Thursday That Isn't My Favorite

Loved the sunrise.

Started out the day with a bike ride - my second in a row.  Even though I was fighting the wind part of the way, it was still a good way to begin a strange day.  I almost felt like the day was downhill from there, but really the most downhill was the ride home.  (I love that my ride takes me uphill on the way out and downhill on the way home.  I prefer to get the hard stuff over with right at the beginning...of pretty much everything!)

The Kindle finally arrived, after being delayed a day.  And it's all set up, ready to go.  The Tivo arrived, and it's all set up and being used.  I've even managed to figure out how to record some of our shows - we'll see if I figured it out right - summer isn't exactly the best time to try that particular facet out, there's so little on in the summer that we watch.  The Moxi, (our dvr) that we so enjoyed, and had used for double the expected time is headed for the electronic recycling.  It was a good investment.

And the thing I learned today?  If you're going to cry in public, make sure you cry around a couple of kind, sympathetic ladies who dispense hugs as readily as you're dispensing tears.  Kindness often seems in short supply, though I was amply fed with it this morning.

The posterior vitreous separation seems to have stabilized a bit, my eye doesn't (so far) appear to be any worse.  The hope is that the floaters will settle to the bottom and not affect my vision as much as they do.  The doctor said he was totally surprised that I'm able to see as well as I do with the cataract that annoys me so.  Though it's nowhere near time to have it removed.  I'm eating lots of carrots! :)

I'm grateful for a partner/friend/loved-one who weathers my tears with equanimity.  I'm grateful for this outlet that somehow, sometimes lets a little stress out my tear ducts. And allows me to go forward with hope though with a fair amount of embarrassment.  I'm grateful for sweet souls who don't mind that sometimes I have to accompany The Husband when he home teaches them, and are welcoming.  And I'm grateful for pizza tonight, I'm too worn out to cook!

Competition

Read a column in the newspaper this morning.  The author is a regular contributor.  She is an athlete, and a competitive one.  Competition drives her.  Her column today was about running the local Deseret News 10K.  She started out the column by talking about how she always sizes up the competition because her ultimate goal is to always finish in the first three places.

This is a hot button with me.  I know there is (and has to be) room in this world for everyone, and the myriads of viewpoints, opinions and abilities that includes.

I personally don't care for the competitive part of this life.  It seems to be carried to great extremes. Being involved in a friendly competitive game just for fun is one thing.  And I'm fine with that, because no one's ego is involved in winning, it's just for fun. (So maybe that's not really competition, if no one cares who wins.)

But as a culture, we put our kids in competitive sports at a young age and teach them it's all about winning.  Sometimes teamwork is involved, but not always.  They must win.  Parents turn into controlling "cheerleaders" urging their kid to push harder, be aggressive, steamroll the opposition.

And therein lies the rub for me: everyone else becomes the opposition.  Winner takes all.  Winner is the best (whatever that means).  All the rest are losers. Not worth anything.

I find this to be the antithesis of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  His atonement covers every single human to ever live on this earth.  It is all inclusive.  And doesn't exclude based on speed, or skill, or luck or anything else.  It is for everyone.  It isn't competitive.

In fact, in regards to the eternal plan, the only "competition" should be that with our own self as we strive - always - to be a better person than we were the day (or the minute) before.  As we work to improve our own "personal best".  And along the way we reach out to not only lift another who could use a bit of help along the way, but we also reach out to be lifted.  We help one another, we don't compete against them.  Because Heavenly Father's love (and eternal plan) is enough for every one.   I believe Heavenly Father looks at us each as equals - not winners or losers or even competitors, but beloved individuals with value no matter what.

Of course, all of this is my own personal opinion, and I know there are many who would disagree, particularly the author of this column.  Still, I think when we immerse ourselves (our souls, mind and spirits) in competition to be the best, we open ourselves up to discouragement & arrogance as well as vulnerability to the adversary.  Which is not a good place to be in.  It's my sense that being that absorbed in one's self to the exclusion of others (to besting them, beating them and belittling their efforts by our own determination to excel) it drives away the very spirit that we spend our life working for.

