Anticipation

A few starlings left.

Reading the newspaper this morning, the house was quiet.  No electronics on, and I was alone.  After several moments the raucous noise of birds penetrated my concentration.  Moving carefully and as stealthily as I could manage (which wasn't very stealthy) I went outside to see dozens and dozens of starlings decorating the two cottonwood trees in our yard.  (I did provoke numerous birds to fly off, in spite of my efforts not to.) They're such a nuisance bird, we dislike them.  I have to say, though, it was kind of fun to find them having a morning confab in our trees.  I so wondered what was on the agenda...

Our oldest son's birthday is today.  I wish we could see him.  Alas, not a realistic wish.  Though I hope he knows he is loved and cared for and that our hearts are singing happy birthday wishes to him.

I've communicated with each of our four children today - not a usual occurrence.  How it warms my very core to hear from them, get hugs and feel their care.

And I loved this sign I saw.  My own interpretation is that to wear a crown would mean I was royalty. And I am, in a way - because I am a daughter of God.  That's pretty significant.  That means I must act with dignity and kindness at all times.  It means I look for and see the invisible crown on the heads of everyone else, regardless of their looks, means or station.  It means that no matter how uncomfortable I am (in the company of any person) I can find the one way we are alike:  Heavenly Father loves us all.  I hope I shall remember to look for the crown on everyone around me.  I'm pretty sure it could make a difference.

And the anticipation:  The Husband will shortly be winging his way home, and none too soon.  I have missed him, it never gets any easier - and for that I am grateful.  Grateful that our hearts are so inter-twingled.

Keeping Busy

Trying to fill the hours until The Husband returns.  And while I don't want to "wish my life away", I really do count down the hours.  How fortunate I am. (Reminds me of a quote I read. "Behind all this, some great happiness is hiding." --Yehuda Amichai.  Luckily, the happiness is barely hidden - I actually feel happy, just will be happier in about 27 hours.)

Today I walked the trail in the wind!  Never thought I'd be grateful for wind, but today I am very grateful - our air is clean and fresh once again.  I can breathe freely and deeply without "tasting" the air. (Course, I've had to go out on the patio and return the grill to its rightful place a couple times, but that's a teensy price to pay.)

Isn't that a happy face?

Visited one of my favorite places:  the library.  Came home with a stack of books.  My own version of a security blanket.

Checked on the orchids for the second time this day.  And was happily startled to find one had bloomed.  I never tire of flowers.  Buddha said "If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change."

I'm full of quotes, today, huh?  So, I guess that means today I am very grateful for words, words that inspire and uplift, that enrich, that engender laughter, that create an atmosphere of love.  Yep words are good.

Oh, No....

It's my last piece of chocolate from Christmas.  Sigh....

But, it was really yummy!

Alone Again

I was just getting used to The Husband going to the office in CA the second week of the month. Shouldn't do that, that's when things change.  So he's in the office this week.  He was home for so long that I got really accustomed to having him here.  I liked it!

So, I ran out this morning to do some errands.  Was caught in the middle of a deer crossing - several crossed the street in front of me, and several more after.  Was glad I'd been paying attention  - had the car barely moving.
Look both ways!

Stopped at the grocery - what, do I look lonesome or something?  The old guy (he was very wrinkly and totally white haired so I think it might be safe to assume he's old - definitely older than me anyway) insisted on engaging me in conversation about his check-out experience.  My polite smile wasn't enough to dissuade him, he continued to talk. He probably thought he was enriching my grocery expedition.  I really was just fine.

Chop salad (sans onions and accompanied by my Nook) at Corner Bakery was a delightful meal.  I'll be sad when my gift cards are all spent.

I had just about succumbed to the inclination to accept our friends invitation to go on a cruise with them.  Then I listened to the news: yet another incidence of illness running amok on a cruise ship. Not taking any chances on getting norovirus!

Loved being on the trail at sunrise wearing my new shoes.  Good for my feet and my head.

Pictures can never do a sunrise justice.

