This month is all about preparations. Meaning, the art of preparing, or discipline in preparing; readiness. For everytime I finish something, I find myself having to start all over again. And I am ready.

I like to think of myself as always being prepared. I try to make sure I have enough of whatever I need in case a disaster strikes. My husband makes fun of me because I have a pantry full of essentials; extra bottled water, coffee, flour, sugar, canned foods, soups, pastas, rices, and sauces. I also like to have extra fire logs on hand in case of power shortages and we have to use the fireplace. I have an electric stove, so I make sure the propane tank is full in case we need to cook on the BBQ grill. And those batteries, all sizes, you just never know when you’ll need them for flashlights, clocks, watches, etc. Make sure those phones and I-Pads are charged up. And keep those vehicles and gas cans full!

I’m getting prepared for the summer, too. Now that I have a fur baby, his needs have to be met. Things like dog food, water bowls, extra beds, chew toys, meds, exercise pen, treats, harness and leach, etc. It’s time to start planning those trips. I can’t wait. I’m so happy our little guy loves to go camping, too!

The next thing I’m trying to prepare for is a foot surgery. Not my idea of having fun, but a necessity. For instance, who would have thought the performing doctor’s office doesn’t supply crutches or leg scooters?! It would have been nice if they told me this before the last moment. Now I’m scrambling to find both of these necessities before the surgery in a few days. Alas, a girl can only prepare for so much.

One last thing for preparation this month is the Lenten Season. We prepare for the upcoming celebration of Easter by starting with Ash Wednesday. I looked forward to getting ashes, though Mother Nature had different plans for Utah this year by giving us a massive snow storm that day. We were all snowed in. The mountains got an enormous amount of snow, at least ten feet, and over two and a half feet got dumped on us. We were prepared though, and thank God, the snowblower worked. And it worked and worked, just like Tim did. After three days, we finally got enough snow cleared to get back to business.

See, the art of preparation is a skill, something you have to have patience for. I have to say I am a more patience person than my husband, which is good, at least one of us is. Together we make a great team. And if some kind of misfortune should come our way, I think we will be able to handle it.

So, that’s it for February. I hope you all are prepared for whatever looks you in the face. Until next time…

Stay safe out there and God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb