A Puppy, A Palm Tree and A Pillow

Brrrrrr. It's cold outside. We're talking -10 with the windchill cold.

So cold the schools had a 2 hour delay this morning.

So cold that walking the puppy has become cruel and unusual punishment.

Speaking of the puppy, the poor thing had a rough week last week. He underwent a name change and a neutering in the same day.

You may recall we named him after Notre Dame linebacker, Manti Te'o. Well, we didn't want our dog to spend the rest of his life on the receiving end of fake girlfriend jokes. So, now his name is Sully. Although sometimes we refer to him as "The Dog Formerly Known As Manti," and on occasion, "Cujo" or "Conehead."

This week I've taken to calling him "Snow Cone," since he's been scooping up snow in his cone and licking it.

Anyway, getting back to how cold it's been. At this time of year, I usually embrace the season and  decorate with warm, cozy, wintery things.

Not this year. I'm over it.

I want an escape from dry, cracked skin and numb extremities. I want to be in the tropics.

Sadly, a vacation is not in my future. So I did the next best thing. I bought a tropical plant.

I can't tell you how much this baby has improved my mood. I know what you're thinking... "you're going to kill it, Carolyn." Well, there is a strong possibility that I will. But I'm going to try really hard not to.

It wasn't a big investment. It cost me $10 at Lowe's.

And, look... I didn't even spend money on soil. I just plopped the thing right into a pot. Oh yes I did.

It's a Yucca Cane. The tag says it is tolerant. We'll see if it tolerates me.


Oh, and one other thing that's making me happy today. My new Home Goods lumbar pillow...

HG pillows are hit or miss, but right now, they're a hit! I saw lots of great ones.

So, tell me. Are you embracing the cold winter weather? Or is a palm tree on your shopping list?

Gotta run. Cujo... err... Sully is barking. Time to dress up like nanook of the north and go for a walk in the crisp night air :)