Thankful Thursday | "affordable" eggs
This week, I am thankful:
that eggs are still $5.79/dozen at my Aldi
Of course, $5.79 is a price that would have jolted me out of my skin 10 years ago. But under the current circumstances, it feels like a reasonable price.
When I eat eggs for breakfast, I use two whole eggs + ⅓ cup of liquid egg whites, so the whole egg part is still only costing me about a dollar. I'll take it.
But I am doing oatmeal/protein powder breakfast on alternating days. 😉
for longer days
The increasing length is becoming obvious even if you're not paying super close attention!
And when daylight saving time starts this weekend, we'll be having lovely light evenings, which always makes me feel like spring is night.
that my ATI test saved
I was working on my mammoth 150 question non-protored ATI test (a required practice for the NCLEX at my school) and the power blinked off.
I was like, "OH NO." because I was on question 110 at that point.
But mercifully, ATI saved my progress and I was able to log in and finish it.
that we're almost halfway through the semester
This is week 7, so the end of next week is the halfway point of our 16-week semester. YAYYYYY!
But it already feels like we are halfway done because we have gotten through half of our content modules now.
for our reliable cars
I often think how grateful I am that my Sienna and Zoe's Civic are virtually problem-free. I have never had to get anything done on them besides regular maintenance*, and I love that.
(*excepting the squirrel-chewed wire issues in the past. Ha.)
for my good health
If I believed in jinxing I wouldn't say this but...I have not been sick with a single thing since last June. And this despite regularly working in hospitals!
Perhaps this is a testament to the power of hand sanitizer. 😉
that I am getting to know a few people at my gym
Since I am often there in the early mornings, I am starting to be friendly with some of the other early-morning regulars, and that feels nice, even if it's just an, "Oh, hi!"
that you all are understanding about my crazy schedule
I appreciate you all giving me some grace about late posts or shorter posts. 🙂 I think things will settle down once I am done with school; this is just a temporary busy phase.
I honestly think it will be way easier to blog when I am just working as a nurse vs. now.
This week I'm thankful for:
- Coffee dates with a lovely new friend
- The daffodils springing up in our garden
- Our new kitchen window, no more cold draughts when washing up
- My mum's latest operation going well, the end of her cancer treatment is in sight
- For finding this blog all those years ago and for your Thankful Thursday posts!
@Jen, daffodils always make me smile! They are definitely something to be grateful for.
This week's thankfuls-
For opportunities to do small acts of kindness to others
For sunshine and the energy it brings
For the laughs we have with our grown children
For a safe bed
For our dear cat, the queen of our household
For this year's first cup of coffee on the adirondack chair, below a blanket
Thankful for still finding eggs $5.50 (18 eggs) & still being able to eat eggs normally. Many people I know refusing to buy eggs at current prices, but willing to spend $20-$25+/plate for dinner at restaurants. I guess my math makes more sense to me.
Thankful for more sunshine. 🙂
Thankful that my dad is still having mostly good days.
Thankful teen still enjoying college class, even though currently at not exciting part.
Thankful teen took not getting internship well. Teen & I talked about how the process worked out & what to look for & do differently in future. In all honesty, teen said wasn't bummed about not getting that particular position.
Thankful have not gotten the crud or the cough going around.
Thankful for warm house, hot meals & ability to relax after long days at work.
Thankful for Kristen & her blog where we can learn & share eath each other.
Reminder to Spring forward Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Have a great weekend.
I work in an elemetary school and my coworkers and I sometimes comment on how infrequently we get sick. It seems crazy. I like to picture our immune systems lifting weights every day, out of necessity.
Very grateful for a fun principal. She made today "oops; I dressed for the wrong event" at school. I can't wait to see everyone's outfits.
Deeply thankful for my kids. Being their mom is a privilege.
@BJS,
Oh I’d love to hear about the outfits that people wore! Sounds like a great principal.
@BJS, haha! That sounds like a fun one! no pressure either if you don’t dress up well 🙂
@Lana P, hi Lana - she really is the best boss. I wish she could give lessons to some of the supervisors I've had in the past.
Some of the outfits I've seen so far are two Christmas sweaters, Mary Poppins, head-to-toe 80s (big hair, off-the-shoulder shirt, leg warmers), two football jerseys, a St. Patrick's Day outfit complete with the leprechaun hat, a Costco worker (with name tag, samples to give out, and hair coming out of the side of her hair net), and Halloween leggings. This was for teachers and staff only, so the students didn't know about it ahead of time. They're enjoying it.
@BJS, How fun is that?!?!
@BJS,
That sounds like so much fun! (the Costco worker especially!)
What a great principal!
@Liz B., your comment is so on target because that *was* my principal's outfit!
@BJS, That is so fun!! I think the Costco employee outfit is my favorite.
As always I'm thankful for Kristen for keeping up with her blog! It's a gentle way to start the day.
