Let It Snow

It's a white wonderland out there today. Makes me thankful to be able to be inside. I've been slowly clearing out clutter this week and it's getting easier as I go. I'm throwing away stuff that surprises me. It feels good. We live in a small place and the more stuff, the more claustrophobic I feel, especially in winter. I'm even getting ready to go through my books and pare my collection down. Not too long ago dearest one was moving containers of books from one shed to another (books that won't fit in the house) and complained I must have a thousand books out there. The only ones I'm really adamant about not getting rid of are the books I read to my kids as they were growing up. I made the mistake once of getting rid of some of them and had to eventually replace them. Some of them I haven't been able to replace and I regret it. Dearest one has been after me for a long time to write down my internet book browsing notes in a notebook instead of on the multiplying bits of paper piling up on my desk. This week I did just that. Those bits of paper offered the titles of 60 books just waiting for me to order from the library. It still makes me smile to think of it. And I can see the desktop for the first time ever in ages.

This week I had two counseling sessions. I'm down to monthly session with my after treatment counselor. January and February appointments are already booked with her. I'm thinking I won't need to book any more after that although she will remain available if I need some help sorting through my sometimes warped thinking. I am just starting the counseling sessions at the childhood sexual abuse survivors centre. I came away from there this week with several revelations to mull over. I have homework to do about those things before I see her again next week.

Christmas baking will start in earnest this week. Peppernuts are one thing I make every year.....a legacy from dearest one's family. Butter tarts, fudge and squares of several kinds will round out the rest. In the pantry is a box of pot of gold chocolates....a tradition I grew up with and am continuing. The tree has been decorated for a while - our first year of having an artificial tree (thanks to freecycle). Norwegian flags decorate it's length.....a tradition my grandparents passed on to me.

Life is good.