Back to the Basics

So, our heat went out yesterday...and it's been pretty darn cold this week.

We slept under lots of blankets last night. Luke was snuggled between Mike and me, and Waxy lay happily on our feet.

The heating/cooling workman came out last night, but unfortunately he has to order a part which may not arrive for a week. I gave him an earful, then asked Mike to take care of it. The piece will be overnighted, so hopefully we will be warm again tomorrow. In the meantime, Luke and I are spending tonight at the next door neighbors' house. Mike will brave tonight with our puppy. It will probably drop down into the 40s or 50s in the house.

I thought it ironic that I should receive this "thought of the day" from Real Simple:
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." - Jane Austen

Now I love Jane Austen, but I couldn't really agree with her today. Then I received these words of wisdom from my dear friend and surrogate mom, Betsy:

"Well, see, it's Modern Times that're to blame. Jane's home had No Central Heating and no gas or electricity; only fireplaces, with peat and logs for fuel - and those long-handled bed-warmers for the nighttime hours. The also wore lots of flannel, including those night caps. And probably cats were better in bed than dogs for sharing body heat without crushing one under their weight.

And a Hot Toddy was mandatory at bedtime!

New isn't always better."

She's right...and today we don't always appreciate the simple and important things until we don't have them. Thanks, Jane and Betsy...and I will take that hot toddy!