Ok, I Admit It

I've been selfish.  And self-absorbed. It's been such a strange summer for me.  My inability to walk in the mornings has played havoc with my mental state.  In spite of my efforts otherwise, I fear I've whined.

Apparently allergic to this.
I'm being careful today, trying to recover from a minor medical procedure yesterday (and really it wasn't anything, just a small thing I needed done).  Want to avoid complications.  Patience, which has never been my strong suit, is once again my teacher and companion.  One of these days, maybe I'll conquer (or would it be better to embrace?) it.

My visit to the foot/ankle specialist the other day confirmed my suspected broken toe.  He recommended a tape splint which was a marvelous benefit.  All day yesterday, though, my toe itched. Morning revealed a red toe.  Apparently my skin isn't appreciative of the tape.  Sometimes it feels like if it isn't one thing it's another!  :^)

And then I read a few articles this morning I enjoyed.

I haven't ever been a fan of the "bucket list" phenomenon.  I liked the movie.  But never could jump on that bandwagon that's been so popular.  And couldn't ever really articulate why.  Then I read this article.  Disclaimer:  I do not agree with everything he writes.  But there is plenty here to think about. I believe goals are important.  Checking things off a "life list" not so much.  At least in my opinion.

If a bucket list inspires someone to move, get off dead center, then that's a good thing.  We all sometimes need some prodding / motivation.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/10-deathbed-regrets-you-can-avoid-by-making-changes-now/

Another article I read was focusing on the ever-present-seeming-increase in rudeness amongst society.  Her own experience with rudeness was a big learning experience and I admired her handling of the situation - which resulted in a forgiving (on both sides) hug.  One of the things she said was this:  "Maybe every moment of rudeness is a hug waiting to happen."  Which I interpreted to mean that you just never know what's going on in someone's life, and your own reaction could be interpreted as rudeness, also.  How can I turn this situation around for the positive - not just for me but for the other person as well?

Opportunities for growth and improvement (particularly our own) abound.  Not all of them have to be painful.  Listening closely to the Spirit keeps us healthy and moving forward on all fronts.

I'm grateful today for a different kind of tape for my broken toe.  I'm grateful that I woke up in better spirits this morning.  Respect for people that deal with chronic pain is an oft renewed emotion for me. I'm grateful for someone that daily expresses his care and concern for me in the way he treats me and draws out the best in me.  (He never complains about my faults, which must take some restraint.) And I'm grateful for another new teensy blossom of hope in my heart.

Graduation!

A visit to the Insta-Care doesn't have follow-ups.  They assume you'll follow up with your regular doctor.  After waiting nearly 6 weeks for the avulsion fracture to heal, I followed-up with my regular foot/ankle specialist.

The best part of this visit?  Knowledge!  I fear the multiple x-rays will be super expensive.  But now I know.  I'm healing.  Slower than I'd like, but the prognosis is great.

This morning's visit was the first out-of-the-house excursion without The Boot.  Perhaps when I left the dr.'s office one might almost have detected a slight bounce in my step.  The boot is in the closet where I hope it remains forever.

I've graduated to a compression sock and ankle brace.  A complicated affair that required multiple how-to video watching to figure out the proper assembly.

But:  I can walk.  With shoes.  The brace is to stabilize the ankle from rolling these last 2-3 weeks of healing.  I can do as much moving as I can handle.  I have exercises to do on my own - he allowed I was competent enough to handle them without the supervision of a physical therapist.

And the other foot - the "good" one that tripped over my shoe leaving me with the thought I'd broken a toe?  Yep.  Toe broken.  It is now tape-splinted and feels much better.

In my comfy supportive Birkenstocks it almost feels like a normal walk.

Another positive from today:  The Husband fixed the ice-maker in the fridge again.  The contents have been restored to the freezer.   I'm so glad The Husband likes to to do the "handy-man" kind of stuff. He makes it look so easy.