This week's thankful list:
Listening to the cardinal sing every day. I even say him sitting in a tree and got to see him fly. He brings immense joy to the neighborhood.
It smells like spring this morning. I don't know how to describe the smell, but it has a very fresh scent.
Having the means and open mind to try different things. Reiki healing and Nordic spa were 2 things I did for myself this week. Cheap, no, but taking care of myself, priceless.
Groceries are not cheap, but that our egg prices here are still reasonable.
That we will have a celebration for my mom's 85th birthday. She is in a good place, in all aspects of her life.
That I'm learning to leave work at work ( for the most part). New year, new field, new job.
@It's me, Sam,
I have several Cardinals who come to my feeders, and I just love watching them. When I'm out at a park, or some other good birdwatching place, I always know they're around because they make a "tick-tick-tick" sound. I usually hear them before I see them. 🙂
I am thankful for this blog and this weekly exercise. There is more hard core frugality on this blog than IRL.
I am thankful DD made a good decision about an upcoming trip. She sometimes is a "rescuer" and was contemplating sometime that was not wise. She asked my opinion and I gave it once then let it drop. Last night she told me she was not going to go into "rescue" mode and I praised her decision.
I am thankful for friends. I walked with one on Monday and with another one on Tuesday. Yesterday I had lunch at a friend's house. As we've been friends for many years we are fine with simple meals, yesterday it was a bowl of homemade soup. The point is the company.
I am thankful for warmer weather and more daylight. We received a lot of rain yesterday and I reminded myself that it is not snow nor ice and it is good for growing things and preventing wildfires.
@K D, "She asked my opinion and I gave it once then let it drop." This really resonated with me! I am often guilty of giving unsolicited advice and worry also about being pushy with that said advice; this is such a great reminder that other people's choices are their own not mine.
@Ally and @K D, re: the unsolicited-advice reminder: I'm thankful (as in so many other ways) for my blessed mother--who knew her own failings in this regard, and who used to keep an "MYOB" sign on her desk at work, directed toward herself.
@K D, I have the hardest time not parenting my adult children. My 81 yr old mother still does it to me at 59 & it drives me nuts!!! I try to keep that in my mind when I’m tempted to tell them what I think they should do.
THankful for...
>Our exceptional apartment building superintendent. He is professional, courteous and kind. We had almost three years of a very very challenging super that left the building with a lot of issues. It has been so great to have this individual. I and others feel a lot safer with him on the premises.
>>Our Woman to Woman cancer support group that sponsors various topics, themes via live presenters on Zoom. Really exceptional groups of women with whom we've shared a lot, learned a lot and eased each other's anxiety.
>>For Zoom, which allows us to access a variety of needed professional, personal, educational and entertainment content.
>>For all those who create meaningful, relevant information on a variety of topics. Yes, you do have to sort through the wheat and the chafe, but there is invaluable information out there, especially in health. The information your own doctors don't have time to share is shared by others and I've learned so much to improve the quality of my healthcare, on my own and with my doctors.
>>The various and sundry postings on YouTube with delightful and funny cats, dogs and children and dancing adults. Sometimes you just need something to make you smile to ease you through the day. And then there are some of the marvelous travel oriented postings where you feel as if you are there...truly vicarious pleasure, especially for those of us who have mobility issues and can't get out to travel anymore.
>>For food delivery services. In our city, the stores are so small and aisles so narrow that if you are in a wheelchair you cannot really get in and around at all in some cases. The variety of food delivery services can still present their own issues (delayed deliveries; incorrect items; missing items) but at least we have some options.
>>For one of the advocacy groups holding information sessions to deal with a major change to our health care programs. Some truly informed volunteers and particapants who have educated us and also inspired us to take action to get the care we need, not what a Governor hell bent on cutting costs has chosen to do with a dicey company that has been contracted to replace our current wonderful care provider companies. All this and now concern over cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security by a billionaire who gets billions from our government (Looking at you Musk. How about we cut out all the billions YOUR companies get, huh? Why cut down our government without even knowing how departments are run and what they do? (Duh, yes we need people at nuclear plants to monitor 24/7. ) and pays virtually no taxes.
>>I am thankful for the very few, relatively speaking, who are speaking out about the threats to our democracy. To our way of life, to our actual ability to live...and breathe, for some of us, quite literally.
>>That there are still some media that are not controlled by billionaires and those with their own political agenda (as opposed to the actual media's POV).
>>That I have a smart, kind and committed home health care aide. I cannot imagine my life without her. She makes things a lot easier, and possible. Ten years and counting! The greatest blessing and the first thing I cite in my daily gratitude sessions after: I'm still breathing and my heart is still beating.
@Irena, 100% on Musk. Billionaires are the ones who should have cuts!
@Irena, I am really thankful for food delivery options too. I remember shopping for a neighbor in her nineties. Before I was helping her, the only grocery delivery in town was a private company that charged the cost of groceries + $10 per hour to shop and deliver + mileage + tip. Yes, food delivery options can be expensive now but I couldn't believe how much she was paying 25 years ago.
