Happy Hibernation. 
Oh the things that Wintering does, to you & for you! 
Why yes, we still do our (several) times a day walk but there is something about when darkness settles in and I know we only will go just a few feet from the door and for a few minutes that makes hibernation so easy. 
We have settled in to some nice routines and Eddie seems to have taken well to them. 
Sleep is so needed. And winter time sleep is the best! 
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Cold and quite blustery this week but step inside to warm and calm and it’s magical. 
A long walk after Eddie’s dinner and then another one after mine and then it’s time to check out a good movie, some football or listen to music. 
A cup of hot tea or like last night a cup of hot cocoa. 
Thick socks, well TBT many times I  go bare feet in the house, yes, (even) in winter because with my long thick sweat pants and cardigan wrapped around me …… well let’s just say I definitely stay warm and cosy. 
I actually enjoy staying in. 
Hey I know for some it seems like a prison sentence to stay in nightly. 
Of course even in Spring and Summer, it’s not like I am night owl. But in winter, I am already thinking about our nice cosy bed after dinner. 
I used to have a bit of insomnia. I would toss and turn and often wake up with thoughts spinning around in my head. Well no more. I do try to read a bit before going to sleep but lately after I brush my teeth and see Eddie already curled up in bed I sometimes will get through a few pages but not much more. Heck at this rate, I may not finish this book until Spring, Ha! 
But that’s all part of wintering. 
The universe has spoken and I am listening! 
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When we first moved here, there were certain sounds that would wake me or Eddie up. Simple normal sounds like a neighbors truck or a siren in the distance. Hey, I live in Texas, you either own a truck or live next to one who does. Some are quiet but most are not. Why must they always sound as if they are going through some kind of convulsions. In our old neighborhood, I could hear trucks from all parts of the house, well not anymore. I smile in the mornings when I see my neighbor’s truck parked or gone and I didn’t hear a thing. Even Eddie doesn’t budge, so I can safely say, we are getting some good sound sleep! 
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And my new reading chair is fantastic. I am back to enjoying some writing, too. 
For quite a few months, I had an aching to down size my life.  At first I ignored it. After all, I’m had thought I was living in my ‘forever’ home. 
And after much consideration and reflection, I knew that my forever home is where I make it. And the most valuable lesson learned is that I did not need all that space. 
Oh I am a ‘closet’ decorator. I always want to fill my space with the things that mean something to me and bring joy. 
But getting ‘older’ and the wisdom that comes with it has always steered me right. 
Keep the things that mean something and bring joy and get rid of excess. I am happy to say that I am down to 4 boxes, (one is kinda large) left from our move. They hold mostly Christmas but also house decor. I went through 3 boxes yesterday and consolidated them into small containers. I noticed a few Christmas containers that I will not purge, yet. They are already packed well and are not something I want to get rid of. Plenty of time after next December to do that. I am so fortunate that I have a storage area in the garage and it’s looking good and organized.
Me likey!
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So many positive things about our move. 
I am doing more walking than I would have, had I stayed. 
Cooking, listening to music and even house cleaning are more fun too. Less to clean, although I remain disciplined about cleaning, it takes less time which as we all know is an important commodity that we must cherish. 
When we first moved in, I pretty much ‘deep’ cleaned, and I even opened the windows and cleaned the window sills. Told ya, I am disciplined and always thinking ahead. We actually had a few days in the 80’s in December so yeah windows were opened and who wants to see dirty windowsills …… yuck. 
Another bonus of not having as much to clean. 
I do not miss a bigger house …… not one bit! 
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I do miss a couple of my neighbors. Always felt blessed to have such a great neighbor right next door. She introduced me to the church that I follow and was always kind and supportive. I really didn’t know many of my neighbors, we would wave or chat a bit while out walking but it was a fairly quiet and friendly neighborhood. 
I am still really close by so all my shopping and going out is still in the hood. Which as most neighborhoods go, it’s nice to have everything nearby. 
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The decision to move was also easy because I now live very close to my older sister.  
Let just say that I will no longer need to drive for our swimming parties. Nope, we will simply walk a few minutes and meet up. Oh my, there I go, thinking of Spring and mostly summertime fun! 
And look at me, I am going on and on and on. I broke for Eddie’s after breakfast walk and he is once again conked out as the calm jazz music is playing. 
But it’s time to make breakfast for me while sipping my 2nd cup of coffee. Even the coffee is so much better here! 
No it’s not all just in my head …… well maybe it is. After all it’s my head and I live in it! And I love it. Grey haired and all! 
May you have a blessed day and love your life. 
Namasté. 
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❤️