Still thinking about a phrase from a song (I Feel My Savior's Love) the kiddos sang in Primary yesterday - "I offer him my heart, my Shepherd He will be." Made me wonder how often I've offered my heart to Christ.  Surely not near enough. (My heart is much harder than it should be.)  Worth pondering.

Little Things

New empty shelves

Now a place for everything

We've lived in our house for nearly 13 years, so twelve years of being frustrated by my vacuum cupboard.  Spent a few hours a couple Saturdays ago looking for something suitable to help with my frustration.  The Husband finally found something and today was the installation day.  Three small shelves.  Total cost: roughly $30 (not a huge sum in the entire scheme of things).  Result: immediate and complete absence of frustration.  Now I have spots for things that belong together.  YAY for small things that feel like big things!

Talked the other day with a friend who is trying to "eat healthy" for her multiple health issues.  Hard to do with three small (picky eater) girls and a husband.  We commiserated about how hard it can be.  She mentioned that she allows herself a teensy bit of "cheating" on the weekends so as to not get fed up and completely throw in the towel/ give up.  I said we kind of do the same thing, but that I couldn't call it "cheating" on the weekend.  That created too much of a mental block for me, don't like the negative connotation.  So we call it a reward for a week of good work.  So, after 24 days of fairly stringent-nearly-no-carb (at least no unwise carbs) it was with a sense of surprised delight that I watched The Husband turn the car toward our favorite bakery - Bake 360.  He came away with a kouign aman and my reward was a chocolate croissant.

My tastebuds were in heaven.  We savored every single bite.  And now, on to another week of careful intake.  We both feel better, The Husband is sleeping much more quietly (I often wake up and lean over to hear his breathing since he is no longer snoring), The Husband has lost about 8 pounds and progress has begun.  It will not be an easy or short journey, which only serves to remind me of something The Husband is fond of saying, "The journey is the reward."  It will be a rewarding journey for however long it takes.

Yay for new shoes!

Today's gratitude is for the gift of new walking shoes.  My previous ones are worn out.  At least on the bottom. I can tell a difference in the way I walk in them.  Don't care for the color of the new ones (they were the only ones in my size) but it matters not - they'll be worn out in another six months.  (I figured these last ones have roughly 600 miles on them.) And gratitude for finding shoes that help my feet.  Such an improvement in the last 6 months!

Socks

The inversion wasn't quite as bad this a.m. so I decided to take a chance and walk outside.  I didn't see a single other person walking the trail this morning and was only barked at by that one nasty dog so it was a hugely successful walk.  I have so missed the trail.

I am a huge sock fan.  Practically the only time I'm barefoot is in bed, in the shower and on the beach.  I pretty nearly always wear socks.  So of course I need a sock wardrobe.  I have thin no-show socks for summer, thicker warmer socks for winter, medium ones for general purpose, liners for tighter shoes and best of all: my favorites for walking.

Favorite socks!

For Christmas I received three pair of socks from two of my favorite brands.  They make walking so much more pleasant.  I love love love socks in general and these walking socks in particular. Between finally finding some great walking shoes and having just the perfect walking socks, the trail is much kinder to my feet.  No wonder I like being out there so much!

Blooming Peace Lily

Was given this planter for my birthday last year.  I haven't really known the names of the plants, I just call them green (if I'm lucky).  The husband found out the name of this one the other day - what a fun name.  And what a fun surprise to find it blooming.  I thought for awhile that perhaps it was a new leaf, but no, even better - the plant blooms.  Yay for blooming things.

Went last night to Hale and saw The Foreigner.  Totally NOT politically correct (or even acceptable) by today's standards but what a fun evening.  The cast was perfect and I loved the whole thing.  Best of all:  I was with my bestest friend.

Feeding the missionaries dinner in a while.  So very out of my comfort zone.  I hope they like salad and pizza.  (And thanks to the gal at Papa Murphy's who saved me $12 on the pizza with her kind suggestion.  So nice to know that kindness and thoughtfulness still exist in the business world.  I'll go there again!)

