a cold swim

If it is Monday, that means that I swim my mile. The pool which is outside is actually heated to 84 degrees, but getting in can be a mental struggle. Here is what I do. I go outside, not matter what the temperature, rather than enter the pool from indoors. There is not much time that you want to procrastinate while sitting in the cold. Once you get in, and start to swim, then you warm up quickly. I had the pool to myself again. That forty five minutes is really good meditation time. The trick is to not think of really stressful things during the swim. However, if you are thinking of stressful events, then at least you are working out the stress physically at the same time!

I also went to TJ Maxx. I am unfortunately addicted to TJ Maxx. For Lent, I don't do any shopping for 6 weeks. I only buy groceries and cleaning supplies. Today I found a Guess down coat for 59 dollars, a cashmere sweater for 25, a pair of casual pants for 10, and (not on sale) Ralph Lauren shoes for 59. Sadly, I am also addicted to shoes- sort of like Imelda Marcos. Jon asked me tonight, "what do you do with all those shoes?" I answered, "I look at them and wear each of them occasionally." They are arranged very neatly .

I watched the blue birds eat from the suet block. They wait patiently while the downy woodpeckers eat, and will eat the crumbs from the ground. They have such a sweet song and are so beautiful. We have quite a few blue bird boxes and this Spring I will add more. I also put them around the neighborhood to make a bluebird trail.

What I really, really, look forward to hearing this Spring is the Whipoorwill and Chuckwills Widow. I have a thrill in my soul when I hear them . It is a worry that development will take away their habitat. I wish that I knew how to make a preserve for the whipoorwills. It won't be long before we hear the Spring peepers too. Those little frogs start in March or so. They are one of the earliest signs of Spring.

Today I picked some more misguided buttercups. (daffodils) In the south corner of my garden they just get too anxious. The temp is supposed to drop to about 10 degrees tomorrow night so I picked all the buds. They will be bright and cheery in the house.

I didn't talk to anyone today except Rebecca. I keep wondering when I will hear from the attorney again. Everytime I have to talk to him I get all hysterical again. Here is some advice: Don;'t ever serve on a Homeowner's Board. You will end up hating everyone, frustrated, and angry. Hopefully, you wouldn't get sued like I did. I think the Board members that left me hanging out to dry are scum of the earth. They have no moral values or scruples. I have to repeat to myself- "The best revenge is living well." Exactly.