Winter Arrives

We are in the midst of our first actual winter storm tonight. We previously had an ice storm, and some freezing rain, but this is snow -- big, fat flakes -- and it's piling up. Tonight was an annual Christmas program at the State Farm corporate headquarters, for which we had tickets. Braden was singing a solo. I rode with Mom and Dad, and we parked in a great handicapped spot. They let the "cripple crew" in early so we could sit down. Because of the ice and snow, and the possibility of problems using crutches on wet tile in the atrium, I left my crutches in the car and walked in, holding Chad's arm. And I actually did fine! In fact, I haven't used them all evening now. It's creeping Kym out a little to see me walk around without them. She asked how long I was "going to do that". :) Actually, I have had several milestones in the past few days. Yesterday I went to Target by myself. I crutched in, but decided that I didn't need an electric cart. I just got a basket, put my crutches in it, and clomped along, all the way to the bandaids. OK, it wasn't far, really, but it was enough. On the way back I had to stop several times because my calf was cramping up. This morning when I got up, I got out of bed on the far side so that I could make the bed, then walked without crutches or brace around the bed to the door. And tonight I walked up the stairs (I've been crawling up) to get my dress clothes for the Christmas program. I will probably pay heavily for it tomorrow or the next day, but I AM making progress! With this snow, getting back on both feet is absolutely essential to be able to get around. There is just no traction on wet tile with those crutches. I was thinking about getting a cane, but maybe I'm not going to need one. I'll wait and see how I feel in the next couple of days before I make that decision, though. Chad finally got the Christmas things up from the basement, and Kym and I will set it up tomorrow. While he was here, he also took more of his stuff (yay!) and he shoveled the drive and walk! The road was getting so slick on my way back from taking him home that I was getting a little worried about being able to stop at red lights. I can't say I really hate the snow, especially if I don't have any need to go out. A nice snowy day is good for setting up Christmas stuff. Maybe it will put me more in the mood for the holiday (my Christmas spirit is sadly lacking so far). I'm finally somewhat interested in getting some Christmas shopping done, which is good, but I'm pretty broke, which is bad. It will get done one way or the other, of course.