The Story of Lori, Chapter 2

[Lori Dee ✅]

I always trust the Universe to guide me. Sometimes, things happen, and I don't realize the reason until afterward.

My plans for Christmas Day were to go to breakfast with my neighbor, per his invitation. Then I would drive north to the Loveland/Fort Collins area to visit my parents. I planned to visit them while avoiding the rest of the family members, who are... critical. My parents enjoy spending time with my brothers and their families, surrounded by lots of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and their family's... um... "affluence".

When I got up, I twisted my back wrong, and that put me in a world of pain. I tried doing my stretches and soaking in a hot bath, but it was not going to ease up. I made some calls to let people know that I would not be going anywhere. I took a pain pill, which is rare, but I don't drive anywhere when I do.

My neighbor came over and brought me an apple-blueberry pastry he had made, and two movies for me to watch for something restful to do. He texted me several times during the day to check on me and make sure I was doing ok.

Last night, I talked to my parents, thanked them for the Christmas card, and gave them an update on what I have been doing. They never said "we missed you" or "we would like to see you" or even hinted at what they did to celebrate Christmas. Sometimes, it is what is not said that speaks the loudest.

At first, I thought the back pain was going to make my day miserable. Instead, I got plenty of rest, watched movies, spent time in meditation, and had a good day. It prevented me from driving for six hours (round-trip) to spend time with people who don't appreciate me. I am grateful for that. Life is too short to spend it with negative people.

Today, the back pain has eased, and I have more rocks to wash.
Thanks to all for the holiday wishes, and I hope you had a good day too.

😁

[Charlotte_Ringwood]

I'm glad that your back pain has let up now as definitely something I wouldn't wish on anyone, particularly Christmas day.

Seems like your neighbor is a very kind and thoughtful person making sure that you were OK, fed and entertained!

As you say sounds like you avoided a journey in vain and had a much more true and genuine day. It's a shame it's this way, but glad you got some people who appreciate you.

Charlotte x

[ChrissyRyan]

Lori Dee,


I am happy that you back pain has greatly subsided.

Hugs,


Chrissy

[davina61]

See always trust in the universe!! I said I was bored this morning but I found stuff to do all day even if that was crash out on the sofa for a while!

[Lori Dee ✅]

See always trust in the universe!! I said I was bored this morning but I found stuff to do all day even if that was crash out on the sofa for a while!

Naps are never wrong.

After 60, they become mandatory!

[Lori Dee ✅]

Lori Dee,


I am happy that you back pain has greatly subsided.

Hugs,


Chrissy

Thanks, Chrissy!

[Lori Dee ✅]

Seems like your neighbor is a very kind and thoughtful person making sure that you were OK, fed and entertained!

Thanks, Charlotte.

Yes, he is a sweetheart. When I first moved in, he kept hitting on me. I learned that he is bi, so I told him I am ace. He eased up a bit, tried different things. Now, he is just a friend. We are close to the same age, both retired electricians from the IBEW, and have common interests, like treasure hunting. We both live alone, so we check on each other if we haven't seen or heard from the other. So, it's all good.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Speed bump ahead.

Our 60-degree weather isn't going to hold out. We have snow forecasted for tomorrow. So I will make a supply run and stock up. Over the holidays, I tend to avoid shopping so I don't get infected by the virus-du-jour.

We could get a few inches of snow, but as is typical in this area, it won't last. We will be back up into the 40s on Monday and the 50s on Tuesday.

Snow shovel? What's that? 😀

For those of you getting pounded by these storms, be safe out there.
We aren't done with you yet.

[Dances With Trees]

So glad you're feeling better, Lori!

Since coming out, Christmas is my most dreaded holiday, but this year's celebration was rather pleasant. I messaged a few friends from Susan's and enjoyed a succulent meal prepared by my daughter and her partner.

Like Davina said, trust the Universe.

[davina61]

Well the doom and gloom merchants (okay it a headline just to sell more newspapers!!) says we will get a "beast from the east" that will dump a lot of snow soon. Nothing on official forecast of course.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Sometimes the Universe sends us hints that we need to fix something NOW or regret it later.

My heat went out last night. The fan was blowing cold air. I shut it off at the thermostat and waited. The fan kept running, and the temperature inside kept dropping. I have many ways to stay warm, but allowing my pipes to freeze and possibly burst would be catastrophic.

After 30 minutes, the fan was still blowing cold air despite the thermostat being in the Off position. I just turned it off at the breaker panel and waited, thinking something might reset. It didn't. When I turned the breaker back on, the fan started right up again.

I called Maintenance, and within a few minutes, they came out and fixed the thermostat. In and out in 15 minutes. Heat working again perfectly.

This morning, when I woke up, it was 12 degrees (F) outside. Mother Nature likes to remind us that she is still in charge and that it is still Winter, despite our daily highs in the 50s.

Thanks, Mom. Message received.

[Paulie]

okay it a headline just to sell more newspapers!!

Newspaper?  What's a newspaper?  🤔

Get with the times Davina, it's "Click Bait". 😉