Days 190 - 193 Is It Spring Yet!?

Is it spring yet!?

The cold temperatures keep returning -- and I'm talking below zero temperatures -- and it's nearly the end of February!

There's new snow on the ground at least 6 inches deep. My husband shoveled a path all around our house for pedestrians this past weekend.

I can't wait for some sunshine on my face and arms!

It was a 3-day weekend this past weekend. Despite the snowy, cold temperatures, I was in a spring cleaning mood. I cleaned out closets, hauled boxes down to the basement, scrubbed out the refrigerator, cleaned underneath beds, dusted woodwork and trim in windowsills, cleaned out dresser drawers, washed a TON of dirty laundry and cooked some fabulous dinners. I even had my husband wash our dirty, smelly chocolate lab.

My eldest daughter remarked, "Wow, Mom, I like this cleaning mood you're in!"

Sometimes I amaze myself with my energy level and drive.

I am going to be busy preparing for a set of week-long trials that are beginning next Monday in Libby, Montana -- a six hour drive from Helena! In fact, I am already worrying about them. This will be the most difficult week of my court reporting career. My hands will ache, my back will ache, it will be extremely difficult due to the expert witnesses/doctors flying in from all over the U.S. It's the beginning of the asbestosis cases coming out of the W.R. Grace & Co.'s mine. Hundreds of employees have died from asbestosis exposure. Even their spouses are dying from asbestosis exposure. The wives would shake out their husband's dusty clothing before washing. They inhaled the vermiculite particles...viola! Asbestosis, too.

So I am praying that the Lord would help me to prepare myself to be on top of my game next week. I am praying that I would have strength and energy and stamina to get through these arduous trials. I pray that the Lord would guide my judge in his decision-making, that the Lord would be present at these trials and be with those who are suffering so badly from poor health. Amen.