Still Winter

 Gosh, it has been cold today. Maybe I felt it more because I had to go out this afternoon. the forecast was that the temperature would get into the 20s, but when I left the house a little before 2 o'clock, the car thermometer was registering 12 degrees, and on the way home, around 5, it was back at 10. Now, at 8 p.m., it's 3.8 degrees. However, tomorrow we have been promised 40 degrees. I'll believe it when I feel it.

I spent some time at the historical society in Danville this afternoon, signing more books with Patty Conly. It is always very nice to visit there - if you haven't been to the historical society, you should go. The rooms are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 5, or by appointment.  There is a lot to see, and staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Patty and I worked in one of the rooms where there is a large fireplace, and it's very pleasant, with lots of light and is a perfect to work. 

I had a call this morning from daughter-in-law, Monika, to tell me that Tangeni (my 10-year old fourth grade granddaughter) won the spelling contest at Waterford School again this year. She won last year, but due to Covid, the State-wide contest in Burlington was cancelled. It is scheduled in early March this year, and when I spoke with her a few minutes ago, Tangeni told me, "There isn't much time to prepare, but I'll be ready!" If she should win that, the next round would be held in Washington, D. C. 

I am very proud of her, especially since I was never a very good speller. I was a secretary for many years, and I kept a dictionary close at had - always. There was no spell-check on my super-duper IBM Electric typewriter, which I think was the most modern typewriter I ever used. I learned on a manual Underwood, and I had a neat portable Smith-Corona I used to carry with me when I had to accompany Bill Lederer to Boston or New York from time to time to do manuscript revisions with his editors. 

I also got word today that my older granddaughter, JoAnne, will be graduating from Texas University on May 12. It seems only a couple years ago we met her for the first time when we picked the family up at the Burlington airport when they returned with her from Namibia. I remember it was a bitterly cold January day and when she went through the revolving door and the cold outside air hit her, she exclaimed, "What was THJAT?" There was so much that was new to her. She had never felt cold like that, never seen snow, and had no idea about winter weather conditions; later she had to get used to seeing acres of green grass and forests.  She adapted quickly, and learned to ski, make snowmen, and later, in high school, learned some winter survival tactics, hiked and camped in the mountains at White Mountain School, and she learned to swim at Joe's Pond. However, when it came time to go to college, she first went to Boston for two years - and then vowed she would go someplace warm. She applied at a variety of southern schools and was accepted at the University of Texas in Austin. She now admits that during certain times of the year, the heat there is a bit more than she bargained for, even by Namibian standards, but she has stayed with it. Our family is very proud of  her for achieving her goal, and we know she will put her degree in dietary science to good use. 

Now I'm going to catch up a little on the news, perhaps watch a movie (or maybe an episode of "Bull" or "Blue Bloods" that are recorded and waiting for me; or I might decide to head for bed and spend a little time with the "North Star Monthly" that came today. All good options. That is, if I can stay awake long enough to see the end of a TV show. It's been a busy day.

Stay warm, be safe.