Waking up with my dog. He doesn't sleep on my bed (also something to be thankful for), he likes jumping up after I wake up. He stretches out next to me, or rests his head on me, sandals or really, really hard to get out of bed.
That I've gotten back into knitting. I'm working on 4 different projects right now.
That I seem to be making real friends with some people on my knitting group. For me that's a slow process, and treasured accordingly.
That when a mouse migrated from the garage to the kitchen, I immediately hired an exterminator. Good choice on my part - turns out there's mouse sign in the crawl spaces, which are wide open to the utility room.
Modern medicine and modern tech. I spent most of yesterday doing doctor and tasting things. I'm grateful the medicine exists to do all these tests (such as genetic tests for cancer predilections, as my mother had 4 primary cancers in her life) and that the tech exists that I can see the results online, talk to my docs via portals and emails, research new docs' experience and research; the whole 9 yards.
@WilliamB, Do you mind sharing what you're knitting? I'm working on a linen stitch scarf at the moment--350 stitches the long way--but I have some yarn I was given that I need to use and I'm looking for ideas.
@Darlene Too, thank you for the reminder to look up linen stitch. 350 stitches the long way sounds torturesome!
What weight, what fiber content, and how many yards were you given?
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I have 492 yards of 75% merino wool sock yarn in a beautiful lavender shade and 300 yards of a silk merino blend in a blue green shade. The yarn was given to me by someone whose mother can't knit any more because of arthritis. The most obvious choice is to knit socks but being diabetic I struggle with getting the cuff gauge correct. I'm the Goldilocks of socks: they can't be too tight or too loose.
@WilliamB, I can't imagine on keeping track of 4 different knitting projects at a time. I have 1 knitting and 1 crocheting going now but they are both rectangles so not hard and both are gifts to people who are waiting for them so I'm super motivated.
@Darlene Too, one way I keep track is that each project has it’s own basket. In fact, I just moved a set of Elfa drawers (nabbed from my parents) to use for this: three deep drawers for projects, one shallow one for accessories, and now everything’s tidily tucked away instead of taking over my office.
1) Finishing a complex slip-stitch pattern sweater I started [mumblety] years ago. I just need to sew seams and figure out the collar.
2) A cowl scarf in a complex cable pattern, which is a bit foolish because it’s not going to show much in the dark teal wool.
3) A brioche stitch sweater with a rugby stripe (wide stripe banded with two narrow ones). Since I’m not using the recommended wool I need to do a bit of figuring before I start knitting.
4) A small blanket, from 3 shades of natural unspun gray; a second-best choice since I didn’t want to buy new yarn for this project. I forgot how much I dislike unspun - both working it and how it sheds when done - so I expect I’ll give it away. Maybe to someone with a cat who sheds.
Today I Freecycled some lovely kettle-dyed Chilean wool in blues that is, in fact, perfect for the small blanket I want. Now I need to decide if I finish the unspun blanket first because I don’t like UnFinished Objects (UFOs) hanging around, or if I make the thing I really want first.
@Darlene Too, I’d be happy to give unsolicited advice. Tell me about your yarn. How much do you have, what’s the material, and what’s the approximate gauge?
@WilliamB, Sigh. Should’ve read all before commenting.
For your socks, do you know how to brioche stitch? It looks like ribbing but is softer and stretchier. You could try that for the calf. The tubular cast on is magically stretchy, making it a likely good choice for this. Here’s the fantastic Laura Nelkin demonstrating the tubular cast on. She uses something called the “stitch saver”, if you don’t have this, you can use a smooth yarn in a contrasting color instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fDYqGL8mCg&t=183s
@Darlene Too, those sound gorgeous! If you can’t do socks to suit you, you could do a cowl of the silk-merino and a scarf of the merino. Or I could give you my address. . . !!! Both of those colors and fibers would make me very happy. 😎
So happy to read these knitting comments!
I typically knit socks for relaxation because I can do that on automatic. Plus I have a sweater that is taking its time. It involves a lot of counting and pattern checking and thus I need to be by myself - I can't keep up a conversation while working on that. Socks are very forgiving. I use stretchy cast on for best effect, and prefer bamboo needles.
Knitting with a good quality yarn is as good as stroking a cat. Such a tactile pleasure.
@JNL, What pattern do you use for knitting socks? I find the patterns to be difficult. I would love to knit socks and relax. Thanks!
Thankful for:
-We didn’t have any damage in our area from strong storms and high winds that pushed through yesterday.
-For getting to spend time and have lunch with a couple that we love to hang out with.
-Found a couple much needed clothing items on the 70% off rack.
-Daffodils, forsythia and Lenten roses are blooming, and tulips are coming up. Saucer magnolias and Bradford pears are out too. I love the spring flowers!
-I am able to be so much more active this year with my new knees.
