Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

Confused? I sure am. The tomorrow that I put off a few yesterdays ago is now here. That means the to-do list I didn't tend to is still there as well. I couldn't sleep last night as thoughts of chores whirled in my mind. I fought them back with reassurances that I deserve to take a day off every now and again. They persisted for a while as I tossed and turned before finally falling asleep.
   This morning I was up before the crack of dawn. Instead of the alarm clock, I awoke to the sound of a child's footsteps echoing in the hallway. Funny, once you have kids the slightest rustle from their bedroom can wake you from the deepest of slumbers. Somehow, though, you can sleep through the blaring alarm clock. I made it to the kitchen and the to-do list was waiting for me on the kitchen table, but I had other things to tend to.
   After getting the kids fed and off to school it was time to feed the animals.  Then, it was off to work myself. The list, I thought, couldn't taunt me there. As I was driving the tormenting list came to mind again, like some clattering apparition I had seen in a bad horror movie. Again, I attempted to dismiss the unwanted thougts and pulled into the parking lot of the school where I teach. 
   Finally, I had something else to occupy my mind with. The day passed rather quickly, and thoughts of the list remained hidden until the drive home. There it was larger than life taking up space in my brain. I pulled into the local grocery store to pick up what I needed for dinner. Try as I may my grocery list wouldn't come to mind. Clean the barn? No, that's not it. Trim the pony's hooves, no, not that either. Finally, I pryed my thoughts from the vice-grip that held them hostage. Hamburger, milk, bread that's better. I am in a daze as I pay the cashier and not exactly sure of what I've purchased.
 Back home I run through the afternoon routine; feed the kids, feed the animlas, do the dishes and finish up the laundry. I glance at the table and the list taunts me once again. Haven't I done enough, I think. By the looks of the list, I have not. I pick it up. The crisp,white-lined paper looks innocent enough, and the notes written in dark blue pen look harmless. It's what is written that pulls me in. I wrench myself free, flip it over and stare at the blank lined paper. Surely, I am stronger than it is.
   The paper feels light in my hand and without the words it has little power. I rip it vertically, the sound echoes in my ears. Then, horizontally and the sound of freedom is near. Finally, it lays on the table in tiny shreds rendered powerless. I smile. I am free and doubt I will have any problem sleeping tonight! 

     A few days ago we awoke to the phone ringing at the crack of dawn.It was the superintendent of the school where I teach. School was delayed due to poor road conditions and the impending storm. One by one we straggled downstairs, and turned on the television. Our youngest son took a front row seat to veiw the closings and delays that flashed on the screen.  

A little while later the phone rang again. School for me had been cancelled, and only delayed for the children. I could almost feel their eyes boring into my back. I assured them they  too would have a snowday. Well, they've had not only one snowday but two. They may have yet another tomorrow as the forecast calls for even more snow!

The most recent  winter storm all but crippled this tiny town. It began as sleet and freezing rain, which later turned to snow. The world outside is covered in a thick sheet of ice. 

This morning as  I headed out to check on the animals I find the cats in the garage curled up in their usual lump. Since the weather has turned cold they have no desire to go outside, especialy in the morning. They find a way to curl up under their blankets and remain there toasty warm and sound asleep. I am sure they are dreaming of summer, chasing mice and sniffing the catmint that grows rampant here. I head to the barn and a stray has found it's way to the soft bed of hay.He drowsily looks down at me.  I start  thinking  that the cats have the right idea....

 It's a great day for a cat nap...      a, very, very  long one!