It’s been a few weeks since I crafted a few inspiring paragraphs. Honestly, I haven’t felt inspired, so it’s been difficult to put pen to paper. That is, if we used pen and paper these days. Honestly, blank screens on my laptop have been unnervingly staring back at me and my brain-controlled fingers just didn’t want to engage.
I think some of my “writer’s block” may be due to the current situation we’re all facing each day. Economic and social turmoil at home and increasing instability around the globe. I don’t enjoy writing about doom and gloom all the time and I get drained slamming keyboard keys to share my opposition to the direction our country is going. I know all of you have your own thoughts on the matters at hand and I, generally, don’t think you really want to read my rambling opinions about what’s wrong in this world and who is at fault. I know I’m not the only one frustrated with all of this. Many of the bloggers, podcasters, and vloggers I follow have, at least, put their feet in the lake of dissention lately. Some of them going into deeper water than others. But the truth is, none of us know what lurks beneath the surface. I’m going to work hard to keep my feet out of it – most of the time.
Spring is in full swing here at Rose Rock and I’m taking steps to declutter, clean-up and make repairs on my house. I have a lot to do this year. To kick it off, I’ve hired a landscaping contractor to clear out the volunteer trees out back, remove dead and dying shrubs in the beds, replace the flower bed edging and plant new plants and flowers. I’m ready to get the yards cleaned up. I am more than ready. I had hoped that I’d be able to do a lot of it myself this year, but I’m finally accepting the fact that I can’t.
While the outside work is going on, I’m going to begin decluttering and cleaning the inside. You know there is a downside to living alone in the same house for twenty-five years. My declutter plan for this year is one of the reasons I bought my truck last July. Dump runs are in my, and Scarlet’s, future.
For me, Spring is the catalyst for the work I’m doing on the house and yards, but it is also a reminder that severe weather season in Oklahoma is here. That’s right, besides the yard clean-up over the next few weeks, the chances of severe weather and tornadoes will be increasing. I’m preparing for several weeks of severe weather potential by re-stocking my pantry and gathering up other supplies. I’ll also make sure my safe place is ready. As it is with any storm, the greatest risk is a power outage and most of my prep time will be focused on that.
What should you do? I’d suggest you have at least three days of supplies stocked up. More if you can. These are the things I usually make sure I have enough of: water, non-perishable foods, my medications, batteries, toiletries, etc. And don’t forget the fur babies! I also make sure I have propane bottles for a cook stove and charcoal for the BBQ grill. If the power goes out, I’ll be cooking outdoors. What are you doing to get ready for the storm season?
So, at a minimum, make sure you have your safe place ready, three ways to receive warnings, one of those being a weather radio with an alarm, have your legal papers in one place and prepare a bug-out bag just in case you need to evacuate your home or business. Most importantly, pay attention to what’s going on. You know, situational awareness stuff.
That’s enough for now.
Talk soon.