Put down a 45min ride in -2F yesterday morning and my guy is still out there surviving.

It reminded me of one of Dad’s informal rules, “no whining” under ANY circumstances and the importance of being grateful for everything.

Our house was 864ft built on cold concrete slab, no insulation in the exterior walls, taped plastic over the windows in the winter and multiple quilts for all.

The furnace’s ignition system made a clicking sound 15 seconds before coming on which prompted a mad dash between Jenn and I go lay down in front of the double-vents in the hallway. The carpet was already worn down in that spot by Dad and his siblings 30 years earlier.

Even through my 8 years in DC, my visits home always included a drive by that old house to remind me of how good I have it.