Got a call the other day from our pregnant-can-do-it-all neighbor who found she just couldn't quite do it all.  It took maybe 5 minutes to walk over and help her tip something out of her car.  (She was too short and too pregnant.)  Next thing we know, we were receiving a plate of cupcakes in thanks.  How very kind of her.  I'm always so surprised at that.  We never do anything for another expecting a reward.  We enjoy helping out and are always so pleased that someone thinks enough of us to call.  But, please, call again!

And it's friday.  Tomorrow we might catch a movie, install some shelves and enjoy a non-scheduled day.  Then it'll be almost time for The Husband to depart for the week.  I so dread our separations.  But have a heart overflowing with gratitude.  For employment, for employment that The Husband enjoys, for the gift of employment that allows working from home, and for a man who isn't afraid of working hard for us.  Yes, very grateful.

Mid Week Mid Afternoon

Yep, Geese up on top.

Ran a quick errand.  I think I can safely say that I don't remember ever seeing a couple geese on the top of a store before.  There were several up against the building, too.  They made a quite companionable noise, although I imagine I could get weary of it fairly quickly.

What a sweet gift!

I'm still praying for some wind/storms to clear out the air.  I'm getting more reading done (whilst I'm treadmilling in the a.m.) but I miss the mind clearing of the morning trail.

Unexpectedly, and delightedly received flowers today!  How lovely they are and do so much to brighten the room.  I love the growing things that Heavenly Father used to decorate this earth.  They make me smile - inside and out.

Was reading a memoir the other day - it started out talking about second chances in life and the one that he was given that put him on a better path.  Decided that second chances include repentance and forgiveness. We should all (including and especially me) be quick to do both.

Today I'm grateful for those who are considerate of others, who share their kindness.

Tuesday Beginning The Week After A Monday Holiday

This has been the strangest month for me.  It feels like February.  I go to the grocery, check the expiration dates on foods where that's important (i.e. milk, yogurt, cottage cheese) and get all befuddled when it says January and I'm thinking what's the matter here - it's past that date.  When, in reality it isn't. Hope it isn't early onset Alzheimers.

Yesterday, on impulse, we ran down to BYU to see the Sacred Gifts exhibit:  a couple dozen paintings from the early 1900's of the life of the Savior.  Many of which paintings have never before left their own countries, and may never do so again.  As expected it was an inspiring visual that I hope to long remember.  Seeing those paintings up close and personal is w-a-y different than seeing them in a magazine or book.  I so loved the man who said that all Christian people can find something in common.  So lovely.

We managed to get in a quick (parking lot) visit with our son and his fiancee.  Good to see them.

Front page below the fold:  the article about net-metering featuring The Husband.  The more I read that article (and the accompanying comments by not-so-brilliant-talking-heads) the less I like it.  The journalist's reporting is not impartial nor even correct.  But whatever.  It was our money to spend and we didn't ask for anyone's approval (nor to be featured in the newspaper) nor do we need it.  I still maintain that to charge us an extra fee for conserving energy in whatever way (particularly after all the incentives and power company promotion) is greedy by the monopolistic Rocky Mountain Power. Makes me grumpy.

Not a good representation of the muck we're breathing.

The Husband headed into the dentist this a.m.  His tooth pain was a minor issue that we hope was easily resolved.  But who ever knows what the future will bring?  I think dentist and immediately envision our dollars just floating off into the great disappearing-dollar-abyss.

As we drove to Provo yesterday we were completely aghast at the air.  We knew the inversion and resulting pollution was bad, but we stick pretty close to home most days.  It is the worst I've ever seen. Thus, I was inside on the treadmill this morning.  I miss the trail.  The bad news:  it isn't predicted to change anytime soon.  Didn't think I'd ever be praying for wind/weather systems.

And oh, I just found out:  today is National Hug Day!

Weekend

Walked into the theater yesterday for our weekly movie (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit:  very tense but I liked it!) and saw our neighbors from across the street.  We should have coordinated our seats as well (so love that our theater has assigned seats, we can buy our tickets on line from our home and choose just the seats we want!).