The aforementioned columnist nearly always focuses on competition, both the things she competes in and the things she has her children involved in.  She promotes it because she likes it.  But I find it a bit at odds with her particular religious background.  I wonder what a conversation with her would be like.  Likely it would end up in a competition, with her the "winner".  That thought makes me sad.

Tuesday Afternoon

Yup, socks & sandals.

And yes, that is my foot.  My stockinged foot.  In my fancy sandals. There was a time I might have secretly/mentally almost-scoffed at someone for wearing socks with sandals. There was a time when someone might have been openly teased about wearing socks with sandals.   I've been seeing people of all ages doing it more and more.

So today, I tossed all that ancient-perspective baggage aside and actually went out in public wearing sandals with socks! (After all, I'm over 50, no one pays any attention to me at all, let alone what I wear!)  I'm prone to blisters.  These particular sandals were the ones I wore to Home Depot and had a blister in 15 minutes of walking around the store.  Wanted to wear these sandals for some reason. Wasn't going to get another blister.  Hence:  the socks.  And I feel just fine about it.

This Tuesday finds us in yet another quandary.  The house needs its stucco siding repaired / replaced. The bid finally came in. More than double my original expected estimate. Yikes!!!  In order to do the appropriate due-diligence, we'll be getting another bid or two, consulting with some more of the field's professionals.  And perhaps putting retirement off for another year.  :^(  Or maybe not.

I earned enough money walking (through The Husband's work healthy lifestyles program) that I had some spending/fritter money.  Have ordered a Kindle PaperWhite e-reader.  To keep my two Barnes and Noble Nook e-readers company.  I expect to spend some time tomorrow when it arrives setting it up.  Fun!

And the DVR we had that quit working?  The cloning of the hard drive was marginally successful. We still have the issue of the encoding by the cable company.  We're unable to access numerous cable channels - the only ones we really care about. (And yes, I whine about paying that access fee for all those sports channels we aren't interested in and are never going to watch!).  So we finally succumbed and ordered a TIVO.  It's seems to be the only option out there for people stuck in the dark ages like us, that still like to record shows rather than stream them.  We can't always get to them before the show's expiration on the streaming.  It arrives in a couple days.  Then it'll be a whole 'nother learning curve. Something new to learn...

Today I'm grateful we ordered the TIVO before we heard the stucco estimate.  I might've changed my mind and I'm glad I wasn't put in the position to do so.  I'm grateful to have a vacation to look forward to.  I'm grateful for the fruit of summer: apricots, peaches, plums, tomatoes etc.  I love eating fresh!  I'm grateful for a new recipe to try.  And for a teensy stash of chocolate.

One Of My New Favorite Quotes

"Each day as we experience and receive the Savior's influence and power in our personal lives...it has a powerful effect upon our character.  Repetitive daily contact with Christ is like sandpaper to the soul that eventually smooths and polishes a celestial character.  Christ's divine influence helps us to grow from bad to decent, from decent to good, from good to great, and one day - because of Him - from great to a god."  from "Christ in Every Hour" by Anthony Sweat

Get-A-Way

We get to go to the beach! In a few weeks. With some effort (on the part of more than one person), it has all worked out that we get to spend a week at the beach, in the house we best like to rent.  A free flight voucher enabled us to fly into the closest airport.  And I'm hunting for a swimsuit that'll fit my aging, frumpy, overweight, cellulite-riddled body.  (That I'll cover up with nylon pants and a shirt to keep the sun off to I won't sunburn quite so bad.) I don't think I have one in my drawer, I might have to buy something.  Other than that, it's all systems go and I'm so looking forward to it!

Book

Somewhere I came across a book I thought I should read:  Christ In Every Hour by Anthony Sweat.  I waited a while for it to come in at the library, I generally don't buy a lot of books.  I'm not quite halfway through this book and I'm loving it.  I want multiple multiple copies to give away to anyone who might gain some insight through the principles Brother Sweat so logically, articulately and movingly presents.  (And no matter how many pictures I took, I simply couldn't manage one without the reflection of my hands / phone camera in the plastic cover.  And I took quite a few.)

