Nothing to fear, but fear itself

The second big storm of the season has arrived and it looks to be just as bad as the first, which was a doozy. Here I am in my one-bedroom apartment, hoping that the roof doesn't leak and that we all can hang in there as this one passes ( fingers crossed ). I've been invited to attend the Men's club meeting tonight at six, and I don't want to go out in this mess. Speaking of messes... the parking situation here in my complex has gotten even more complex.

I sent an email to the property manager and tried to work out a compromise as to who can occupy open ( non-designated ) parking spaces without causing blockages.His strategy was to send letters to all tenants, making me the one who is complaining and therefore the scapegoat if this issue escalates, which it might. My suggestion was to have a sign that reads "No visitor parking". That is sure to raise some hackles. Even if it would read "Tenant parking only", one can be assured that would undoubtedly be ignored.

I am the only tenant with one vehicle. I am respected because I have lived here the longest, but I am also the designated gringo in the hood, which feels kind of weird.I love my neighbors and have respect for each family, but I don't think that they all get along with each other as well as I seem to get along with them.The last thing I would want is for anyone to turn against each other, or most especially... me !

Right now, I just intend to stay warm and not project on how this situation may unfold. I seek only the highest good for all concerned and am ready to make compromises if necessary.

Big Storm coming this weekend

Today it is Thursday and it is sunny and beautiful...no matter how cold. Tonight I will probably have my space heater on, along with my long-johns and down comforter to keep me warm. The only problem with this is that it gets quite stuffy with my bedroom door closed and the window left open just a crack. Okay, don't worry... I won't die from carbon monoxide poisoning because I have an alarm for that. I also have a smoke detector that would protect me if it doesn't go off every time I cook an omelet or have the shower running.Life in a one-bedroom apartment requires constant vigilance.You just can't take off without checking to see if you've left the oven on,etc.

It's quiet today,even if the kids are off from school. They must all be inside so I don't have to listen to the screaming and yelling. Hey, it's better than living in a retirement community. Here, you will know that life is happening around you, whether you like it or not.My friend Eric texted me from Oregon where he is surrounded by four feet of snow. He too, is staying inside doing some woodworking.It's probably muffled and quiet there except for maybe his power saw whirring along.I'm painting a batch of rocks even though I suspect that the Farmer's Market may be cancelled this weekend. We shall see. It's no fun in the rain, but I show up with my canopy nonetheless.The vendors who tough it out during these periods are my pals.