Yesterday was a fairly fuss-free-schedule-free-just-go-along-with-the-flow kind of day - the kind of day The Husband would choose over any other.  He's getting his office in shape:  the new computer arranged just so on his desk, the extraneous stuff sorted through (my pile for D.I. is looming larger all the time) and enjoying his leaner/cleaner office space.

Church today was (for me) just the best!  I came away from Sacrament Meeting feeling like my spiritual reservoir had been replenished.  A barely returned missionary spoke with heartfelt gratitude for his mission and the blessings that resulted.  He was articulate and organized in his remarks though I didn't see a single page of notes. His parents must be so pleased for/with him.  The High Council rep also was uplifting in his remarks: his personal revelation of the unexpected passing just this week of his 4 month old granddaughter was sobering - thought provoking - and I reflected on just how the Atonement of our Savior covers all of our pain and sorrow.

Unexpected gift.

I played for the sweet sister who sang in the meeting:  I Stand All Amazed, one of my very favorite songs.  I love the sweet melody and the contemplative words that also bring to mind the Atonement. The arrangement she sang was so very melodic and her lovely voice, and evident connection to the song, made the meeting complete.  What a pleasure it is to be invited to play for someone.  I love that the attention is on the vocalist - and by extension our Father in Heaven - as our thoughts are lifted up.

What a surprise it was for her to give me a "thank you" for playing for her.  It really was my delight to do so, I love the impetus to practice, the involvement of both my mind and body in music that warms my heart.

Also surprised to find an article about The Husband (regarding the proposed charge from our local power company for net-metering customers) online for the local newspaper and a TV channel.  The reporter said he "thought" there might be an article in a couple weeks.  The online newspaper had 6 accompanying pictures.  It wasn't quite as sympathetic to the net-metering customers as we might have liked, and as usual, some of the details weren't quite right.  However, I do believe in standing up for what is right and don't mind that The Husband is willing to fight this particular cause.

Had a brief discussion with another that we never know what trials someone is having, what weighs down a pain-filled heart.  It is easy to feel alone and abandoned in our troubles.  We don't wish pain on anyone.  But the fact is: none of us, not one, escapes this life pain free.  It is an essential, though difficult, part of this life.  How stunning is the breadth of the Atonement.  I am grateful.

I Did It!!

This last Christmas I was absolutely determined to make it through the holiday season without gaining any weight.  Well, I did it! I am so very pleased.  In fact, with The Husband's determination to shed a few pounds and the resulting reduction of unhealthy carbs, I have shed a couple pounds (but only a couple) in sympathy. Yay for me!

I've mentioned The Husband's employer participates in a health improvement/reward website with accompanying step counter.  There are (at incremental levels of participation - duration one year) rewards in the form of cash gift cards.  With all the trouble I had with my step counter over the summer I figured I was fortunate to receive $100 in rewards.  But...as the year mark neared I began to wonder if I couldn't manage to hit the next reward mark.  And,  I did it! Just this morning I hit that next goal and I now have $200 to spend.  I'll probably sit on that cash for a bit to decide just what luxury reward I'll reap.

The setting full moon.

Stepped out the door this morning on the dot of 7.  A bit late for me.  Had to snap this shot of the moon - it was so beautiful, with that hazy orange ring around it.  Just as I was soaking in its beauty I was rewarded with a (wait for it.....) shooting star!  I've been known to get up in the middle of the night (wrapped in blankets out on the patio) to see meteor showers, but I can't ever recall seeing one just on a random basis - rare for me and I so loved it.

Buds on a tree by the school.

I keep talking about getting a small camera, in fact I have one - but it isn't great in low light levels. I resist a new one because it's another thing to carry/keep track of (and when I walk in the mornings I only have so many places to stash things).  I find myself increasingly disappointed and frustrated at the faults of my phone camera, as good a camera as that is.  It isn't all operator error, although I admit to wanting to just point, click and be on my way with the pixels portraying the picture exactly as it is in my mind.

Buds on my lilac bush.

I've been noticing on my walks lately that there are buds on lots of the trees and shrubs.  (Pointing, clicking and heading quickly on my way doesn't work when there isn't a zoom.) What a happy thing to notice:  there is hope for new life (spring) even in the deadest month of the winter.

