My week

Tuesday, after my exercise class, I took Sophie to her first veterinarian appointment.  The Vet said Sophie is in good shape. I got drops for her eye because it is red and the inner lid is folded out a bit which may never go away. It's an inner lid and is said to be cosmetic. He thought she'd be a good candidate as a therapy dog because she submitted willingly and affectionately to the exam.

Friday was up to 37. I took my Christmas lights down while I could. Last year the stakes were so frozen in the ground that I couldn't get them out till late March. 

Boy Sophie's personality is showing. She plays with that stuffed flea. Scared up a rabbit in the back yard.  She scratches are on the inside of my painted front door. She loves a rub down with my damp towel after a shower. She was outside and I heard this scamper through the house and she had that chill on her from outside. She had a burst of energy looking for me.

New Years Day my house got colder and colder.  That darn furnace.  I just had my battery changed in my thermostat on our first cold day in November.  See previous blog.  I hate when things don't work.  Bob Bergman came just before 9AM and as soon as he got to the door, he had a call from his wife who couldn't start the car.  He left and came back shortly.  He unhinged the utility doors and examined the furnace.  He then blew through a couple of the rubber tubes and declared it working.  He rerouted the same tube in such a way that there would be little sediment.  I'm happy $90 later.  He told me that these Hi-Efficiency heaters need to be checked annually.  I mentioned that my water heater was in the budget because it has a date of 1995 on it and the neighbor had to change theirs in less than 8 years when the street work was done.  He told me that the older ones seem to last longer and I should let it ride.
This made me a little late for PowerWorks group strength exercise so I used the equipment and when the strength was done, I joined in with the yoga group.  I noticed a need to get a new sports bra while there.  Good excuse to shop so I went to Meijer and found something nice on the sale rack too.  Also found a nice and discounted lemon Merengue pie. Hey, I saw Doctor Sheedy there working out.   
The weather was nice so I knew I had to take advantage of that.  I put the Christmas up in the attic and trimmed the roses so I could put thorns in my fireplace.

Saturday I went to the Old Courthouse in St Louis for a French-American 12th Night Dance.  Here is the Program:

A young couple got engaged at the ball.  How sweet to follow the old tradition mentioned in the flyer.
I put together my own outfit for the occasion based on Jas Townsend.  I found skirts  (layered) from the Goodwill, I made the fichu from a thrift store nightie, and the blouse, shoes, cap I had.

I helped the dance caller lead a column for the grand march (since her other half usually does this and was busy).  I especially enjoyed watching the "Dance Couple"
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204626724500804&set=o.660432490719333&type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed

Afterward the volunteers went out to dinner at Sister Cities Cajun and BBQ restaurant.  I had a spicy salad and seafood gumbo.  Yum.  The heat from the spice made it linger in the mouth.

Sunday I read the first reading at Mass.
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/15_01_04.mp3
The temperature dropped and it started snowing.  We only had a dusting compared to further north.  I fixed steak and barley risotto for me and my son.

 I know we can make small talk with our dogs.  Sean's small talk is funny.  He talks football to his dog.  "5 yard penalty Moe".  
This is going to be a cold week and they've already postponed this quarter's "Unaccompanied Burial Ceremony" at Camp Butler.  My little dog insisted on going for a walk in 9 degrees against my wishes but she did make it worthwhile.
Well in late1880's the record low was -22.