(((((((((((((Kath))))))))))))))))!!!
I love your experience of going to the park!
Your fear of falling and driving in the snow is perfectly understandable!!! I really struggle with that...
I found some really great boots that I practically live in. (They're men's boots, actually - forget fashion!)
It's so funny, if I wear men's boots, I have found men in all kinds of places (even the pharmacist) saying enviously, "What great boots!" and whole conversations can take place about these wonderful boots and where they can get a pair, too. :-)
These wonderful boots are designed to be warm to -40 f, were made to be acceptable to police departments (high sheen, black), and something really nifty: they lace up the front, but also have an easy zip up the side! They have amazing traction, and I have never slipped in them. They support an injured ankle, so I've been able to walk on snow and ice, and more rough ground without falls. They really help me feel more secure and less afraid of slipping or falling. Helping my recovery...
What is your anniversary date in February? I hope to be of encouraging support when that day arrives!
The day was difficult. I drove (made it safely), and started taking care of animals, while noticing a weird hissing sound in a bathroom. After all the animals were fed, I cleared out under the sink, and discovered water spraying all over. Another emergency with no help... Shut the water off and made calls to different hardware stores. Had to drive again (had planned not to that day) and get emergency plumbing items. Made it back too cold, tired, frightened to make repairs, so water stayed shut off. Next afternoon got a very temporary patch on the pipe and the water back on. (No hot water, but having running water and a flushing toilet is a great Christmas gift!)
Didn't get the chocolate cake I was planning, gave the money for my Alive Day celebration to a woman who was taking care of her relative's disabled baby. That felt better than chocolate.
Woke up early this morning, hearing Matty crying... Started to jump up out of bed to run to him... then remembered...