I just finished the chapter titled: "The Restoring Power of Christ" - it is a powerful chapter. These two quotes particularly struck me.

"The Atonement will not only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but in His time, it will resolve all inequities of life--those things that are unfair which are the consequences of circumstance or other's acts and not our own decisions." --Richard G. Scott.

"Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ."  --Boyd K.Packer    Followed by these words of Brother Sweat:  "That is what Jesus does: He brings balance.  That is what Jesus promises:  full recompense.  That is who Jesus is:  The Restorer".

A much valued lesson in hope for me this day.

Wind

Since it's been so windy lately there's been some lovely clouds scudding across the sky.  6:15 a.m was just the perfect view of them.

6:15 a.m beauty.

My favorite part of the trail along one of my routes is tree-lined, both sides.  Tall trees.  I spent most of that trail mile with my hat nearly falling off the back of my head as I watched the tops of the trees. Down, at ground level there was just the barest kiss of a breeze.  But up at the top? A whole different scenario.  The tree-tops were waving madly in the wind, it was even quite loud.  I loved the contrast and the sense of safety while things were quite stirred up only 40 feet higher.

Good luck?

And I found a dime!  So, if you find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck--what does it mean when you find a dime?  Is it ten times the luck?  I'll go for that!

Today I'm grateful for back-up shoes.  My heels have all of a sudden sprouted blisters (no matter what I do) in my other shoes that probably only have 200 miles on them.  My back up shoes are worn and not the best but they aren't blister producing and I'm grateful I saved them to wear.  (I think it'll be a new pair of shoes for me this weekend!) 

I'm grateful for the wind that stays aloft.  For peas fresh from the garden.  For a plan for Sunday's lesson that I think I can manage well enough.  And for open arms, welcoming me in for an always needed hug.

Post-Anniversary

Love the moon!

And it was one of the more low-key anniversaries we've had.  Though that doesn't lessen its importance (I didn't even get The Husband a card - or if I did, I've forgotten where it is).  I treasure every day with The Husband and am so grateful that all those decades ago we were sealed in the Temple for always.

The Husband got a few things done that he'd needed to do, and then took a little nap (which he also needed to do).

Those pears look almost ready.

The reward for doing Family History is the family sealings that then take place.  That made for an extra special evening.

A gift card to Olive Garden and some yummy food completed the day.

Then I was up and out on the trail early this morning.  The full moon is always a treat to see, whether rising in the evening or setting in the morning.  I'm always reminded of Heavenly Father's benevolence in creating this stunning place for us.

Sun Sugar tomatoes, very sweet.

The fruit trees in the back yards of homes that line the trail are heavy with fruit.  It's been an amazing year for apricots.  And the pears are looking great as well. And after watering the veggies this morning I just had to see if these little tomatoes were as ready as I thought they were.  And yup - they were a scrumptious addition to our breakfast! (I'm so anxious for the ones on the vine to ripen - it'll be fabulous - and there'll be enough and some to share!)

I'm so grateful for the blessings that are ours in such abundance.  Enough to live, and more just for the enjoyment of life.  Whatever did we do to deserve it all? I'm grateful for cute little neighbor friends who crowd around for a hug, for the hope of a cookie in my future, and most of all for The Husband.

Post Weekend

We avoided Draper Days this year.  It's gotten more about money than about celebrating Draper.  It's a bit over-the-top with all the vendors.  Not to mention that it's hot out in July.  And there's lots of people there.  And did I miss going?  Not really.  Must be my age.

We did meet our son for lunch on Friday at Corner Bakery.  And yes, I am a cookie person.  Whose cookie supply is currently in deficit.  I'll have to rectify that.

