one giant step into winter

I’m a little cranky today. Woke up to cold and rain and we had yet to turn on the heater. Minnie was convinced right away that she didn’t want to go outside but Cat kept going from door to door, meowing at me constantly. Sorry Cat, can’t do anything about the weather. She finally ventured out the back door far enough for a drop of rain to hit her and came back in convinced. And when I say it’s cold, it’s 46 and only supposed to get two degrees warmer and drop down to 39˚ tonight. Guess who couldn’t cajole herself into rolling out her mat and who is definitely not going to yoga class tonight? Abby’s probably going to cancel tonight anyway.

The heater is now on, I’ve had my coffee, and Cat has finally shut up but my feet are still cold. So, not so cranky but I’m definitely not going out today until I must to go feed the cats across the street. I imagine they are huddled under the house. 

I think we’re finally getting some measurable rain, at least I hope so. All we’ve been getting the last several days is a few quick showers, less than five minutes and not enough water to get the ground wet under the trees. The water level in the old turtle pond looks higher (I can see the water level through the gray plastic sides) and it’s supposed to rain off and on all day and even this week. 

You might remember that last fall I dug up my little Japanese azalea and my camellia neither of which were growing, hadn’t bloomed in years, and were obviously struggling and put them in pots and brought them in for the winter. Well, the azalea has buds forming for spring and the camellia has six buds, two of which are opening! 

This little podunk red town has two new small businesses. Sarah, Robin, and I went and checked them out on Saturday. There is La Despensa Dry Goods and Refillery that sells bulk (bring your own container) organic and small business sourced things like olive and avocado oil, vinegars, some herbs and spices, tea mixes, various trail mixes and nuts, rice, laundry soap and softener, dish soap.

The second shop right across the street is a new small book and gift store with gently used and new books and some great little quirky gifts. I don’t have a picture of the interior but right away I saw a used book that was on my to read list that the library doesn’t have. It’s at my house now. After I finish it I’ll donate it back to the store because I want them to succeed. I want both little businesses to succeed. Coupled with the Hesed House Market that sells art and crafts and various fresh, frozen, dried, and canned food items from local producers and artists and craftspeople we’re beginning to have some great alternatives to the Evil Empire or driving into Rosenberg. It’s a tough go for small businesses in Wharton though. Wharton historically has not supported Wharton small businesses. Many have tried and many have failed but with the greater metropolis of Houston edging our way Wharton is becoming a bedroom community. Two new housing subdivisions are building and bringing in a younger population (and hopefully more liberal as well) so hopefully these two new shops will make it.

And speaking of a younger population, I drove by the house that had the Trump sign on the fence and it is definitely a new family with small children so regardless of how it happened, we have at least one less Trump supporter in town.