We are getting our first major winter storm here in Southern Maine today. It started before mid-night and by this morning there was nearly a foot on flat ground and considerably more where it has already drifted. My wife, Carol, had to be at Church by 7:30 so we were both out before dawn, shoveling. Of course, it had drifted the driveway full. She is gone, and I am not done yet by far (besides it is not supposed to stop snowing until noon anyway, and the plow has already put 5 inches back in the end of driveway). It is time for a breakfast break. Hot oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon. Hot oatmeal was specifically invented for mornings like this…I am convinced! And, of course, a cup of hot chi.

Carol refused to give me a kiss when she left, and as soon as I realized why, I was inspired to this slightly scary Christmas themed and Sunday selfie. Didn’t someone say it was the year of the selfie? I can play too! Just, please, if you have small children in the house, please shield them from this. I would not want be responsible for planting this as a Christmas memory in any young mind. 😉

Samsung Smart Camera WB800F. Processed in Snapseed on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014.

And for the Sunday Thought: My sincere prayer this morning is for anyone who has to be out in this weather…especially travelers on the highways. I pray too for wisdom among those who might be tempted to go out, without urgent need. This is no morning to be brave. I might get out sometime after noon, if the snow tapers off, for a photo-prowl, but only if the the roads are passable by then. No, this is a morning to draw the comfort of home around you and think cheerful, thankful thoughts. And that inspires a prayer for those who are without the comforts of home…the basic necessities of shelter and warmth and food today, in this storm or out of it. And considerable thanksgiving. Even if I froze my beard shoveling, and even if I will have to do it again before the end of the storm, I know I am blessed well beyond the basic necessities.

Carol might even give me a kiss when she gets home.