I also pulled a carrot to gauge the progress.  Still small.  But pretty tasty for the one bite apiece The Husband and I enjoyed from this little guy.  We're still harvesting some peas.  The Husband is determined to plant more next year.

This flower is on our hoya plant.  A friend started a little one from her plant to give me for my birthday one year.  It has the most interesting flowers.  Right now there are 5 clusters of blooms. There's some sort of mental yippee that goes on when plants thrive (and even survive) our ministrations.  I love the reward of flowers.

And yesterday was struck by the difference between men and women.  We had a question in Sunday School class.  The women were content to discuss and chat with perhaps a mental note to follow up at some later point.  3 of the men in class pulled out their smartphones and proceeded to find the answer. 3 different sources, but all the same eventual bottom line answer.  The women discuss, listen and want to help when we figure out how.  The men just solve the problem as quick as possible, they always want to fix things.  Pretty true all around.

This morning we ran a quick errand and stopped on impulse at the tire store.  The Charger's tires are nearly smooth all the way across.  We can afford them, it'll be fine.  But the fun part was seeing our friend at the very place we stopped. It was delightful to chat with him for a minute.

And tomorrow?  44 years ago The Husband and I were sealed together in the Logan Temple.  For always and forever.  How grateful I am.  And how lucky / blessed I feel that our paths led to each other, to marriage and to sealing.  Words cannot express.

I Like Birthdays

I like celebrating the lives of those we care about.  I like recognizing that however we come, we are valued.

These stunning flowers were delivered for the birthday girl to her work.  I'm still just astonished at the creativity of people.  Aren't they lovely?

I snapped this picture (through the windshield - it's been cropped way down) of the car in front of me yesterday.  And yes, it appeared to be a cellphone free zone.  That's great!

The two baby clematis that we planted (and they look much bigger in the nursery than they are all by their lonesome planted against the house) have done so well, they've both bloomed.  I so love flowers. Heavenly Father knew how much we'd need their beauty in this sometimes harsh world. This hollyhock looks especially lovely out amongst the weeds, all by its lonesome.

We don't often eat out for lunch, there's always too much pressure to get away.  Ours today left us groaning with misery - even though we saved half to bring home for dinner. And that's the best (IMO) kind of meal - one that stretches into two.  Any meal I don't have to cook is the best kind.

Our sweet neighbor has this beautiful apricot tree.  Some kind of chinese apricot I think she said. This year is truly a bountiful harvest.  She gave us permission to pick a few, afterwhich I had to wash and test taste.  Yep, I love apricots.  And doesn't pretty much everything taste best just after picking?

We've got a guy coming in a bit to give us a bid on some covers for our gutters.  We've a couple that are in inaccessible spots for cleaning out, thus we have had issues with the gutters and downspouts being plugged.  And that's a crummy mess.  It'll be nice to finally get that taken care of.  Next on the list:  re-stuccoing, maybe a whole house fan, and streamlining all those possessions we don't really need.  I'd love to feel lighter/free-er.

And I'm reading a great book about discovering the Savior in every hour of the day.  Uplifting words are something I always treasure.

I'm grateful for birthdays to celebrate (in spite of the anxiety of trying to find just the right birthday gift).  I'm grateful for lunches out.  For neighbors who are generous with their apricots.  For those who are creative and for uplifting words. I believe Heavenly Father likes us to be happily content and striving always for good - good to do, good to receive, and all the iterations of good in between.

Another Wednesday And Another Oddity

Field of bales

I had another couple books to return to the library - that errand became my morning walk.  My route takes me roughly five miles and they're delightful miles.  They include neighborhoods, walking past the creek, a couple alfalfa fields (complete with cows and calves), the pickleball courts, the senior center, the city park and then the home stretch which is my favorite part.  (Though I have to wear a hat because of all the bird-inhabiting trees.  I dislike getting "dropped" on.)

Baler

YUM!

In the 24 hours since yesterday morning's walk, the alfalfa had been cut. It was a treat this morning to see the automatic baler churning out the alfalfa bales.  Don't know that I've ever seen that before, but it was kinda fun, though I was across the creek and too far away to really get a good view.

