After a trip to Denver, we made it back through a blizzard on the highway and La Veta Pass...thanks in great part to God, four-wheel drive and the Brick's competent driving. The snow was so bad that the Brick was guiding by the colored posts alongside the road edge -- and occasionally they 'disappeared.' (Hit by another motorist, who couldn't help sliding?) The last 45 or so minutes, I practically wore a crease in the door handle, trying to hold steady. The truck was covered in ice by the time we turned off the highway.
We were both very grateful to get home to a fire in the woodstove, a warm couch and a few episodes of Rifleman. True to form, the snow stopped by the time we went to bed. And now the sun is shining!
Welcome to Colorado... especially in the spring.
* * * * * * * * * * *
I thought I'd share this classic from the Brickworks files, since the T-word is creeping up on us again.
Fellow Coloradoans -- don't forget about the Tabor credit on your taxes! As near as I can tell, you MUST apply by April 15.
*Take care of a sick child. The Brick and I stayed up one memorable night with both girlies -- and the flu. They were then about 5 and 7. After the third session of throwing up (complete change of bed linens each time), one of us wrapped them up in afghans --the only clean 'blankets' left. The other got busy scrubbing up the trail that led to the bathroom.
Lessons learned: always keep Coke, a bottle of Pepto-Bismol and some anti-diarrhea meds on hand. And clean bedding. Brace yourself -- if you get sick, as well, you'll still need to take care of your kids. (Thankfully, both of us stayed healthy.)
*Get a colonoscopy. A recent study strongly suggests that colonoscopies cut your risk of colorectal cancer (the second leading cause of cancer deaths) by 50%, both by detecting cancer, and by removing precancerous polyps that might otherwise develop into something more serious.
Lessons learned: "Sure, it's a pain in the neck. People complain to me all the time, 'It's horrible. It's terrible,'" said Dr. Sidney Winawer, the leader of the study, and a gastroenterologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. "But look at the alternative."
*Get your teeth cleaned and checked regularly. At the least, you'll have clean, shiny teeth and peace of mind. At the worst, you'll need cavities filled, a root canal or crown, or a wisdom tooth removed. Maybe more than one.
Lessons learned: Don't put it off. If you don't take care of problems right away, your teeth may abscess -- which leads to jaw infections. It not only weakens the bone, but can affect your overall health. It's not going to be cheap, but insurance helps -- and you can often make monthly payments. (Groupons are also often available for teeth cleaning and x-rays.)
I wish I hadn't learned this lesson the hard way -- but I did.
*Deal with pooping -- the full scope. Pets, babies, etc. (And don't forget cleaning the toilet.) If they make a mess, guess who gets to clean it up?
Lessons learned: Some older people struggle with this, too. One very nice older lady at our church enjoyed resting in a wing chair out in the lobby. I quickly learned not to sit in that chair until it had been sanitized first. (Yes, I know what you're thinking. Ew.)
Then of course, there's...
Taxes.
Need I say more??
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