For the first time in a very long time, I feel like I’m camping.

When I awoke at 5 this morning, Felix was very frigid. The temperature was 37 degrees at the time. I’m glad we don’t have an inside thermometer because I really didn’t want to know how cold it was inside.

I assumed that our furnace had used up what was left in one propane tank, so I quickly dressed and went outside to switch tanks. Biscuit looked forlorn when I shut the door. Why wasn’t I taking her for a walk as usual?

The hose was easy to unscrew but not so easy to get on the second propane tank. I had to resort to waking Dave up, which I hated to do. He’s been dealing with one electrical issue after another here lately, while putting up with a painful knee. I was trying to give him a break and let him sleep.

I walked the dogs individually while he got dressed and ready to go outside and connect the propane, but when I got back he announced that it wasn’t the propane; it was our 12-volt battery that powers the fan that ignites the heater. It was dead.

So, while we have 110 volts coming in (appliances are still working) we don’t have lights. Or a furnace. And the toilet doesn’t flush.😝

It’s now 7:30 and the sun is rising. Daylight! I wasn’t able to use the lights above the couch, so I sat in the dark all this time. Believe it or not, even though I’m still bundled up and I’m not really sure what course this day will take, it wasn’t hard to start thinking of all the things I was grateful for. Not so much that I’m a Pollyanna; I know what’ll happen if I don’t do it!

I’ll get on the pity pot and complain. I’ll bite Dave’s head off. My day will not go well.

I hereby start my day over because it’s a great day to have a great day. (And I know that somehow, someway, this too shall pass.) Here is what I’m grateful for today:

That my basic needs are met. I have food, clothing, and shelter.

I’m grateful that we still have some electricity.

I’m grateful that the coffee maker works and that I was able to make coffee.

That I’ve got a warm clothes to layer. My ears are covered and I’m wearing gloves.

For the heat generated by the pups laying next to me.

That I have plenty of warm throws and blankets.

That my phone is charged so that I can still read most of my morning devotionals.

That it’s not raining because I deliver meals today.

That it’s not cloudy or rainy so that I may see sunrise.

That I am currently witnessing the most amazing sunrise and was able to capture some good pics from my seat here on the couch.

I’m grateful it will be sunny today, and that soon the sunlight will begin streaming through the front window. That should warm things up a bit.

There. I feel better.

I hope YOUR day goes well. Have a blessed day, y’all!🤠