Just exiting the park, I caught sight of this noose hanging from the tree.  Wasn't there yesterday. Don't know why it's there today.  And yes, I find this odd.  I hope no one puts it to use.

Was able to harvest enough peas for dinner and to share.  I love that thought: enough and to share. I hope to always have that - I like to share, and I don't need lots and lots of anything (er, maybe chocolate?) so having enough and to share is just right. And beyond that, I believe Heavenly Father would want me to share - whatever it is I have enough of to share.

If there is one positive thing that has resulted from my teaching Sunday School it has been the necessity of delving deeply into gospel subjects.  My soul has truly responded to being immersed in the precepts of our Heavenly Father.  I have become increasingly aware of my flaws and imperfections and have daily renewed my desire to overcome them. My spirit is willing even when my flesh is weak.  My efforts will continue.

I love this quote from Jeffrey R. Holland: Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost.  I cling to that hope.

I'm grateful for morning walks that entreat me to observe the beauty of this world.  I'm grateful for employment that affords us enough and a bit to share. I'm grateful for the ability to still learn after all these decades on earth.  I'm grateful for miracles (even teensy ones) and hope for them.

Oddities

This might be one of those days when it feels better to just stay planted in a chair for the duration!  :^)  It seems like there's just a bit of "odd" going around, some I've observed, and some I've been involved in.

• Was out watering the veggies this morning and I heard singing.  Not quiet humming to one's self.  But full on, belted-out-at-near-the-top-of-your-lungs-with-lyrics-complete-level singing.  He had on headphones so apparently was singing along to his music.  Wonder if he'd known I was there, would that have changed his volume?

• I rarely see dead aminals along the trail.  This morning it was two - a mouse and a little duck.  Sadness.

• But then I saw the little duck family I've been tracking.  Mama and the little duck-lets all swimming together.  Yeah, a bit less sadness.

• This chalk art appeared on the trail over the weekend.  Someone has some talent.  There were even words at the top where I wasn't quite tall enough to get a clear picture.  Cute.

• This package of tomatoes?  Was removing from the grocery cart for purchase, the bottom just fell off and itsy bitsy tomatoes went..everywhere! Was a bit embarrassed even though I really don't think the bottom was tightly/completely on.  Glad it wasn't a watermelon that went kersplat.

• We continue to try to decide what's best for our future.  That means looking at multiple different building lots and houses.  Yesterday's excursion put us back in the seriously considering it mode. Makes my stomach quivery.  Though I don't really think this particular one is the right one.  It's a lot of consistent effort to find just the right thing.  Yeah, hard.

• Was told yesterday that our home "feels good".  An unexpected bit of kindness that surely warmed my heart.

• I've disappointed someone again.  And no, unfortunately that isn't an oddity.  It happens all too often.  Yeah, disappointed in myself. Again.

• The sunflower?  It's a volunteer The Husband has been nurturing.  Sweet face, yes?

Over the weekend we went out with some friends.  I'm grateful for their kindness. And we've a birthday to celebrate in a couple days, am hoping that we'll help her feel loved and celebrated.  I'm grateful for birthdays.  My washing machine (knock on wood) is still plugging along, albeit with some audible complaint.  I'm grateful it hasn't completely died yet.  I came home and went nearly directly into an enveloping hug from The Husband.  Was hard to disengage.  I'm grateful for his patience, concern, and the fact that he never gives up on me. I need someone to believe in me.

A Few Friday Pictures

Was up and on the trail early this morning.  I like when I have a book to return to the library, it gives me a purpose to my morning walk other than to just absorb the beauty of the sunrise.  I loved this duck, I watched her for quite a while, she was just sitting there, face to the sun, apparently enjoying its warmth.  (I promptly nicknamed her "sun worshipper".)  This rose of sharon bush down the street is so pretty.  That little bee surprised me.

Our neighbor just brought us a treat:  he caught and smoked some trout.  My tastebuds are currently in jump-up-and-down-with-yippee's-mode.

