Busy Week

Favorite chocolate milk.

Starting Sunday, every time the subject came up The Husband would talk about my "birthday week". I guess he really intended to mark my birthday with an entire week of focus.  And he pretty much did. He threw the surprise get-together on the Labor Day holiday Monday.  Then ended up taking the other three days (my birthday had already been scheduled as a vacation day) as vacation.  I think it's been good for him to be away from work, in multiple ways.

People have been so kind to me.  I'm really just an ordinary woman.  But I've answered the door many times this week to sweet people dropping off a small birthday remembrance (small birthday remembrances are the very best!!) accompanied by a hug. I feel so unworthy of all the attention, and frankly am quite uncomfortable with it.  But have thoroughly loved the interactions with those who are dear to me. (I even received a gift of my favorite chocolate milk from a friend - I had mentioned to her once that I liked that brand and she brought it to me for my birthday.  Her thoughtfulness is amazing!! And yes, I am supposedly an adult (at least I'm in my 60's) but the only way I'll drink milk is if it's chocolate!)

And I will share a picture of my new watch.  Yes, I have double digit watches in the drawer with dead batteries.  Remember, a month or so ago when I was redeeming all those walking credits, I decided on a new watch.  It was a luxury I didn't need, but figured since it was a reward for my walking I'd just treat myself.  I dithered at length over which watch to get.  There were two, but finally settled (as is so typical for me) on practicality and got the solar powered watch.  No batteries to replace for a long long time. The Husband - who treats me like royalty all the time - gifted me the other watch.  It's a pretty one and it's fun to wear. Didn't need it, don't deserve it, but will love it!

With love from dear neighbors.

There is a POD sitting against the curb next door.  Our neighbors completed their move, the house sale will close on Monday and we'll have a new family to welcome to the neighborhood.  No one will be as dear to us as the ones who moved.  In fact, in the middle of all the boxes and transporting and cleaning, they stopped by to bring me a gift.  She insisted I open it then and there and read aloud the sweet message included in the gift.  She wanted, she said, for me to know how much they love us. And yes, I cried (and am a teensy bit teary even now).  I know change is necessary and can really be the best thing for us - but often is pretty hard.

Fold book art gift - I just love it.

My heart is aching for those across the world who are suffering from the impact of the hurricanes. I can hardly wrap my head around the scope of the damage.  Those kinds of things over which humans have little to no control simply terrify me.

And I'll confess today to a huge flaw in my make-up. I dislike (actually I pretty much rebel) against being told what to do.  Even when I know it is well-intentioned and maybe even for my good.  I just don't like it.  The Husband will often say: put that in your blog and even though I may already have been planning to do that very thing, all of a sudden it's rejected.  That is just plain wrong - a totally wrong attitude/personality trait. It's arrogant.  But the thing is, it isn't really conscious - it's just automatic, kind of like breathing, it just immediately happens.  I have got to work on that.

Corner Bakery treat.

Today I'm so grateful for life.  For answers to prayers. For generous unselfish souls who so freely spread their kindness.  I'm grateful for gifts that come with love, like those handmade treasures. I'm grateful for free birthday treats from Corner Bakery. And I'm grateful for September - it's my favorite month, when the heat of the summer begins to fade and the nights are pleasant sleeping.  I'm grateful we listened to our instincts (inspiration?) and didn't take our usual September beach trip.  I'm pretty certain we'd have had it all messed up from the hurricanes. I'm grateful our little area is generally safe. And I'm grateful for my knowledge of the Savior and His infinite atonement for each one of us.