While the contractor works on the upstairs rooms, replacing windows and re-installing window air conditioners, I have been relegated to making my nest somewhere downstairs.

Since I share the downstairs with B, it's not the most comfortable nest I've ever feathered, but it will do for the time being. Many people have much less. In the past, at one time I had to live in a single room with no furniture and multiple cohabitants myself (not to mention a cow), so you know I'm not complaining here. Just being a bit ruffled, jostled out of my peace and privacy with contractors marching to and fro, bellowing to each other over the noise of skilsaws and hammers, while I'm working at the kitchen table.

When they sealed off the upstairs rooms, I brought down what was important: my kindle, my computer, my financial ledger and checkbook (it's time to pay bills). Also my cat and my purse and the couple of meds I take regularly.

The cat is most unhappy with having her life disrupted. I have no way of telling her it's temporary. Even if I could, I doubt she'd consider my explanation acceptable.

I had to do the load of laundry that was sitting next to the washing machine since I didn't think to bring down any clothes for the morrow. Right now I'm in my sleep clothes, waiting for my jeans and tee shirts and underwear to come out of the dryer.

Guess I'll have to sleep on the couch tonight. I keep reminding myself to be grateful I have a couch to sleep on and a roof over my head to keep the rain off. (Yes, it's raining.)

Dr. Dea Vickery has this to say in her August newsletter:

Practice Gratitude

Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress according to Robert A. Emmons, a researcher and professor at University of California-Davis.... [He] states that the disposition toward gratitude appears to enhance pleasant feeling states more than it diminishes unpleasant emotions. Grateful people do not deny or ignore the negative aspects of life, but they have a healthy attitude towards them.

I think it's important that I take every opportunity to remind myself how grateful I am for many things. First of all, top of my list, that I survived at all. And then for all the help along the way from generous people who cared. For a sturdy body, good friends, Oh, I could go on and on.

To the Universe: thank you.