Our bird-let murdering snake has been spotted. It's a big old thing.  Even the neighbor was surprised at its size.  The Husband tried to find it under the trees but once again it managed a complete getaway.  I don't like to hate things. But this is one thing that might merit the term. Darn snake.

After my walk I went out to water the garden - chuckled out loud at The Husband and his sense of whimsy / humor.  The empty spinach spot is now adorned with this silly bird; I guess that's as good a spot as any for her.

And peas! I picked a couple pods just to see how they're progressing.  Fresh peas from the pod for breakfast - yum! I am so pleased when a plan comes together!

I'm looking forward to Sunday afternoon - when the stress of discussion leading / teaching is over for another few days.  Our beautiful world sometimes feels like a place of Ugly. Where the adversary seems to be w-a-y too influential.  And the Good feels like it's playing hide-and-seek.  I'll seek to find the good.  I want to be surrounded by it.

And yesterday I forgot to mention yet another change:  our newspaper subscription is running out.  I have long loved my morning routine of breakfast with the paper.  It feels like the newspaper lately doesn't know what it wants to be - a paper for telling news, a magazine full of barely relevant articles, or some combination of the two.  I'm frankly weary of spending so much money on something of so little value.  It'll be a change for sure.

I'm grateful for those with a sense of humor.  For generosity from others.  And for choice - for others as well as myself.

Change

I like to think that I'm generally ok with change.  It is an inevitable part of this life.  Mostly, I think I am.  But I'm beginning to believe that I like it better in small doses, a bit at a time over a period of time, rather than a whole bunch of change all at once.

Too much change at once unsettles me.

We've had an ongoing problem with our personal DVR system.  (Decided years ago to buy our own rather than keep paying those high rental fees at Comcast.) We hoped it would live for about 3 years (the time in which it paid for itself).  It's been nearly 7 as near as I can recall.  It has been well used.  And is pretty much "used up", worn out.  The solution is to clone the hard drive.  (Yep, all greek to me.) It's been a process, figuring it all out.  A new drive has been ordered, after which we'll prevail on our grandson's Dad to do the actual cloning.

True?  Maybe not, but it's a nice hopeful thought.

In the meantime, we're without cable completely.  And it's ok, we actually tried to "cut the cord" with Comcast last year, so I thought I knew what to expect.  But it's still a big change.  We have all these tv's in all these rooms that are basically useless for the moment (some are hooked up to the actual antenna in the attic - thank heavens for The Husband's foresight in installing it when we built the house.  It means we can get the local network channels for news, etc.).

There's also change in our health insurance through The Husband's employer.  It means a new company, new plan and new doctors.  (The doctor part is the part that's problematic for me.  I dislike finding new doctors and being stuck with them for a year if I don't like him/her.)

The Husband has several "irons in the fire" that are taking some time/effort to cool. I try to help.  Not so great at it. He's got deadlines (and frustrations) at work.  I think I respond to that on some subliminal level.

There are people moving away (neighbors and those we work with at church and a dear friend who is downsizing).  And people getting married.

I guess I"m feeling the pressure of some of the other stuff - that Sunday School class that permeates my daily thoughts. The need to hand water the garden every day (The Husband is working on that as well). Trying to come up with something enjoyable for dinner every day. The sense that I need to pare down/clean up/toss out. My stack of books from the library that grows instead of diminishes (and that should be the fun thing!)  The beach is calling me...

I watched a crow flying this morning - being hounded by a smaller bird, looked like a sparrow or something that size.  No matter how the crow ignored it that little bird harassed and bothered it until I could no longer see them in the sky.  Was the crow frustrated? Or completely unconcerned/uninterested? What's the lesson there for me?

I picked a couple carrots this morning. Teensy baby ones that actually needed some thinning, but I used them as a gauge to see if those yumminess-es are ready to eat yet.  (I'm anxious.  Every day I look at the garden out the window and send it these thoughts:  grow, be healthy, grow, grow. So far, things are looking fairly decent.)

