Today, the temperatures dropped a lot! It went from cold to warm, then to freezing temps with a real feel of minus two. I am not afraid to say, that even in my cozy home, I was still cold. It was a slipper socks and slippers kind of day. As I am getting older, the cold really bothers me. Today, as I enjoyed a cup of hot tea, I remembered another winter many years ago.
It was a cold day, similar to today, and our combination kitchen stove was working overtime, while the stove in the living room was doing the best it could. Our farmhouse was old with a dirt cellar, no furnace, and a small grate in the ceiling located in living room. The windows were not insulated. Mom kept the shades down on blustery days. The little square opening three-quarters up the kitchen wall did little to transport heat to our upstairs. Looking back the cold that was traveling up the stairs stood in the way of any warmth. I should mention that we had no indoor plumbing as well.
I remember having a cold and a cough that just would not stop, especially at night. Mom suggested that I take a glass of water to sip on if needed. The next morning, the water was frozen solid. Then, the blankets, the many blankets that were piled on top of us and tucked in; made moving next to impossible. We children looked like statues from the time we went to sleep until we woke up in the morning. Although our faces, ears, and noses were cold, our bodies were toasty warm. We were all snug as a bug in a rug until it was time to get up.
Then one morning, the pipes in the kitchen froze, and we had no running water. Dad thought maybe using a blow torch might thaw the pipes more quickly. Wrong. Instead, it started a small fire. My baby brother thought it was great when the firetrucks with flashing lights pulled up to our house. Dad learned a lesson that night.
Oh, and I cannot forget the morning that my two younger sisters were making itsy, bitsy snowballs from the snow that had blown under the window and covered the windowsill. You had to be there to understand the fun they were having.
Sometimes we take our blessings for granted. On this night, I am grateful for the warmth of my home.
On this cold day and night, my thoughts are with the homeless. I hope that each one has found shelter where they are warm and can rest. Also, if you know of a senior citizen who lives alone, check on them and make sure they are warm, and have something hot to eat. I also prayed and continue to pray for all animals. I hope each one will find shelter. I pray that outside dogs are brought inside for the night.
My name is Cynthia Jean DeLuca. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. I believe in following your dreams and never giving up! Helping others is very important to me, for when we help others, we help ourselves. It is my hope to make a difference in the lives of children and grown-ups. My hobbies are writing, quilting and painting. I am a novice at all three but, enjoy them immensely. I grew up on a farm with no indoor plumbing and no heat in our upstairs. I love life and have a very strong faith. Working on inspirational short stories for grown- ups. Love to speak on topics that touch my heart.
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