It's been an odd summer.  Milder than usual.  And for us?  Filled with more stuff than usual, maintenance things we've had to hire out, maintenance things The Husband has done, car issues, medical issues, morning walks missing.  Lots of things that have felt strange or out-of-kilter.  But so far we've managed and our equilibrium is mostly intact.

I'm grateful today that I did what I should and followed up with the dr.  My spirits took an immediate balloon ride, for which I'm also grateful.  I'm grateful to know I can get out on the trail again. It won't be tomorrow, my pace won't be fast or the distance great, but I'll get there.  I'm grateful for online video instructions.  For dinner in the crockpot.  For a smiling hug greeting from The Husband.  And for medical insurance.

Sometimes I Wonder...

Nothing matching here.
• If anyone pays any attention to what I'm wearing (and am grateful when it seems like no one cares).  Came straight home from the grocery and shed the boot. (Am trying to carefully wean myself from the boot - will feel better about knowing what's going on after the dr. visit tomorrow.) So, I've got two different kinds of socks - each foot at the present has a different sock need.  These are my indoor shoes (helpful for my weakened foot/ankle). One pant leg rolled up to accommodate the boot.  And I'm just in the house for the present so I'm ok with comfy.

• If the entire world is really in chaos or if it just feels that way.  Arrived home to news The Husband's employer has laid off another 200+ people.  We are so grateful for a job.  But this kind of news that happens w-a-y too often greatly disturbs The Husband.  His job is ok for now.  But the way this happens and seemingly without justification (even people that have been at the company for eons) makes us feel unsettled.  Dislike feeling that way - we still need employment for a while.  (The stock market has become quite schizophrenic, cost of living feels out of control - it's easy to wonder if there's much left to hope for.)

• If people are just completely stressed out.  I see people completely disregarding red lights (prompts extra-careful attention at intersections) ignoring green lights because the cellphone is more important, yelling at people, avoiding common courtesy.  I wish I could fix it all.

• If Heavenly Father gets tired of hearing me plead for His help with all the woes that beset those I know and love.  I'm fully cognizant that I can't get through this life without that help.  Wish I could help more, and hope that my prayers will somehow be enough.

• If I could find my bathing suit if it would say something like this.  (Better find it, I'll need it for the vacation we hope to take.  If I'm lucky it might even fit.)

• If I came to earth with an extraordinary aura that signals to everyone around me that I'm incompetent and can't function or even exist without their guidance and instruction.  (Tongue is firmly in cheek at this point.)  :^)

I'm grateful today that we're still employed.  I'm grateful for a spouse that is completely committed to our marriage, he definitely gives more than he receives.  (And I endeavor each day to be worthy of his commitment and affection, I have so very many faults.)  I'm grateful to finally be able (tomorrow) to get some educated counsel regarding my foot.  And I'm grateful for those cute little emoji's on my phone - I probably way overuse them, but they're fun!

A Mixed Bag Weekend

What luxury!
• A trip to Home Depot yielded a new shower head for me.  What a luxury: a just-the-right-height-for-(slightly)height-challenged-me shower head. Who knew I'd enjoy such a small change in such a large way?

• Received a text from our son.  Their car died.  Completely.  One week into a new job, baby due in October, trying to find a better apartment.  And now no car.

The Husband announced this need in Priesthood meeting.  I was skeptical.  Who has spare cars just sitting around that they could loan to someone in need while a car is found to purchase?  Well, it just so happens, someone did.  A young newly married couple offered their old car as a loaner.  We drove it down - our son and daughter-in-law have some temporary transportation.  I think they're grateful.  I know we are.

I consider this one of those tender mercies.  A blessing tailored for a specific need at a specific time.

(And on a side note, I loved this bit I read today:  "Just because God is smiling on someone else doesn't mean He is frowning on you.")

• I know I've mentioned the being Ward Music Chair this time around is a tad more challenging than in the past. My self-esteem has taken multiple hits, uninvited instructions (for my obeying) abound and my hopes / expectations are often dashed. :^)  (I will persevere and do my best regardless.)