@Addy,
I know what you mean about new knees! I am very thankful for my new (1-ish year old) right knee. Living and moving without constant pain is a blessing.
The fact that we made it through winter in Austin without a major ice storm is number one on my list of things to be thankful for. It really looks and feels like spring outside, trees and shrubs are budding out, and the weather could not be better. Also:
*thankful for my therapist who called to check in with me, free of charge
*thankful for a free chick-fil-A sammie in my app that was a great lunch on a busy day
*thankful for being able to get the garage project done this week - fingers crossed
*thankful an old friend made it through brain surgery with flying colors
*thankful for my job which makes so many things possible for me - I am living the life now that I dreamed about 30 years ago. (:
Thankfuls:
--That our spring break starts after school today. It's not entirely obligation-free, but at least I won't be getting everyone up every day.
--For welcoming and accommodating family members. My husband is taking our children to visit family in Arizona over the break, which entailed coordinating overnight stays and days of activities with four different households. He put together an itinerary, sent it to everyone with an invitation to comment so he could change whatever needed to be changed, and everyone was just all, "Yes, that works. Can't wait to see you!" Hooray for drama-free (mostly) families.
--That apparently, you can totally forget about a pecan pie in the oven, bake it TWICE AS LONG as it's supposed to be baked, and it's still good! Yes, that is what I did Tuesday. It was sort of candied and I pulled off the over-baked part of the pie crust that was exposed at the top, but everyone still loved it.
--That I am not the type to melt down over mishaps like that. I was kinda mad at myself for a second, but then I mentally shrugged, announced it was extra-caramelized and if anyone didn't want to eat it, they could just eat the ice cream, and served it anyway. To a guest, even. 🙂 (Granted, a guest who eats with us regularly and is not at all picky, but still.)
--That there was no damage from the horrible wind we had Tuesday--sustained at 35 miles an hour with gusts up to 60 miles an hour. In a town not too far from us, gas pumps were blown over and people had severe damage to their houses. We had a couple of spots where we need to re-nail our roof, but are otherwise okay.
@kristin @ going country, I'm with you on the forgotten food (& high winds) theme - the other week when we had a windstorm that knocked our power out for a couple of days, I had just bought 3 dozen eggs, so I put them in a cooler in the garage. 18 hours later we got some generator power to our fridge, but I forgot to put them back in. The next day the power came back on and I ... still forgot to put them back in. It took another whole day before I remembered. The temps must have been perfect; they were all still good! (Thank you for reminding me since this definitely deserved a Thankful mention : )
@Suz, Eggs last forever, even at room temperature. Store eggs are already probably kind of elderly, but even they will usually be fine for a few days without any refrigeration. In a cooler, they'd probably last a surprisingly long time. The nice thing about eggs is that when they go bad, you KNOW immediately upon cracking them. You're not going to accidentally use a bad egg. 🙂
@Suz, you can test if an egg has gone bad by dropping it in a glass of water. If it sinks, or mostly sinks, it's fine, and if it floats then it's gone bad.
@kristin @ going country, the best dining experiences come from relaxed hosts not from perfect food.
I have been really sick with flu and I had friends bring me soup, call, flowers, took me to urgent care, and brought me OTC meds when I ran out.
I have always been close to my grown children, but the divorce has brought us even closer and re-connected them in a lovely way
More sunshine and longer days overall. Melted ice makes it safe again to walk in the woods
My 16 year old dog is still doing great! No meds and we still walk daily. He is getting a little grayer, but aren’t we all?
I don’t mind leftovers. Cooking for 1 doesn’t come easily but even if I make too much, I don’t mind eating it every day til it’s gone
@Vallie D,
I have to add one more I just learned!
My youngest son got back a week ago from skiing in Alaska and it turns out he had been on the same mountain where the 3 skiers were just killed in an avalanche!
So grateful he’s fine and so brokenhearted for those families’ losses
As I've indicated over the years here, I’ve always tried to be the neighbor I want to have. And my efforts are being reciprocated this week by the Bestest Neighbors, Bailey dog’s mom, and other neighbors who are helping me out with things I can’t do because of my broken rib. I’m truly thankful to all of them.
@A. Marie,
I hope you feel better today than you fell (although you will need more time to mend completely?)
Than when you fell, obviously
@A. Marie,
I am sure your neighbors are happy to be able to help. I hope you heal and won't need help soon.
1. I heard peeper frogs yesterday evening! I hope they do ok because we’re to get another cold snap the next 48 hrs.
2. Daffodils & crocuses are blooming- see above!
3. My now 13 wk old puppy seems to be getting a handle on house training
4. Dinners with my adult daughter! I love that she sometimes chooses a sleepover, too
5. Good health. After my adventures with Afib, I do not take that for granted anymore
I'm thankful for:
- A fairly good night's sleep. Between my own stress from moving and the cats being upset about it, it has been very hard to sleep this week. I'm grateful that last night was better.