The Husband was as infuriated as I was at the local power company charging a monthly fee for net-metering customers.  He followed up (unlike me who was content to just rant a bit) and in the process contacted the reporter who wrote the original article.  Said reporter responded with a phone call and this afternoon is sending someone out to photograph our solar panels.  ???  Not quite sure what to make of this.  The upside:  I don't imagine they'll be in the house so I don't have to rush around cleaning.

Mid-Week

• Went to a class yesterday - on Social Security.  How sad that my body is getting that old, but my mind isn't (except apparently my memory).  The teacher gave us an assignment:  to go home and call each of our children and tell them to save, save, save.  He said,"all the generations after ours are pitiful at saving, but they have nice stuff.  Unfortunately it won't help them when they are finished working." I wish someone had told us to save.  Wonder if it would (could) have made any difference?

• Have received Christmas gift "thank you's" from two of the four people I expected them from.  How lovely to have received those two.  I haven't written any.  Sent a couple by text, does that count?  I usually am right on that thank-you-writing-thing.  I know I shouldn't let my sorry mental state affect my manners (what few I have) but it gets hard.  I spend a lot of time and energy on gifts for all the various relatives (including birthdays, valentines on valentine's day, Christmas and other special occasions).  I can generally correctly predict who will thank us.  Maybe those gifts loom larger in my mind than they do in the minds of the recipients.  They all have plenty, perhaps the things I give don't matter. Whatever...I've decided that an acknowledgement (at the very least) warms my old-cold heart like nothing else.

The gifts are chosen/purchased/given out of love.  It would be so delightful to have that love recognized and returned.  Like those that sent a thank you.  Or picked up the phone and called.

• Went to the church to practice for Sunday.  The sister brought her cute pig-tailed-glasses-wearing 5 year old with.  So cute to watch her unaffectedly dance around to the music as her mother sang. Made me happy.  Miss the grandchilluns.

• Heard the delightful news last week that our son is engaged.  We have so prayed that he would find someone to be happy with/share his life with.  She seems quite lovely and we wish them all the best.

• How fabulous to be once again out on the trail in the early hours.  By the time I return the sun is up and bringing happiness to the day.  The air is clear (so far) and I love being up with the early birdies.

• Watched a guy take his garbage cans to the curb for the garbage truck.  By attaching them to the back of his pick-up truck, one at a time, then driving them up the driveway to the curb.  Hmmm.  Struck me as odd.  The driveway wasn't that long.

And today I'm grateful for repentance (of all my bad behaviors and attitudes) and forgiveness which I hope will always surely be mine.  And hopefully for the learning so that I don't continue to do those objectionable things.

Obversations

Just a few observations from the last several days.

• Surely as it is dark outside and I'm comfortably in my jammies, the doorbell rings.  Yes, it happened.

• Went to a movie, one I was ambivalent about seeing.  Was not liking it until about 3/4 of the way through.  Ended with tears in my eyes.  Not my favorite (yep, I'm in the minority with that perspective) but definitely worth seeing.

• Still wondering about the lady in the Home Depot parking lot, sitting in her car with the engine running, across the end of several parking spots, so really, quite the center of attention, carefully putting on her makeup.  Just struck me as strange.

• Ikea is still a fun place to go even though they didn't have what I needed. (We passed on the frozen yogurt - still avoiding sweets and unwise carbs.)

• Still not fond of our 1-4 p.m. church schedule.  Too much time that feels wasted in the morning.

"When I am old..."

• The best part of church was watching this cute pig-tailed girl-child sing her heart out.  Knew every single word.  She can't even begin to sing on key or carry a melody, but was warbling whatever note felt good at the top of her lungs.  A sweet memory.

• Am in a purple loving mood.  Wore purple on Friday.  Almost did on Saturday.  Fully decked out in purple today.  Keep thinking of that old poem, "when I am an old woman I shall wear purple..."  Wondered if I wear purple because I'm old.  Then saw the news anchor on the noon news and she was wearing purple - and she's definitely not old.  Just must be the popular color right now.  I really like it.