A brother in our ward requested The Husband tell me how important yesterday's Sacrament meeting closing hymn (that he knew I chose) was to him. Serendipitously just that morning he'd been remembering some words from this hymn that helped him through a years-ago-tough-time.  A few hours later we sang that very hymn.  His heart was warmed at the reminder of our Heavenly Father's love for him, so much so that he could hardly speak.  Another seemingly-small-though-large in-impact tender mercy.

• Walked into the chapel yesterday with just a slight hitch in my enthusiasm only to be stopped short by my 7-year-old friend.  She wanted to tell me all about her first week at school and how she already has earned enough "cash" to spend at her classroom's store for fun items.  I told her thanks for the hug, I'd really needed it.  Her quick comeback:  and you got two hugs!  A delightful memory.

Today I'm grateful for someone who expresses thanks - even for something as small as a hymn choice.  I'm grateful that my car requires oil changes only annually.  The traffic / road construction was especially daunting today.  I'm grateful for an uplifting magazine to read while I waited on my car. I'm grateful for a new shower head.  And I'm especially grateful for generous people who don't think twice about loaning an old car.  There is much goodness around us.

Which reminds me of this quote:

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I try to remember to be kind often enough that eventually kindness will just be part of who I am.

All Finished

Fresh paint looks great!
The railings were delivered and re-installed tonight.  They've been sandblasted and powder-coated and look practically new.  I'm always pleasantly surprised at the results when something around here has been fixed / re-done / improved.  It feels just great.

It's been a bit of a pricey summer what with all the fixing going on around the house and the medical things we've done (annual physical, mammogram - and accompanying tests, etc - as well as a couple visits to the Insta-Care and dental work).  Maintaining our house and our health is a constant. How grateful I am for insurance!

We've several projects still in the works - the growboxes and thoughts toward re-stuccoing the house, eye exams and a much anticipated vacation.  I'm glad to have stuff to work on together as well as things to look forward to.

I'm a bit astonished at how my brief hobble-y walk yesterday morning improved my perspective.  Can hardly wait to get back at it full time.

I told The Husband earlier today that I love fall.  Even though it's still summer, I'm looking forward to the slowing down of things as we head toward winter.  It'll be fun to look at the clock and say:  it's after 6, it's dark outside, it's time for jammies.  I love snuggling in for the evening.

My heart feels hopeful tonight.  I like that feeling.

Nightmare

I still vividly remember the first nightmares I ever had.  I've always blamed the mincemeat pie for that first episode.  My poor Dad was in my room every few minutes the entire night.  I easily remember the mental drama/images that caused me to scream out in terror - still frightens me.

I don't have nightmares often, but sometimes I do.  Last night was one of those.  I was 5 years old again:  scared.  Fear and screams were invading my mind...until I felt a warm hand lightly rubbing my arm.  I tried to tell The Husband how comforting that was to me, but words failed. Those unaccustomed to nightmares have difficulty understanding how unnerving they are.  How grateful I am to have surfaced from the one last night and have it totally disappear, leaving me to sleep peacefully the rest of the night.
And this is the smallest size!

I'm thinking the culprit of last night's disturbed sleep was this hawaiian shaved ice.  I've learned that too much sugar too close to sleeping isn't good for me.  (One of the negatives of aging, I guess.) The late evening sugar treat had some consequences.  I'll make sure to indulge earlier in the day next time.

Today I'm grateful for kind souls who don't mind when I disturb their sleep.  I'm grateful for improvement in my silly foot - umm, feet. (It's been five weeks today and I'm gradually adding a bit of time each day without the boot to re-strengthen those ankle muscles.) I'm grateful for the teensy bit of patience I've learned. I'm grateful for loved ones who keep in touch, who make me feel like I count in their lives.  And I'm grateful for good dreams.

Street Sealing

Was up early this morning to move the car.  A couple times.

Our street was scheduled for a slurry seal which meant if we wanted to go somewhere during the day we'd have to have our car parked up around the corner since the sealant has to dry / cure for a minimum of 6 hours before use.