- The big, sunny windows here and the fact that one window in my new bedtoom looks out on the sunrise. My old living space had fewer, smaller windows and it could be quite dark even during daylight hours.
- Hearing bird song instead of traffic first thing in the morning.
- The beautiful pair of red shouldered hawks I saw in a tree in the back yard yesterday.
- And the fact that the cats are adjusting to the new home and getting calmer each day.
Today I’m thankful for:
-the last day and a half of rain. We had about 1.5-2 feet of snow on the ground and the rain and warmer temps have gotten rid of a lot of it!
-my 1 year old. I love watching her discover new things and go through all the hyper speed development that takes place at this age.
-my 3 year old. He’s so sweet and funny and I feel like I’m still just getting to know him as I listen to his running monologue about his life.
-a part time, remote job that is so flexible around my other responsibilities.
-friends who feel like family. I know many people have poor experiences with churches, but my church people are truly wonderful and I’m so thankful for them.
Thankful that we arrived in FL safely. We stayed with friends over the weekend in NC and had a wonderful visit with them. We couldn't thank them enough for their hospitality.
Weather in FL is so weird this year. Very, very windy. Hard to ride bikes. We did ride 2 out of 4 days, but we were really hoping to ride all 5 days. Even the ocean is very rough.
We did go to 2 baseball games and had fun. We leave for home on Saturday and here's hoping and praying we make it home safely. FL is nice for vacation; we are glad we don't live here anymore. Way more crowded than when we left 3 years ago.
Thankful for:
Pastors and friends and Chaplins and hospice nurses that have been so life giving to me as I am taking care of an elderly loved one with dementia. I know I sound like a broken record but this has been so very hard. There are horrible twists and turns, heartbreaks, and too many tears and frustrations to count. We soldier on with confidence that we are doing the best we can.
Respite, breaks, timeouts wherever I can get them. when this first began the need was not so great as symptoms were mild but there has been a lot of progression and the need for breaks is a very real thing. Looking forward to a sweet 4 day trip with just my son in 13 short days.
My Faith in God. I could not shoulder this without my faith.
Small simple joys like hot coffee, warm baths, signs of spring, birdsong, an open sunroof, fresh flowers in the house, fresh sheets on my bed.
Provision for all of the above financially, spiritually and emotionally.
@Angie, I'm so sorry for how awful and hard this is. I'm glad you have some good support and able (& wise) to take some breaks. Hope you have a great, refreshing trip with your son!
@Angie, this is a real source of fatigue. Thinking of you.
@Angie, Praying for you today.
@Angie, I add my good thoughts to those of the other commenters. Believe me, if anyone gets it about "dementia fatigue," I do.
@Angie,
I hope the trip is a lovely break for you. Caregiving is very hard.
@Angie, What a blessing you are to your loved one! I can only imagine the fatigue, so am happy for you that you are taking a short trip with your son.
I'm grateful for this Oscar winner- Best Documentary Feature
"No Other Land.
@Farhana, I would be grateful if even one distributor was getting it into the U.S. movie theaters. But apparently it is available on some of the streaming services.
I had to back up and read Wednesday's post (I was home yesterday, see below) so congrats on the exam!!
Today I am thankful for:
1. The 9th birthday of our spicy little granddaughter, a lively combination of sweetness and vinegar. She enjoys being the oddball/weirdo, has a dark sense of humor, loves superheroes and soccer, dislikes dresses and pastels, and is at the same time patient, sweet, helpful and motherly with her younger siblings and declares she wants to have lots of kids when she grows up.
2. My propane tank to fuel a future dual-fuel powered generator is installed, which is why I was home yesterday. They arrived around 1 pm, and it took about 3 hours to set up. The guy was nice and took extra care around my wildflower bed. I already have a hand pump installed on my water well. Phase I of the plan for managing well during power outages, especially during hurricanes when gas is hard to find, is complete.
3. My college-student granddaughter was afraid she would lose her part-time job when the restaurant where she works was losing business and thinking about closing. Another restaurant in a nearby town bought it, though, and have kept my granddaughter on as an employee.
4. My komatsuna (Japanese mustard "spinach") is bolting, but from all I read about it, it's an heirloom, so I will collect seeds for next year, the same way I do my lettuce.
5. I probably won't get much, if any, fruit this year, but my brand-new plum tree is blooming prettily.
@JD, What a great, varied bunch of thankfuls; love the spicy granddaughter! I also admire your hand pump - we looked into that when we got our house with a well, but the water is so contaminated that it needs filtration to be healthy. Whole house generator & hand pump - great to think how prepared you'll be!
@Suz,
Thanks! That granddaughter is also the only one of the four siblings to look like her father; the rest, including the boy, take after their mother. She's different in several ways, which suits her just fine.
