Winter Blues

Or, how Zoe is surviving the winter months in 2026

Well, we are definitely in the middle of winter, and a glance out the window will prove it. :/ This winter is shaping up to be a doozy, though only partly for the usual reasons. That being said, as I type this on February 1^st, there are only something like 46 days left until Spring. <3

The first thing that’s making this a rough winter is that my dog has developed a thing called Megaesophagus, which is basically an enlarged esophagus. The nerve that controls it is not working and doesn’t move food or water properly into his stomach. This means he regurgitates everything he puts into his mouth unless he’s held in a sitting position for a period of time afterwards. At the moment, I’m catching him as he finishes eating or drinking and kind of draping his front feet/legs over my thigh for ten to fifteen minutes. We seem to have breakfast and lunch figured out, but his after-supper time will need to be extended, because that seems to be the hardest time of the day for him. I’m looking into options … either a custom-made Bailey chair or some sort of alternative that does not involve my lap. LOL

Jasper being held up on my leg, because he wants DOWN and I won’t let him.

Another thing that’s making this winter rough is that my brother-in-law has been diagnosed with a potentially terminal condition. I feel so bad for my sister, and I’m trying to support her in every way that I can.

So, how am I surviving this winter? Well, in addition to my usual vitamins/ supplements and UV light, I’m spending a lot more time in prayer. I’m pretty busy with this new job, and that’s a good distraction from my problems. Having enough money to pay my bills helps a lot, too. I’ve also been reading a lot whenever I have a free minute, and I’ve started a crochet project … a large afghan in single crochet done in a doubled up Violet Ombre yarn. I’m pretty excited about it, and it’s easy-peasy to do. LOL It’s going on my bed when I’m done. I ordered more yarn yesterday for it, so I have enough to complete it to the size I want. Also, I’ve got a countdown going, noting how many days are left until March 20^th, which is the first day of Spring this year, according to Google. All of these things have been helpful, but the biggest thing has been prayer.

Now that I’ve shared all that, I’ll update you on my writing life …

I’ve sadly not written in months. I’ve had a proofreading job that’s taken up most of my weekends. Well, shopping and cleaning have also sucked up writing time, which is supposed to be weekends, so it’s not just proofreading. I know that I’ll eventually have things worked out to where I’m able to write again. It doesn’t always feel like I will, but I know it will happen sooner or later.

I have missed three newsletters. L I’d love to do something fun for my subscribers for Valentine’s Day. We shall see. :)

So, that’s my update. My next Tearoom Crew post will be in May. Here’s hoping I get my act together by then. LOL

How are you dealing with the craziness of this current winter season? Has your area been hit with only cold temperatures, or have you also had ice and/or snow? Are you able to get out, or have you been stuck inside, as I have, much of the winter so far? Did you have to get your driveway plowed out like I did, and did you rejoice and cavort about in it when it was cleared, also like I did? LOL Feel free to leave a comment and let me know! <3

~Zoe <3