• This afternoon I ran to the grocery for some supplies.  Was absolutely riveted by the view across the valley towards Kennecott Copper mine.  The air fairly crackles it is so crisp and clean.  Made me want to breathe deeply while I can.

• Decided that sometimes I not only would like to be a hermit, but that I should be a hermit.  It is too tempting at times to be cranky/judgemental, anxious to give my advice where it isn't welcome or even solicited.  Yesterday was one of those days I just wanted to stamp my foot and make people behave/buck up/think of others.  And yep, I know.  So out of line, not my place.  Thank heavens I only had a minor tantrum within the walls of my own home so no one (besides family) had to witness it.

• Had to talk to a lady at church.  Her response to me is rarely gracious, more like she's annoyed at having to interact with me.  She's quite a sarcastic person and that generally grates on me, it isn't really pleasant, particularly on a constant basis.  So...I watched her walk past.  And thought.  And hesitated almost too long.  But finally girded my loins and called out to her.  And yes, she acted just as usual (I'minahurrywhatdoyouwantI'mtoobusy/goodforyou).  Still, I tried to do the kind thing and pretend her behavior didn't matter, when really, it did. I intend to persevere.  Eventually, perhaps she'll relent.  We'll see.

• I'm grateful today for eyes that see the beauties of this world and for people who are patient with me and my shortcomings and for forgiveness.  I hope Heavenly Father never runs out of it for me.

Reading

Adventures Await!

In 2013 I read roughly 20 fewer books than I did in 2012.  Thought about this the other day.  I had been a week without a single book out of the library - a rare occurrence.

Even though I have books scattered throughout the house, and tons of books on my iPad and Nook (and Kindle app) and was reading them, I still felt adrift without something from the library.  I'm one who can walk into a library and instantly find friends in the volumes that line the shelves.

A book I'd requested at the library came in - I nearly instantly dove in.  Feels good.  I see a trip to the library in my future.  A happy thought.

Been thinking a lot about people and their behavior.  And how often behavior is misinterpreted, misunderstood.  Had quite a lively discussion while Visiting Teaching this morning that included this very subject.  The lesson was about the Savior's divine mission and how He is our exemplar.  The three of us women counted it a blessing our desire to never disappoint our Heavenly Father - to give others the benefit of the doubt, to remove that kind of judgement from our hearts.

What a pleasure to begin my morning associating with women whose values and standards are uplifting and great examples to me.

This is a wonderful quote by Linda K. Burton.  I'd love to have only admirable things written in my heart.

“When each of us has the doctrine of the Atonement written deep in our hearts, then we will begin to become the kind of people the Lord wants us to be."

Humbled / Relief

Started accompanying my Mom and her singing back when I was 8 or so (so going on 50+ years). I only had a couple years of lessons and my musical education (and ability) is sorely lacking in many areas.

Too many notes, too fast = really hard for me.

I can't recall ever being defeated by any accompaniment; just always managed to conquer the difficulties with grit/determination/sheer stubbornness.  Even the ones lately that I haven't enjoyed so much, I managed.  (Learning to count at my advanced age.)

I have spent several hours over the last few days working, working, working.  Just a few measures that kicked my self esteem to the curb and brought my emotions low.  Why couldn't I get this?

Was apprehensive as I went to rehearsal this a.m.  Haven't ever accompanied this particular sister before, don't really know her that well.  But we plowed ahead (her voice is beautiful and she knows music) till we got to the challenge part.

I played...and waited...she didn't come in.  Stopped playing, turned my head to look at her and the expression on her face was perplexed/befuddled.  Was I not playing it right?  Shaking her head she said with some wonder in her voice that she was totally lost.  She hadn't ever heard the music played right before.  She'd always looked at it, deemed it too hard and made up her own.  (And here I was so afraid I would disappoint!)  Thus, she didn't know when to come in.

What a revelation to me! I'm not quite the musical failure I thought.  After several more attempts, the "real" accompaniment was modified to something simpler, that made more sense to both of us, seemed to better fit the mood of the piece and relief was felt all around.  (Now if I can only remember what I played and be able to repeat it as I rehearse for our next get-together....)