Naturally, this would be the day we received the long-anticipated phone call saying our painted rails from the back are ready to be delivered today (the only day available for our friend/repair guy). Who knows when they'll come now.  :^)

The Husband offered to park the car down the street for me.  I demurred, was looking forward to it.  Decided after leaving the car around the corner that it wasn't the right place so I headed back out to move it.  What a lovely treat it was for me to get out and hobble/walk a bit in the crisp early morning as I went back and forth getting the car in just the right spot.  (I called a morning greeting to my horse friend who instantly responded.  He hasn't yet forgotten his carrot-giver.)   I took my time, just ambled along.  What an instant mood elevator!  I loved the start to this day.

And we've plenty to do around here while the street dries.  It's almost a stay-at-home-adventure!

I'm grateful for choices - that I get to decide whether to stay or go.  What a luxury that is.  I'm grateful for a comfortable place to live, and that we can afford (so far, anyway) to maintain it properly.  I'm grateful for our 20 foot rule (anytime The Husband or I passes within 20 feet of the other we seize the opportunity to hug / kiss.  I love it!) How fortunate we are that The Husband is able to work at home. And I'm grateful for our beautiful shade trees.

Wednesday's Worries

I get teased a bit by my family.  I was endowed with extra worry genes.  And yes, I firmly believe it is genetic.  Try though I might to be otherwise, it is just the way I came.  I remember worrying about things even as a little pig-tailed girl.

So here's my worry list for today.

1.  I worry that I'll be stuck at home the entire day tomorrow because of the street re-sealing.  We won't be allowed to drive on it for 6 - 8 hours.

2.  I worry that by the time I manage to make it to Costco they'll have run out of the foodstuffs I need.

3.  I worry that we'll be in the middle of grilling something and run out of the propane and the extra tanks will all still be empty.

4.  I worry that I'll never make it back on the trail.  I miss it so.

5.  I worry that someone won't like the hymns I choose for Sacrament meeting.

6.  I worry that I'll run out of good books to read.

Silly, isn't it all?  And yep, it's all tongue in cheek.  I'm not really worried about all that. I daren't put my actual fears down in black and white, it somehow makes them more real.

Yummy!
Made my first-of-the-season stop at our local farmstand.  Came home with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and corn on the cob.  What a heavenly meal we had that night.  (Although I learned it's better to time my visit there other than first thing Monday morning. Tuesday morning when I drove by they had many more tomatoes and even some fresh cantaloupe.)

Visit taught one of our sweet sisters this morning.  She is an amazing example of all that is good as she helps her husband navigate the murky waters of cancer.  She related something she heard that she is taking to heart.  The gist of it is:  this is the new normal.  Life will never be what it was.  Learning to accept and thrive in the new situation is a blessing.  How I admire her strength, wisdom and spirituality.  What a privilege it is to visit with her in her home.

And tonight I'm grateful for ace bandages and lots of socks.  For people willing to hem The Husband's pants so they look professional and not done by an amateur.   For soon-to-come visits from kids.  For chocolate.  And especially for good examples to follow.

Weekend

Funerals are a challenge for me.  I feel so drained for hours afterward.  Our friend's funeral yesterday was no less a challenge than usual, though I wouldn't have wanted to miss it.

I sat in awe of the musical talent we witnessed.  Funerals (at least around here), by design it seems, are pretty much put together in a matter of a few days.  Songs - played or sung (both?) - are especially beautiful when our hearts are softened and receptive.  But even more impressive when I think about how polished everything sounds with only a day or two notice.

I can play the piano some.  And have played lots.  But I sat there yesterday nearly overwhelmed with the musical abilities we heard.  How effortless it seemed for them. Truthfully I can say it wasn't envy I felt. Just complete acknowledgement, admiration, and respect for the beauty that flowed through the air from this family.  How lucky we were to hear it all.

Progress.
Our daughter was invited to add some of her own lovely flute music.  I doubt I'll ever hear a more beautiful rendition of "Jesus, Once Of Humble Birth".  It will remain a favorite memory of mine.