I won't actually have a whole house generator, I'll have one that powers the freezer and fridges, the lights, fans, and the well. I can get along with those until the power returns. The hand pump is for those days when the power goes out for a few hours because of a fallen tree, car that hit a pole or a squirrel in a transformer (which does the squirrel no good whatsoever). To be able to pump some water to flush toilets, wash, and have water for myself and the dogs without having to run the generator during those periods will be great.
@JD, I am in great admiration (and a wee bit of envy) over your #2.
@JD, I'm glad you're keeping on keeping on, in all respects. And give my regards to the whole fandamily, especially the granddaughters in your #1 and #3.
I’m sick so it’s extra important for me to see what I can be grateful for
- the weather, we have had sunny days and high temperatures and it is like a whole different life!
- the balcony that I can sit on and look at the water (such a privileged view for someone living in a city)
- that I don’t have to think about the price of eggs, both because where I live it hasn’t gone up as much and because at this point in life (and that might change) I can afford to buy even expensive groceries (it makes me feel so rich to be able to buy anything I want at the grocery store! My partner laughs and says it’s good I don’t need to be able to buy any car/house/vacation/apple product to feel rich because that would be harder to achieve)
- for being able to be on sick leave
- for my healthy child
I’m thankful I got to know and enjoy the beautiful little wild fox that took walks with me in the moonlight along the trails. Sometimes I would see her just sitting in the middle of a field enjoying everything around her with a little smile on her face. A wonderful part of creation to behold and I am truly grateful. This morning she was dead on the spillway road with cars buzzing past her. I told the rangers and they are going to move her body. She made it through a hard winter and didn’t get to enjoy the spring. The world is less without her friendly face.
@Tiana,
This made me so sad. I'm truly so sorry you lost your little friend!
@Tiana,
I'm sorry about the fox! My daughter was enchanted with one at their workplace for several years who raised several litters of kits in a warehouse and would bring them out proudly for the employees to quietly come watch them play. She misses that little fox. I'm glad you got to enjoy "your" fox while you could.
@Tiana, I'm sorry about the fox. It reminds me of a beautiful hare who used to keep me company on walks.
@Tiana, I'm so sorry about your little friendly fox.
But if it's any consolation, our local fox population is alive, well, and sending each other stinky little love notes via urine. (As I've tried to describe it to folks here, it smells like skunk with a musky undertone. But never mind; we can use all the predators we can get.)
This week I am thankful for:
• During my son’s band trip to Wisconsin last weekend, his private lesson tutor was able to attend his performance in person. She has been meeting with him weekly over Zoom for four years but they have never met in person. She has two students in my son’s group and I got a little teary when my son let me know he invited her to the performance.
• Yesterday’s snowstorm. It is beautiful outside, we needed the moisture, my son had an e-learning day so I got to have lunch with him, and the puppy has so much fun playing in the snow in the backyard.
• My husband was able to get in for oral surgery a little over a day after he felt some intense pain. He did have to drive to the opposite side of the metro area, in the morning rush, through the snowstorm to get to the surgeon, but he made it safely and he should be feeling better soon.
• I was able to see how well my physical therapy is working yesterday. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I have hope for the future.
• My son is having issues with a teacher (by definition he is being bullied by a teacher) and I brought it to the attention of the school. I felt heard by the school and we have come to a solution for the rest of the year. He will move on to high school next year so we won’t have to worry about this in the coming years. Around this issue, my husband and my ex came together to support my son – the three of us are good at being a united front in the parenting sphere, but witnessing the two of them coming together for OUR son was heartwarming.
• I currently have two dogs snuggling with me!
@Geneva,
A bully for a teacher! How hard that must be for your kiddo. So glad you advocated and the school listened. One of my sons was picked on by the principal in 8th grade- nothing he did was right. ( not saying he was perfect, mind, but she treated him like the son of the devil in her precious school.) Luckily, the teachers had his back, and he understood the wisdom of laying low until the end of school year. That principal managed to drive away about 1/3 of the school population in the one year she had. ( The powers that be did not listen early enough to parents' concerns.)
Here's to a happy high school experience for your kid next year!!
I let out a big "whew" when you said the system saved your 110 answered questions. So glad you don't have to write them all over again....although I suppose you would've really learned the material, doing it twice. Congrats on being almost halfway to home, Nurse Kristen!
1. Getting to go back to work (substitute teaching) after coming down with the flu Saturday night at work (drugstore cashier).
2. Teacher I'm subbing for has a first period conference time, so I'm enjoying my coffee.
3. I caught the classroom bunny rabbit gnawing at his cage door and was able to distract him with some of his food before he opened it and escaped.
4. Found someone willing to do the yardwork, raking live oak leaves that are about 3 inches deep already, so that I can rest up from being ill. He's also going to haul them off to his place in the country. He gets to plow them under, free compost or fertilizer or whatever, and I get a clean yard.
5. After days of really bad congestion, I'm finally able to breathe through my nose again. (I hate having sinuses that are all stopped up!).
