Keep the Way Clear

 A year ago,

our bathtub drain got stopped up.

Of course, it was while we were hosting some overnight guests.

I have many posts of "murphy's law" when we entertain!

When we could focus on the problem,

we surmised that there was probably some construction rubble in the drain.

This was a bathtub we don't use often enough to clog with hair or soap,

but there was something that completely stopped the drain.

Because of it's infrequent use, the red clay, wall mud, and any other mess just hardened to a brick in the drain lines.

As we researched how to clear it without the expense of a plumber,

Hot water was repeatedly listed as a cure and a prevention.

This led to a new Cleaning Day ritual.

On Mondays, I pour a teapot of boiling water down each drain - 

two showers and three sinks.

The drains have never been cleaner.

I never have to clean black mold from the sinks and s traps,

The pink mold in the shower scratches and drains is non-existent.

I also take the ice that is in the freezer to boil for the drains.

Why ice?

As a family of 2,

we don't go through a lot of ice.

When the icemaker backs up,

the water lines freeze and the ice maker ceases to make ice.

So 2 birds, one stone.

I keep freezer water line AND drains clear.

That's a win for me!

Back in the Saddle

In August, I was given the opportunity to return to the classroom.

I am now teaching the 3-5 year olds at church.

For months, it has been a group of  5 year olds,

but we have 2 joining us this month from the nursery.

I always enjoy the challenge of teaching and classroom control.

I love to see little people learn new things and assimilate facts.

I love to see how many different aspects of learning I can fit into the brief 30 minutes.

They are a great bunch and I am enjoying the class immensely.

I tried a new classroom trick with this bunch at the beginning to help with sitting nicely in class.

I gave each child one or two plastic coins.

I told them that they had to hide them under their feet.

If I saw them, I would take them.

Guess what?

Far less wiggles!

The idea was an adaptation of a trick that another teacher used for teaching girls to sit modestly.

She gave each girl a quarter to hold between their knees.

If the quarter did not fall,

the students could keep the quarter.

It worked for her girls,

and it worked for my wiggle worms! 

All Because it Snowed ...

 In Kentucky,

and perhaps where you are,

we are in the middle of "Snowmaggedon."

For days, the locals have been hoarding milk, bread, eggs, and toiletpaper.

When I visited the store on Thursday, it looked like a lot of folks were making BIG pots of chili

for the beans and tomato aisles were looking sparce too.

We are probably inside for a few days ...

so why not blog?

We have enjoyed watching the snowfall all day and are now listening to the mixed precipitation and freezing rain.

As the storm approached, I was reminded again of so many things that I have to be thankful for.

I am thankful to live within city limits. (GASP!)

My roads will be plowed early.

If the power goes out, it will also be restored quickly.

I am less than a mile from the highway.

I am thankful that my January snow decorations look less out of place on a snowy day.

I am thankful for an efficient home that holds heat well.

I am thankful for suburbia and a short driveway to shovel when the snow falls.

I am thankful for a gas stove.

It was not on my home "wish list,"

but if the power goes out,

I can still heat up something to eat.

I am thankful to share my home with my bestfriend.

I am thankful to be able to be "stuck" with someone I can laugh with.

I am thankful that he will do walking workouts inside with me.

I am thankful to share devotions together.

I am thankful to blog side by side.

I am thankful for a break from the norm.

I am thankful for the peace of a snowfall.

I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation 

and the show of His power when the ice "cripples" us for a couple of days.

What are you thankful for today?