Was all that practice time wasted?  Not at all.  There is much that music does for my soul.  Even that which is hard.  Even when I sit at the piano with frustrated fingers and mind, perspiration dampening the back of my neck.  Yes, even then.

I want to be prepared.  I endeavor to always do my best at whatever I am attempting and hope that my best will be acceptable.  And when it comes to musical numbers in church, my goal is to bring the Spirit - turn one's thoughts to worshipping God, and to never disappoint Him.

After sufficient practice I just might be able to pull it off.  (With help from the angels who guide my fingers to the right keys, they always help me.)

In gratitude today for the invitations to play for others.  Always an experience and opportunity I treasure.  I've made unexpected friends that way.  And enjoy the music that enriches my life.

Mid Week

Lovely snow!

It seriously doesn't feel like Wednesday.  What day it does feel like I couldn't say, just not Wednesday.

It has snowed the entire day.  Shoveling has commenced and will continue until dark and re-commence beginning tomorrow a.m.  I could have predicted the snow:  I washed my car the other day. Fortunately we aren't having the extreme cold as they are elsewhere in the country.  For now it is pleasant to sit in my chair by the window, stitching, glancing out every so often to see the snow's progress.

They'll do just fine

Our chairs arrived today.  The delivery guy drove right past the front walk/steps The Husband had so carefully (and considerately as his wont) shoveled for them.  They parked in front of the driveway - a much further walk.  And while I'm not totally enamored of the chairs, they will do nicely and look just fine in the living room.  I had wanted a more neutral color, but these go well with the loveseats.  Since we didn't spend too awfully much on them, should we decide to switch things out in a few years we will have enjoyed them our money's worth.

We were quite disconcerted, and disappointed, to read in this morning's paper an article about our local power company beginning to charge net metering customers an extra fee.  Having installed our solar panels a few years ago, we are one of those net metered targets. And frankly, their reasoning is total rubbish!  A lot of meaningless drivel and obfuscation to support their bottom line profits - at our expense.  Makes my blood boil.

Was reading an article the other day about cleaning out/parting with things.  It said we keep things out of fear.  Have been making a teensy bit of progress at letting go of some material things.  (Have to force myself to practically be ruthless!) Would that it were so easy to let go of the things that hurt my heart. One of my worst failings.  Why should I fear forgiving someone? (Regardless of whether they know it or not.) I've got to get better at that.

Today's gratitude:  that The Husband is able (and has the luxury) to work from home.  What fun it is to have him here, to meander in to his office every once in a while and plant a kiss on his cheek.  How lovely to spend our days in such close proximity.

Frazzled

I mentioned that I can get frazzled.  The Husband chimed in, "easily frazzled."  Much as I try to keep things under control, too much input at once does rattle me.  (Was on hold with one person when another person whose call I was anticipating called - too many devices all crying out for my attention at once and I was definitely frazzled!)

Discovered that someone we had do some tree trimming last week changed the payee on the check we wrote for payment.  Too bad he did what he did.  Won't ever be doing business with him again.

So enjoyed the validation I felt when I read Dave Ramsey (a fairly well known financial author/lecturer/advisor) in this morning's paper.  He said: "In my mind, humility is where gratitude comes from, and gratitude leads to contentment."  Love it!  I have long been a fan of contentment.  Doesn't mean we shouldn't always be aspiring to improving ourselves (weeding out bad habits, unkindnesses, bad attitudes, etc.) it means to find that place where we are content - not envious, not always wanting moremoremore material goods that don't help or define us.

And it is no secret that I'm also a big fan of gratitude and expressions of our thanks.  How fun to start off the morning with someone who combines the two into something he thinks should be taught to our children.  If I can find some humility along the way, all the better.  I am working on it.

My own (well-worn) footprint from yesterday.

Spent five miles on the trail again this morning.  There are still patches along the path that have snow on them.  Amused myself by looking for my previous day's footprints.  (My shoes have a distinctive tread.)  Actually found some.  It's ok to retrace one's steps.  Just as long as those steps aren't taking me in an undesirable direction.  I often wonder whose steps I am following.

Today's gratitude:  For a husband who seems happy to help me fight my fires, to solve small issues, to fix broken things.  He fills my heart while he's doing so.

Monday And Back To The Routine

The sun rising through Little Cottonwood Canyon

It just felt right to be back out on the trail this morning.  I loved the sun rising through the canyon. Even though I was out there an hour later than I like, it still felt good.

Managed to clean another drawer - and am hoping there will be enough time (and gumption) during the year to clean through the rest of the stuff that needs cleaning.

I'm so grateful for the beauty of this world.

Yay!

Breathing deep in the beautiful morning air.

Woke this morning to snow covered lawns, bright blue skies and (wait for it....) fresh clean air!  Was so excited I had to step out the back and capture the lovely vista.

Bought a couple chairs.  Didn't plan to, although I've been looking off and on for over 6 months.  The Husband asked me if I was happy with them.  Told him I wasn't thrilled, but that they would do, especially considering the price.  I don't expect them to last forever, but they will complete the living room since our last chair in there was given away (after the funeral of our former home teacher in June).

I've managed to clean a couple cupboards over the last couple days.  Been itching to tidy and toss. Can't even express how it feels to open those particular cupboards and feel the less-is-more-aura.  And there's even hope included in this particular task - there are lots of cupboards, drawers, boxes and the storage room waiting.  Not even a chance I'll run out of places to purge.

I can't recall laughing every day since the 1st.  I meant to.  I shall have to be more diligent in seeking things to give me joy.

Did chuckle, though, at the furniture store.  Walking between the sofas and chairs, we heard a salesman ask another guy if he was looking for something specific.  The reply:  I'm looking for my wife.  Yup, you probably had to be there, but it struck both The Husband and I the same way at the same time. I'm sure he heard our quiet giggles.

Have been invited to accompany another sister when she sings in church in a couple weeks.  Sadly, I neglected to ask her if her voice coach is the same one as the previous two.  Perhaps I'll be fortunate and the music will be something quite lovely.

Tried the chicken pot pie soup at Corner Bakery for lunch.  Still so love those eatery gift cards:  feels like a double gift - once when I receive the card and then again when I get a meal for free!

Today's gratitude:  for clean air.

Thursday That Feels Like Tuesday

With all the holidays the last couple weeks my head is confused.  Along with my schedule.  And apparently deliveries at the grocery.  (Stopped in for some serious empty-refrigerator-mitigation and the grocery was out of my kind of milk, the size of eggs we like, the size container of cottage cheese....)

The sun is shining, but through that layer of disgusting haze.

I am disliking the air.  Yes, we regularly get these winter inversions that trap in the pollution and color the air an unappealing shade of - well - muck, I guess.  We are warned to not spend any length of time outdoors. Thus, I have been inside on my treadmill.  Have done some serious reading, but I miss my daily commune with the sunrise.  Hoping for a storm, and absent that I am contemplating a drive up the canyon for some clean air therapy.

One of our former YSA's dropped by today.  (He gives the best hugs!)  He was only in town for a short time. We haven't seen him since before his mission, and he's been home a year - so roughly 3 years. He looks great:  has a goal - or a few - is keenly aware of his blessings, is happy and anticipatory of what adventure comes his way next. He also has a beautiful, very contagious smile.  How fabulous it was to see him.

I read a thing the other day where this woman said she wanted - sometime in her earthly sojourn - to make a difference in at least one person's life.  I don't know that we necessarily made a difference in this young man's life, but we made a friend.

We wish him well.

And as with all our YSA's, he took a piece of our hearts with him.

January 1st: Resolved

This time of year finds me a bit pensive.  Thinking about the last year and all that was (or was not) accomplished/learned/enjoyed. Thoughts also, of the coming year and what I might perhaps accomplish/learn/enjoy. What possibilities are ahead!

This year I think I've finally found a resolution I might be able to keep.

To laugh some every day.

I need that.

And my gratitude:  for life and all it's joys, challenges, experiences and beauties.  Yes, I'm so grateful.