckle my seat belt, and I am about to open my door when my cell phone rings.  Incoming call from Dad. 

"Hello."
"What are you doing?"
"Sitting in my car thinking."
"Where are the kids?"
"In their car seats waiting for me to think of something."
"Are you trying to get out?"
"No, we just enjoying thinking in the van."
"......"
"Yes, Dad, we are trying to get out."
"I have someone coming today before noon to plow for you."
"Oh, really?"
"I will meet him there."

That was the gist of the conversation.  My dad showed up within 5 minutes, followed by another guy with a plow!  How lucky was this? Well, the rest of the weekend went smoothly. I was still not feeling well, but I enjoy my husband's family's company.  After they left, we went shopping in Kokomo.  My husband surprised me with a new wedding ring!  We got married almost two years ago, but we had limited funds.  So, my weekend ended with a high note.  Now, it is 5a.m. Monday morning, I have been up since 3a.m.  Darn stomach ulcer!

Dust of Snow

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.