And a progress report:  The feet are still attached to my legs.  It's been four of the 4 - 6 weeks prescribed in the boot.  The other night, at the four week mark, decided to give the foot a test run on its own, sans boot.  With passable results. Easy to tell, though, that it isn't quite ready to get out on its own full-time. Finally, all the bruising has disappeared.  At least on the sprained ankle/fractured foot.  The one I hurt last week (the good? one)  is now green.  All over.  The black on the toes, though, has faded considerably.  I'm on the mend. S-l-o-w-l-y.

Today I'm grateful for the blessing Heavenly Father gave this world of music.  He knew how valuable a gift it would be.  I'm grateful for the way music lends grace to my life, and for my small musical abilities. I'm grateful for a bit of good news from a son.  I'm grateful for progress (however slow) in healing.  And tonight, for The Husband and his presence near me.

Rate Your Experience?

So yesterday I went to Target for some Tide.  I like plain Tide h-e for my front loading (low sudsing) washing machine (that surely has been on its last legs for several years).

All the detergent, all liquids.
Walked down this seemingly endless aisle.  It felt like every imaginable brand of detergent was there.  All of them liquid!!  I don't want liquid or pods or gels.  I just want powder.  I even stopped an employee and asked her for some.  She didn't speak English.

Only a teensy bit of powder.
Kept hobbling.  And hobbling.  Finally reached the end of the aisle and this was the entire stock of powder detergent.

Now, I realize I'm getting up there in age. But I'm not completely old yet.  And I try to be open and adaptable to new things / innovations.  But I have my reasons.  Am I completely out of step with the world?

And on a side note:  I think my stamina has leaked out around my sprained ankle/ fractured foot.  I was pretty tired from just walking around Target.  I'm counting on recovering my energy once I can freely get out and about again.

Then this morning we had to run an errand.  Walked into the office and I just quietly giggled to myself.  This little stand was by the exit.  (And people actually used it, including The Husband.)  I had to wonder to myself what they do with the results.  And how are they tabulated?  Or is it just for fun?  It totally made me less stressed just seeing it.  I think more places ought to have these little gadgets.

And today?  I'm grateful for bacon filled waffles.  For a washing machine that still works (knocking on some wood here). For plenty to read.  For our Heavenly Father's eternal plan that includes forever families. For laughter. And even, for my silly boot.  (In spite of the aggravation and additional injury caused by being "out of whack" from the boot, I know it has helped my ankle and foot recover.)

Another Sad Thing

I'm rarely on FB these days.  Checked in this morning to find that a member of our ward passed on last evening. (The Husband's email regarding this wasn't seen until this morning.)

I spoke to his wife just yesterday morning, she's a sweet friend and we've some interesting commonalities.  Because of those commonalities I've always felt a unique kinship with her.

The Husband has always enjoyed Mark, he was a great addition to the Insta-lunches. And, of course, he will be greatly missed.

Sad.

And So It Goes...

Life is so interesting.  Never dull.

Friday evening I was trying to slip a shoe on my good foot, and nearly fell on my keister.  Managed to stay upright, but one of The Husband's first comments was that I really need to learn how to fall.

I've tried several times to take a picture of my newly-injured-previously-uninjured right foot but decided it isn't really pretty enough (even with its fairly interesting bruise) to look at.  I suspect at least one broken toe.  My blue-ice pack is on my foot nearly more than it is in the freezer.

My sweet Husband doesn't know whether to sympathize, admonish or surround me in bubble wrap!

Yay!  Blooms!
Several months ago I repotted my african violets - they were years past their needed attention.  The one on the left started blooming pretty quick.  The other two have seemed  content to just enjoy their new environs.  To my delight this new bloom appeared the other day.  It gives me hope that the one in the middle will soon put forth indication that it is happy.

I just sort of bumble along with my plants.  I pretend like I know what I'm doing.  If I haven't quite killed the plants then I continue on the same care-path hoping they'll miraculously thrive.

