It's a cold and steely grey morning. I woke late due to the lack of sunrise. Cheriki and Sage stand in the corral braced against the cold. Across the valley dustings of snow are painting the hills white. It feels like ice. I wish I could bring all the animals in the  house like they say on the news. " Cold Warnings, cover your plants and bring in your pets."   Brrrrrr.

Manna's curled up on her pillow in the corner and I'm eating hot oatmeal. The phone just rang and brought me some very good news. Manna's tumor was benign. I hugged her as she wagged her tail and said, "Well, guess you're stuck with this old grouch for awhile."  What a relief.

Yesterday the truck went into the shop. Not such good news, a seal on the back axle is leaking and causing a fluid leak that is creating brake lock. I had talked to my son the night before and he said. " Oh I forget to tell you, when you drove down the driveway, I could see that your back brakes were locking."   Axle has to come off , bearings repacked, seals, etc. $600. $600 for the operation, $600 for new tires, $ 600 for repairs. That's a pretty big week. My daughter says, things come in threes so I should be done or is it a $600. conspiracy?  Still I could be out on the street in the cold so I am grateful. Does seem like life is like an exercise bike, you keep peddling and never get anywhere.

Ah quit complaining.  Far more to be happy about, than sad.