jennyarntzen.project

  It was so dark this morning. Right past 8:03 am sunrise. The clouds are thick and low. There is a rainfall warning in effect starting this morning and lasting overnight. I was finally inspired to untangle my motley collection of Christmas lights and figure out an arrangement to bring winter coloured lights into our life. Each string of lights now has a few bulbs that don't light. I have tried to find and keep replacement bulbs, but have given up. Now I appreciate the dark bulbs as reminding me of lights that have gone out but are still with us: Matt's Mom and Dad, my Mom, Skipper, Jethro.  Last night I started learning Stan Roger's song, First Christmas, but finally had to stop because the sentiment in the lyrics and the sad melody were just opening up floodgates of grief. It felt good to get in touch with those feelings. To not try to pretend that they aren't part of the season. Many of us are facing our first Christmas without family, friends and cherished animal co...

  We are preparing the basement suite for short stay rentals. Mom passed on October 4. It has taken us this long to get ready to renovate the suite. Our goal is to have the photos up on the rental site by the end of this month. This is going to be a busy work schedule. There isn't going to be a lot of time for seasonal celebrations. We are hoping to have one or two small gatherings to strengthen family and friendship while keeping our budget focus on getting the suite done.