And maybe that's what happens in my life.  I just bumble along pretending like I know what I'm doing when all along I'm relying completely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to carry me through my ineptitude, make up for my mistakes / poor choices and hope for merciful judgement.  I try to always have my heart and soul in line with righteousness.  Maybe one day I'll get it right.

I'm grateful today for kind care from other people.  For an instant hug from a sister I visit teach. For flat shoes.  And mostly I'm grateful my name isn't Grace (and that I only have 3 weeks left in the boot!).

DEXA Scan / Music / Traffic

I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.  I love my piano and the music that comes out of it.  I love to accompany people when invited.  Have done it myriads of times over the last ?? years, since I was about 8.  

As Ward Music Chair it is my task to line up the musical numbers for mid-Sacrament meeting. Often, I ask people to sing (or whatever) who I have pretty much always accompanied in the past.  It is awkward.  I never want anyone to think they have to ask me to accompany them.  But it almost feels like I'm putting myself on the program because they usually do ask.  It's weird. 

(On a side note:  I'm still surprised that people assume I don't practice.  Or don't need to. It takes some time and energy to learn a new song, then adapt the piano part to the singer's particular style.  Can't always be done in 5 minutes (or even 24 hours) notice.  My life has often been put on hold while I've practiced for literally hours on end to get it just right.)

Ran over to get my bone density scan this morning.  Was asked again if I have a living will.  Or if I've traveled out of the country in the last 3 weeks.  Am I missing something here? What on earth does that have to do with an x-ray?  Or a mammogram?  It just baffles me.  (And yesterday was asked if I eat fruits and vegetables every day, if I wear my seatbelt, if I eat junk food every day.  I felt like I was about 5 years old being given some kind of test.) 

I really do know who I am.
It amuses/ puzzles me that I had to have a wristband to have the DEXA scan.  I was completely aware (not comatose) ambulatory and conversant.  I know who I am.  Didn't need a tag on my wrist to identify me.

And I'm curious?  How many copies of my driver's license (picture ID) are floating around out there? They just have to check to see that it's me, why do they need a copy - and a copy every single time?

I guess I'm just feeling rebellious today.  Wanted to holler at a couple drivers who behaved as though the streets exist just for their pleasure, the rest of us drivers are simply "noise".  I didn't holler, just came home and vented on The Husband, poor guy.  

And I have an additional goal.  To use fewer words (though you'd never know it by the length of this post).  My childhood years were replete with the admonition to stop talking (not usually that kindly). I must have been born with too many words, I'm still using too many at a time. :^)

And in spite of all my frustrations, I can calm down and find some gratitude.  I'm grateful I was paying full attention to the traffic around me and have good brakes on my car.  I'm grateful that if I had to fracture a foot that it was my left one, leaving me able to drive.  I'm grateful for a listening ear. And I'm grateful that I can stay home all day and let the tension drain from me and start over fresh tomorrow.

Thursday Goodies

Headed off this morning for my dreaded (and not quite annual though it's supposed to be annual) physical.  He's an ok dr.  I liked our previous one better.  But who we choose is governed by the insurance company. (Sometimes I think the various insurance companies govern the country!)

He looked over the paperwork.  (The receptionist said this was the new paperless approach, but there were still multiple real pieces of paper.) Couldn't really find anything to talk about which I think perplexed him a bit.  Did the requisite probing, palpating, listening, looking and pronounced me fine for another year (unless, he said, I get sick).

There are a couple minor tests ordered, but they're nothing.  It's been quite some time since my bone density scan so I'm off to do that tomorrow.  The best part about that is that I can legitimately wear stretchy waist pants.  (I'll have to dig some out of the closet depths.)

One of the best parts of the visit?  I didn't have to get weighed!  She took pity on me with my boot and took my word. (And since I didn't get weighed and my weight hasn't skyrocketed too bad since I'm not burning those morning-walk-calories I straightaway baked brownies.) This morning, even my blood pressure cooperated.

Came home to this sweet card.  Someone kind enough to say to me they were thinking of me and wishing me well.  I can't say how much that touched my heart.

