King Lear is coming!

I have been a busy bee this morning! I found out yesterday that my Father-in-Law - whom I just have a ton of respect for - is coming for a visit tomorrow. Eek! I had already on my Thursday agenda to install some new flush mount light fixtures I bought at the Home Depot yesterday, continue with the never-ending laundry cycle, clean up the mess made from last nights dinner and walk the dog. Unfortunately, Harley did not get her walk since I started folding the already clean laundry as soon as I got back from dropping off the kiddos at school and watching Good Morning America. Then - of course - I have to finish the last 30 or so pages of a book I was reading by Liz Carlyle "A Woman of Virtue". It was a great book...now onto the next one "No true Gentleman". So, once done with my reading I installed all 3 new fixtures and rounded off my morning with finishing the dishes and cleaning up the upstairs (ie: toilets, toys, vacuum, new sheets, etc...) in preparation for my FIL (the same one my Harley adores more than anyone).

I am again proud of my handiness. Growing up my father and I did not have a lot in common - I being a girly-girl and he being a "what do I do with a girl???" kinda dad. So, he started off trying to get me to play sports {basketball, softball, soccer, tennis - you get the picture} but I am not the least bit athletically inclined so I refused. I danced ballet and as said ballerina we must be dainty and graceful. I loved hanging out with my dad regardless and so therefore a garage/tools relationship began. He showed me tools and virtually all ways to caulk, spackle, paint, fix, hang and install just about anything. I really did not use my skills until one year my then boyfriend (now hubby) and I moved into an apartment together. The cable outlet was on the wrong side of the living room from where we wanted it so I just ran the cable to the other side - no big deal. My BF was so surprised. Bless his non-handy heart that his dad never taught him such things (through no fault of my FIL) and ever since I am the most handy one in the house. Since we have moved in to our current home about 6 yrs ago I have installed 9 new light fixtures, drilled and attached all the darn cabinet pulls, ran wiring for outdoor lighting, replaced several switches and all covers, put up crown moulding, chair rail moulding and quarter-round - among other things. Not that I am bragging.
Anyway... So, now I am hungry after burning all that energy and still have 2 or 3 loads of laundry to finish and a new book to start. There is just not enough hours in the day!
Thought of the day: "We do not understand: JOY... until it we face sorrow; FAITH... until it is tested; PEACE... until faced with conflict; LOVE... until it is lost; HOPE... until confronted with doubts." - Unknown (to me)
This is so true. We cannot fully understand each and any of these emotions unless we are shown what life is like without them. But all these are found through our spirituality and determination to over come adversity in any way it presents itself. Have a blessed Thursday.