Thankful for the opportunity to see my son over part of his spring break. He has to travel to attend a conference, so I didn't initially think we'd get to see him, but it all worked out. Grateful that he was able to go with me to see my daughter (who isn't on spring break this week) Tuesday morning and spend time together. The days of easy family get-togethers are quickly coming to an end. Thankful we all could attend my daughter's concert last night. Appreciative that my friend made the effort to attend, as well. Thankful that I am able to obtain extra work hours at work (due to busyness) now.
This week I'm thankful:
That yesterday's freezing rain turned out to be just rain.
That my favorite three year-old's mom sends me regular videos of her little guy. He likes to share whatever new thing he's learned. We're lucky to be part of their "chosen" family.
For my daughter's friend who brings us cookies whenever she tries a new recipe. I just ate a cranberry/walnut shortbread which was delicious!
I too, am so very thankful for longer daylight. I struggle during the darker months of winter.
Thankful always, for my husband. He is truly my best friend. I am so grateful for him.
For my fur critters (cats and dogs). They can be exasperating at times, but overall bring so much joy to my life.
For gradually warming temperatures. Where I live, a too fast of a warmup can bring flooding, so a gradual increase is best.
I know I say this often- I am so thankful for a positive and supportive work environment. It is such a blessing.
Have a great week everyone!
Beautiful picture! I love sunsets/rises!
I'm thankful for:
- The privilege of being a stay at home mom, at least right now.
- My kids getting plugged into youth group and homeschool group
- My wonderful mother-in-law and the joy of having her here
- Safety of our house after the crazy wind storm, only lost power for a few hours and messed up our storm door, but thankful nothing more was damaged.
I'm thankful that the midterm lab practical wasn't as bad as I feared. Of course, me being me, I'm going to expect to get a C or so. Just so I don't get my hopes too high.
I'm thankful that the professor let me come in the earlier time slot, along with DS#2, when she saw she had a no-show in that time slot. This way DS didn't have to wait around for me for another half hour.
I'm thankful for sons who want to learn to cook! My brother was absolutely uninterested in helping out in the kitchen--mostly because he didn't want to be responsible for any extra work, as he put it. I showed DS#2 how to make Hungarian potato soup yesterday and he also baked salmon for dinner.
I'm thankful our college has spring break next week. DS#4 has been wistfully talking of going to the aquarium, but there hasn't been a spare moment. We might end up doing that next week! It's been nearly five years.
It is raining again!!
Yes, reliable cars.
A husband who fixes dinner, keeps us in wood, keeps the fire going, washes dishes, balances the checkbooks, gets (overpriced) produce each week, takes care of the garbage (for the neighbor’s vacation rental too because of bears), and pays the bills. All those daily tasks would prevent me from being productive in my work.
Our three cats have survived 5 & 6 years in this hostile-to-pets place where we reside.
And thankful to Kristen for keeping this blog alive in spite of a schedule and life events that would have put anyone else to whimpering in a fetal position under her dining table with her thumb in her mouth.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, that last paragraph really sums it up so well. The regular posts and the resulting responses are something I really look forward to and try not to take for granted.
I'm thankful for:
-Getting to spend time with a good friend & her daughters in Colorado this weekend, at DS17's college tours. Extra grateful that they took him to some social events, to give him a better feel of the schools.
-That I set up time to get together with other moms I got to know through high school soccer. Now that the season is over, I invited everyone out & we all had such a great time & agreed to do it again. As you all know, making friends as an adult is hard, and branching out to be friendly at games vs hanging out together is a big jump, and I'm extra proud that I'm the one that did it, vs waiting for someone else to arrange it.
-DH has been such a huge source of support during a challenging time. Usually, I'm the positive cheerleader in our family. He has definitely taken on that role and has been such a huge comfort to me while things are difficult.
-That I have four potential roles I'm exploring, all at various stages (meeting hiring managers, recruiters, possible panel with more folks, etc). This is especially appreciated as DH was recently laid off.
-That I creatively made myself & DS17 lunch yesterday, vs caving & order takeout. I made smoothies & found random things in the freezer. Especially as I was going out to meet my soccer mom friends, this was especially needed to make a more frugal lunch choice.
- I'm thankful for DH. My hip flexor feels like it is locked up, making it difficult to walk, so DH has taken over making dinners this week
- I'm thankful that I can see all the lovely spring flowers blooming in the flowerbed since I cleaned it out over the weekend
- I'm thankful for more sunlight in the evenings. Looking forward to even more after daylight savings time kicks in this weekend
- I'm thankful that the weather is going to cooperate for an outdoor photoshoot for grandson this weekend
- I'm thankful that my job is not in jeopardy
It's been a really long week and I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday!
I managed to sprain my ankle last week, but I'm thankful it was only a sprain and I didn't break it.
Denmark has a festival called Fastelavn and I went to a celebration where people in fancy clothes rode equally fancy horses and travelled around the town. It was a lot of fun and apparently dates back to the seventeenth century!
