The ups and downs of my day

If you follow this mess I call a blog, you probably know I'm a bit emotional these days.  I'll have two or three days where I keep my mind off things, then a day will come when I can't stop thinking about somebody else's troubles.  Thank goodness I can walk in the pasture these days, because that's the best thing for the wintertime blahs.  Feeling the cool breeze on my face, walking over still-green grass and cushiony leaves, seeing the clouds in the blue sky:  sunshine, as well as the open air, is restorative.  I remind myself often as I walk to let worries drop away and just be present there in the thick of nature.  Otherwise my time would be wasted.  

During deer season Gabe and I walked along the highway in front of our house until we got to the park on the edge of town, then we'd walk around the park awhile.  Because there were people hunting on our property, I didn't think it was safe for us to walk there; besides, Gabe and I might have scared the deer away from the hunters, walking through the woods.  However, it was a relief when deer season ended.  

I had to be alert and watch for cars coming, which is something I'm not used to.  Then on the last day I tried to walk along the highway, a pit bull came running at us.  When I saw him coming, I picked Gabe up fast, because a larger dog will often attack small prey.  I did fear for my own safety, but I needn't have been concerned about that:  Silly dog frolicked all around me merrily. I intended to keep walking to the park, but I finally realized this dog wasn't going to go back home.  The worst part was that he kept bounding across the highway in front of cars, which could have caused people to veer off the road toward me and my dog!  Finally, still carrying my 18-pound Schnauzer, I turned and went home.  You'd be surprised how heavy Gabe felt by the time we got back home (with the pit bull still following us).

Our weather is lovely this week, with sunny skies and mild temperatures for December.  I went out to walk with Gabe around nine this morning with my coat unzipped and open.  As we turned to walk down our first and steepest hill, I stopped to take a picture of our shadows.

After our walk was over, the day began to degenerate.  Well, I guess that isn't true, because the day was still lovely; my mood is what went downhill.   

I needed a haircut, but I couldn't contact my hairdresser, Connie, who works out of her home, because her cell number was on my old phone but not my current one.  I eventually recalled the hairdresser mentioning another local lady whose hair she cuts.  I looked the lady up on Facebook and messaged her to get Connie's number.  So I did get my hair cut, and it looks just fine, thank you very much!

Anyway, that issue was bothering me for most of the morning.  Then I decided to set up my new printer.  Some of my worst memories are of experiences with the various printers I've owned; when I read online reviews of printers, one of the most common phrases I see is this:  "Makes a nice doorstop after it quits working."  And so far, it seems I have myself a brand new doorstop.

I gave it half a dozen tries.  At one point I was sure I had it, but I was wrong.  Honestly, I'm so moody lately I could have easily cried about it, but I just shrunk into myself and watched the last trace of joy go out the door.  

Pathetic, I know.  I kept the box this impossible printer came in, and if I have to return it, I will.  On the positive side, it only cost $20, so if they won't take it back I'm not out much.  

When I look back at these words I just typed, I realize what an insignificant problem this is.  And here I am inflicting my pitiful whining on my readers.  In fact, what I've written here is so ridiculous, I can almost laugh at myself now.  I make fun of people who take this attitude, and now I'm doing it!

As far as I know I don't have cancer.  We keep our bills paid.  We have plenty to eat and a roof over our heads.  I have a dog beside me who makes me feel better when I'm down.  And I am loved;  Cliff always has my back and keeps me out of trouble.  My stomach is behaving itself.  

Now I sit here thinking, Do I really want to post this mess?  I usually try to present the positive side of things, rather than whining.  

I guess I will post it just so you know I am capable of whining.  Tomorrow is a new day and if I can't post something worthwhile, I will keep my silence.   

Yours anyhow,

Donna