And in spite of anxieties that seem to be one of my daily challenges I'm grateful.  I'm grateful for work paydays.  I'm grateful for a new color of nail polish for my toes.  I'm grateful for trees and the shade they provide. (We planted our yard with lots of trees initially for shade from the summer sun, only to find our best garden spot (the one with the mostest sun) isn't really quite as sunny as it should be. We'll keep trying.) For a free bag of potato chips. And for the hope of a peaceful heart.

Day After The Fourth

Best ice cream is free!

And I am grateful for our country.  I'm glad we live here.

I think I'm taking too many pictures.  I'll share a few, though I took more than I'll share.  It feels like I want to capture so many images and sear them on my brain so I won't forget the things that make me smile, cause me to think, and bring me joy.

Peaches

Pears

I particularly wanted to remember the ice cream cone.  The young lady helping us was so personable and gracious.  She gave us that cone for free, agreeing that (in her words) "it was a disgrace" that they only had vanilla cones.  Since they disappointed us by only having vanilla, it was complimentary. Another reason - besides the fact that I am obsessed, besotted and craving their milkshakes, my very favorite ones ever - to give that business our patronage.  We have always thus far had superior service.  Makes me want to go back.

The fruit trees along the trail continue to delight me.  Our garden continues to teach us (that's a teensy tomatoe-let on one of our bushes, one of several we counted).  And the morning continues to entreat me to enjoy the day.

Treated myself this morning to some time at the library.  Came home with a free book from the Summer Reading Program (I've been doing those since I was a little girl, how much fun I've had!) And a whole pile of books I hope to be able to read before they're all due. I'll certainly enjoy trying.

Came across this little list of 9 things to do to be happy.  And I think I'm stuck on #1!  But it'll be a good reminder to think before I speak and not to complain about a thing, but to be blessing-aware.

And I'm grateful today for the weekend with The Husband.  I needed that time with him.  I needed some relief from the pressures that have been a bit bothersome.  I needed that extra day (holiday) yesterday with him. I'm grateful that he's such a handy guy and fixes pretty much...everything! I'm grateful for a washer and dryer that are still functioning even though they are doing some audible complaining.  I'll keep them as long as the clothes come out clean!  I'm grateful for air conditioned cars, for ceiling fans and for friends who drop by with treats.

And I'm grateful for those who say thank you - and mean it.

It's Friday...

And The Husband is nearly home.  This week has felt long without him.  I've missed him.  And though I've missed him so much, it has been a decent enough week.  Quieter when it comes to commitments and responsibilities.  And in that regard a bit of a needed rest.

I've watched over the garden.  Eaten out a couple times. Watched only local news on tv. Read. Stitched. Planned the next project and mostly stayed in climate controlled buildings.  :)

Pea-lets

And I've shed a few tears at the news our dear much-loved neighbors have bought a lot and will be moving.  I was grateful that she called to tell me personally before I heard it through the rumor mill.

And I've managed walks every single morning.  Likely that is the source of my uplifted attitude and renewed small optimism (since I'm not really an optimist naturally I can only call it a "small" optimism.)

And grape-lets

Was excited to find actual pea pods on the peas.  And I loved the grapes that adorn my morning route to drop books in the return slot at the library. Pretty much the best thing about summer is the fabulous food that grows in it!

Texts are keeping me constantly apprised of The Husband's progress.  I'll sleep better tonight with him near.  And no matter what the weekend brings (anxiety over teaching Sunday School, playing songs in R. S. that I haven't had notice so I can practice) it will all be handle-able with him home again.  We are much better together.  (Sorry if this seems sappy - it's truly how I'm feeling. It's hard when he's away.)

I'm grateful for uplifting books to read, for running into friends on the trail who stop to briefly chat with a smile, for helpers when shopping and definitely for air conditioning.  I'm grateful for cellphones that keep us in touch. (Even though I've re-discovered I really don't care for talking on the phone.) And I'm grateful for anticipation - the hope it engenders.