I'm still looking for a volunteer to take my Ward Music Chair calling.  Haven't received any offers yet.  Though I did receive another (as I call them) "opportunity to be flexible".   I'm keeping my sighs inside my head.

 I'm grateful that I'm learning to check my text messages before I hit "send" so that I don't inadvertently embarrass myself (or anyone else). Though my success rate is closer to 50% than 90%.

I'm grateful that another hurdle (the physical) has been hurdled.  I'm grateful that someone was kind to me.  I'm grateful for a pretty healthy body.  I'm grateful for wise articulate people. And for hugs that are ready for me anytime, anywhere.  Yes, I'm grateful.

Church Thoughts

I tried to give away my church calling this morning.  Wasn't successful.  Multiple times serving as Ward Music Chair has given me experience - but mostly in frustration.  I still struggle with people whose approach to life is super lackadaisical, whose word is an exercise in casual commitment.  I need to be more accepting.

In another conversation this morning with a fellow church member I mentioned that I never want to disappoint Heavenly Father.  Her response:  "Awww, how sweet." Aside from her incredibly condescending manner, I was struck by her attitude that she needn't worry about that.  She is confident that whatever she does will be acceptable.

I always figured pretty much everyone is aware of how flawed we are as humans on this earth and how we must work hard to be free from issues that separate us from our Father in Heaven.  I am uncomfortably aware of my own faults and imperfections.  Was reminded of this quote in the Ensign that I read yesterday.  I love the quote.

And yes, it brings clearly to mind that judgement isn't mine to make - of people's attitudes, motives, actions, perspectives, thoughts or whatever.

I strive for wisdom to behave in a manner that will be acceptable to Heavenly Father.  My personal desire is to never disappoint Him.  "Sweet" or not, I believe it is a worthy goal.

Good Morning Tuesday!

I wake up each morning, a bit later than my former usual, hoping that it'll be the day I can get out and walk.  Probably another 25 days.

But anyway, I headed up to the DMV this morning to renew the tags on my Prius.  Walked in the door, received my number and before I had even fully looked to see what the number was, the overhead speaker was telling me which window to go to.  It took me longer to hobble over there than it did to check in!  My great record of short wait-times at the DMV still stands.  (And I lost track of the number of teens getting their picture taken out front - new license / learner's permit proudly in hand.  Lots of summer birthdays!)

Thanks to a conversation with our youngest son the other night, I've been craving potato chips.  (I would have settled for Bugles, I love that snack, but the only flavor they had was Nacho cheese - ugh. I prefer the original.)  Walked the chip aisle several times.  Couldn't decide.  This is what I came home with - the perfect solution: enough for a taste, but not enough to feel guilty about.  $1 for the two was even an acceptable price.  They are going to be nummy!

This afternoon will find me at the library.  I've not been for quite a while and the books are calling to me.  Pizza for dinner.  And I will call it a decent day.

I'm grateful for a tad more mobility.  (Although my foot lets me know when I'm moving too fast / too much. And I'm finding "The Boot" invites conversation from complete strangers.  They always want to compare notes. It feels like most everyone has worn one at some time or other.)

I'm grateful for food in the house.  For smiling greetings complete with hugs.  For repentance, forgiveness and for hope.

Rainy Monday

Clouds, rain = fresh!
And I'm loving having the windows open to smell the freshness.  Most often when it rains around here the raindrops are coming down sideways because of the wind.  Not so today and it's lovely.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to play the piano for both Junior and Senior Primary.  At the very end of all the meetings, the kids were rushing out through the doors, I was playing some postlude for a (hopefully) reverent atmosphere.  One of the boys - I think he's about 9, tapped the piano in passing and called out to me, "Good Job!"

It made me giggle a teensy.  But the more I thought about it, the more impressed I was.  He has learned (from his Mom, I'm sure) to acknowledge efforts by others.  To be grateful for the contributions of everyone.  That's a hugely valuable thing to learn at such a young age.  Good for him!

I'm grateful for kind people.  For the life-giving rain.  For visits from grandchilluns that result in a couple much-longed for hugs.