I Love Fall -

- and I wouldn't mind winter so much if I didn't worry so about all my loved ones driving on the icy streets.  The Husband finally said it was cold in the house, could we turn on the furnaces.  Yup, they work nicely.  It's getting colder and I'm of the mind that if the furnaces are on we are dressing for the season so it's long-sleeve time.  Managed to set up an appointment for the annual tune-up - didn't know that in order for the furnace warranties to be effective they are required to be annually serviced.  Fortunately we've a coupon she'll honor even though it'll be expired.

So Pretty.

Went to lunch with my friend.  They were on their 20th anniversary/retirement celebration cruise.  Had invited us to go but it didn't work out for us. I missed her a lot.  Anyway, our lunch was just delightful - I was gone for four hours.  And could have stayed longer.  They brought us the cutest little hand-painted espresso cups from Sorrento. No, we don't drink espresso, but they are just perfect for our after dinner chocolate chips.  I'm so grateful for those two friends.

Headed to Utah county for the birthday of our youngest grandchild.  He's ten today and requested that I make a german chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting.  He seemed appreciative, said the cake was good.  We gave him a card with a bit of money inside.  He was excited about the money.  Then read the words on the card, looked up at me and said,"I'm going to save this card.  I like what was written in there more than the money."  Melted my heart. 

The guy is coming either today or Monday to winterize the sprinkler system.  Haven't ever done that before in the 24 years we've lived here.  But it's time for some help, he offered and the cost isn't too awfully high.  All those years I pondered how we'd handle things when we got older and blithely said, oh, we'll just hire someone:  I was thinking in those long ago year's prices.  It's scary how much things cost.  Really.   The last couple years have been challenging with all the expenses of things that have been required to maintain our home.  I'm not ungrateful for our home, or for the ability to pay for all of this.  It just doesn't seem like any of it is fun stuff .  Still hoping for a bit of fun before I die.  :^)

I like this.

Was given a gift card to Etsy, labored long and hard over what to get with that generosity.  Eventually bought a set of three rings:  The Husband's initial, my initial and a little heart.  I got the wrong size (not on purpose)  but the rings fit on the index finger of my left hand just fine.  I often look at it as a reminder of the blessing of my best friend and how grateful I am for him.  

I'm deeply grateful today for grandchildren who act like you matter.  Grateful for a discount from one at the grocery, he's always helping us out there. Grateful for good furnaces, a good roof and all the comforts/luxuries/privileges that we have living in this home, in this area and even in this country, as flawed as it all seems.  I'm so grateful for the chance every day to be better - to try harder to control those annoyances that flare up and cause frustration.  Grateful for repentance, for the sacrifice of our Savior.  I'm often humbled by it all.