MARS

Our snow quickly morphed into a significant ice storm. We received about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of ice pellets which have frozen solid on every surface outside. Thankfully, we did not lose electric. We were able to watch the ice fall while remaining comfortable and warm. Considering the millions of people who are without power and water this morning, we are certainly considering ourselves lucky.

While the ice was falling from the ice, we were able to curl up in front of the television to watch an exploratory robot land on Mars. What an amazing sight! Everybody, especially Robby, was in awe of the accomplishment. Robby's astronomy interest was rekindled by the event. He can't wait to see more photos and to learn everything he can about this interplanetary exploration.

Today we are inside because of the ice. We will wait for the big thaw to begin before venturing outside. Sticking with our motto over the past year, we are safer at home.  

Have a great weekend!

Ice

 For the first time in what feels like weeks, last night I slept well and without pain. Despite the storm moving into our area this morning, I was able to combat my phantom pain at the first jolt. When I felt the first twang of pain, I wrapped my leg tight (probably tighter than my doctor would prefer) and placed a heating pad on top of my limb. The combination of compression and heat worked the trick, stopping the pain and allowing me to sleep like a baby.

This morning I woke up to flurries and sleet. Throughout the day we are supposed to move to an all snow event before ending with another layer of ice. We have plugged in all of our power banks in the event that we lose power, which is being predicted throughout our area.  

The falling sleet sounds pretty, but it is going to keep me inside today. I love to play in the snow, but this mom doesn't do ice.

Circle Time

After a several week hiatus, this week we returned to Circle Time. Although the activity complicates my schedule, Timmy seems to enjoy the time with his classmates and teacher. The little boy who used to throw a fit before Circle Time now comes running when the Alexa school bell rings. Whether he has come to like Circle Time or he simply has been Pavlovian trained to respond to the bell, I'm just glad that we no longer have a fight every morning.

This week in Circle Time he is learning all about dinosaurs. Timmy has enjoyed talking about the powerful creatures. He excitedly showed the dinosaur poop that his Nana sent to Robby several years ago. All of his classmates were appropriately impressed. 

Yesterday his teacher read a relatively lengthy non-fiction book about dinosaurs during class. Every student was asked to recall at least three facts to share at the end of the story. Charlie Cat, who constantly Zoom bombs all virtual experiences, jumped in front of the camera as the teacher began to read. I shooed him away, but I could tell that Timmy had lost focus on the story.

After the reading, the teacher began to call on each student to recite their facts. When she called on Timmy, he looked at me with the "oh no, I'm screwed" expression. I refused to prompt him (he needs to learn to do these activities without me), and he finally confessed that he didn't have a fact to share. 

"I don't know. Charlie Cat jumped in front of the computer and I saw his butt hole. Then I started to think that my butt hole is itchy and I couldn't think about anything else." 

Ugh. Welcome back to Circle Time, where I never know what he is going to say or do.

 

Tired

We are in a stormy weather pattern, and my leg is feeling every little change. We are forecast to have a major snow storm on Thursday and, if my leg is any indication, I fully anticipate this storm to materialize. My leg last night was zinging and jumping for hours. Snow is fun to play in, but the impact on my phantom pain is no joke. I was miserable! 

I hate phantom pain nights, but they are more powerful when weather is the cause. If my phantom pain is from activity or a new socket, I can usually compress and stretch the pain away. When it is weather induced, I am forced to just "ride out the storm." 

I'm worn out this morning, but hopefully my coffee will work its superpower soon. Timmy has Circle Time and Art class, both of which require my assistance. I wish I could go back to bed, but that isn't in the cards for today. Instead, I'll keep the coffee flowing until I feel human again.

 Even though I'm tired, I'm feeling grateful that phantom pain is not my norm. I can't imagine living with this constant agony. My heart breaks for my amputee friends who suffer on a regular basis. I hope that research will find a solution soon, because so many people are hurting.

Magic

True to the forecast, Saturday we experienced a significant ice storm. Thankfully we did not lose any trees or branches. Our electricity stayed on and we remained both warm and comfortable all day. In the absence of any damage, staying inside was a small accommodation for the slick and dangerous conditions. 

Because we couldn't go outside, Timmy entertained himself playing Xbox and watching cartoons. He is becoming quite a skilled little Xbox gamer. Robby, impressed with his young gaming prodigy, grabbed another controller played for awhile with him. (He seemed more willing to play video games with Timmy now that he knows Timmy has some mastery of the game and controllers.) Timmy was absolutely ecstatic to be playing Xbox with Robby.

On Sunday our temperatures rose and the ice began to melt. Unfortunately for Timmy, the ground was still slick so we stayed inside for the day. Hopefully we will be able to play outside today, although if I had my wish I would stay inside for another day to ensure complete melting. 

Timmy didn't mind staying inside on Sunday because he received "the best gift ever" for Valentine's Day. We gave him a magic kit which is something that has been coveted for several weeks. After squeals with delight and a few (literal) jumps for joy, he dove into the kit and spent the afternoon mastering some tricks. 

Prepare to be amazed by Timmy the Terrific!