Still wet. Still cold. Going to get colder still. The forecast low Thursday is 14. I’d say that will be a hard freeze. A squeeze the life out of everything freeze. Of course, things warm up during the day so there will be some respite. And it will be sunny and clear. So, no ice to speak of and that is always a blessing, especially for us Texans who think ice only goes in drinks or a too hot, hot tub.

Personally, I plan on staying inside except to drive somewhere. If I had a fire, I’d sit in front of it. I have a fireplace, but it’s too small and doesn’t draft well. I’m thinking about converting it to gas. Thinking. I suspect it will cost money and that’s always a drawback. Meanwhile, the well is shut down, the lines opened, and the outside faucets covered. One nice thing about a stone house is the insulation value of rock. It holds the heat and believe it or not the AC guy is coming today to check my system. Routine maintenance.

Meanwhile, today is put up the wrapping paper day. Sounds like an official holiday, but it’s just me putting up the wrapping paper. I am done. Presents are wrapped. They’re sitting under the tree. I have even delivered some to be opened on Christmas day. It’s been a good Christmas so far and I’ll be with all the kids on Friday for the big finale. So, the third Christmas since my wife’s passing is about to go into the books. I still miss her, but my heart feels whole, my nose is a little stuffy from allergies, and new memories are being made which seems fitting as we prepare to celebrate a day that is all about beginnings.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale