It's the most wonderful time of the year, or not...

Nine days since my last post and more snow. It's still falling and looks so pretty. I stepped out onto our front porch to catch the temperature and found the street to be so quiet and peaceful. I love how snow literally blankets everything, the trees, the ground and the noise. Tomorrow it will start to look rather ugly and abused so today I will enjoy the gift.

Oklahoma City has been ravaged by Ice Storm 2007 and sadly my parents have not walked away unscathed by its' wrath. Their new home lost many, many trees including the Bradford Pears that lined their drive, an aesthetic feature Mom was very excited to have. You know those lists you make when you're looking for the "perfect house?" You know, the one that has pool, beautiful landscaping, live-in butler and maid? Well, these trees, they were on Mom's list. The house they are in the process of selling also suffered a tree limb through the roof and a collapsed back porch. A U-Haul they had rented lost a side mirror and they've been without power for about a week and don't expect to have it again until next week sometime. That which does not kill us....and I thought the move alone would require them to seek medical attention and a shrink!

My Dad has been sending me regular "status updates" via email and I recognized their spirits started lifting around Thursday. I officially knew they were going to make it when my Mom left this voice mail on my phone: "Catie, I am looking at my new Country Living magazine and they have an article in here about this adorable store called The Curious Sofa located in Prairie Village, KS. Now, don't you live near Prairie Village? Have you ever been to this store? Well, the next time I am there we are definitely going to have to make a visit. Love you!"

My Aunt Linda and Uncle Tom who live in Tulsa also suffered tree loss but despite their own ice storm issues they managed to bring my parents a generator and some good cheer. I know various other friends have pitched in to help my parents with whatever they've needed. Once again I find myself unable to scramble to OKC to help my parents. It's a helpless feeling and it's been a battle for me all week to remind myself I will be there next weekend, willing and able to help them settle into their new home. Let's just hope we have electricity. I can see us now: huddled together in the kitchen near the one space heater the generator will power, eating camp stove food...probably eggs and bacon. Either way, Christmas will happen and we will all be together and grateful for that alone.

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