I got some really great feedback from my Danish teacher who said she was impressed at how well I understand the language.
Finally, I'm thankful for some beautiful spring weather!
@Sophie in Denmark, Well ... Other than the sprained ankle, it sounds like a pretty good week, right? I once broke one ankle and sprained the other at the same time. THAT was not fun.
@JDinNM, it's just been very busy, and in general I don't enjoy being busy. But it wasn't a bad week otherwise. Ouch! I'm so sorry about your ankles! Breaking one and spraining the other adds insult to injury!
Kristen, the Aldi in Annapolis is $3.79/ dozen for eggs, much cheaper than the SP Aldi at $5.79. I've been tracking it since Jan and this has consistently been the case. I also find that store to be better stocked overall.
This week I'm thankful for:
~coffee and my coffee maker. We have a Bunn coffeemaker, that I bought for $30 several years ago when FBMP was new. It developed a leak in the holding tank a few months ago, DH researched how to fix on YTube. A new O-ring to the rescue, bought from local hardware store in a pack for less than $5, fixed the issue and it continues to work great. ~my daffodils are starting to poke out of the ground! Spring is coming!
~my BNG! I've received some lovely and practical things and given away many things we no longer needed. The best thing I've gotten are the relationships I've made. I have 2 true friends I've met through our BNG.
~a fun Saturday spent with my sister last weekend. We drove to PA to 2 salvage grocery stores and stocked up on bargain priced food. Had a wonderful lunch at a family owned restaurant in the country and then went thrifting. We had a great time and I deepened my pantry on a budget!
~great weather for Tuesday's 50501 rally in Annapolis.
Mixed thankfuls this week:
*Spring break starts tomorrow! (but husband and kids have theirs the next week.)
*I have some good projects lined up - the basement clean out will be fun! I love having a burst of energy for spring cleaning. (but must convince husband to get rid of stuff.)
*Daughter has sleep study Monday! (that we waited months for.)
*Lab results were online within two days - so fast! (but not good news.)
*There was an open appt with her PCP on Monday - so I grabbed it so we can talk about results. Usually, getting an appt quickly is impossible. (but the news won't change - still stinks.)
An unqualified joy - my cat slept by my side all night. Soft and warm and occasionally gives a little snuffle. Very sweet!
.
@mbmom11, I have whiplash just reading this. Hang in there!
I was awakened this morning by my dog's whimpers. I was half afraid to open my eyes, but when I did, I saw that she had fallen between the mattress and the foot of the bed and was struggling to get out on her own. I got her up and out and we cuddled a bit. She was all ready to jump off of the bed (it's two and a half feet high) when I stopped her. She has residual weaknesses and injuries from "beagling" as it is. She is my top thankful this morning.
I am thankful for my Christian friends who look out for my needs.
I am thankful to see the the early spring bulbs pushing their way through the cold earth to gaze at the sun. I have grape muscari, surprise lilies, Lenten roses making an appearance. The surprise lilies have full sun at this time of year and put forth great effort.
Sadly when it is time for the "surprise." they are in full shade and are not very "surprising". They have been moved/and propagated quite frequently. Even if a sliver of a corm remains, in a couple of years there is a flush of blooms.
I am thankful for a "reset" vacation of two weeks. I have not accomplished anything in home, but I have done several "put-off" errands that were productive. And as of now, have caught up on rest.
I am thankful to have come to a mutual understanding and agreement with a family member. Initially, I discounted her capabilities at handling a very time consuming "adult" responsibility. Finally, after voice to voice, we realize we are on the same page, or have come to be that way. Noncommunication, miscommunication, only getting half of the pertinent information is such an enemy of the good. (Never so prevalent as w current politics.) I am so thankful we have come to a good place.
@Chrissy, We call those flowers “naked ladies” where I live!!!
First time joining in!
That when my husband's car was rear-ended on Friday no one was injured, the other driver was insured and immediately admitted liability
That we have both recovered from a nasty norovirus
For sunshine, after a very wild and windy February
For our healthcare system, where my husband's leg (injured in a fall last October) is still being dressed twice a week in our local community health centre for free
And for this wonderful blog!
@Joan from Dublin, Ireland, Welcome to the Commentariat!
@WilliamB, thank you!
@Joan from Dublin, Ireland, a belated welcome!
Congrats on being close to halfway through! Busy-ness waxes and wanes with the year, and I for one am just happy to hear about all the real, joyful things going on in yours and others' worlds from this blog.
In addition, thankful for:
- Getting to run outside this week as things start to warm up.
- The motivation to work on a new, challenging project at work. I work from home, so self-starting and motivation to pursue are precious.
- My friends who are coming this next week to visit.
- My friend who I keep in touch with over Skype (and we will be switching platforms soon with the new acquisition by Teams).
I was just counting this morning, and we've been doing a language exchange for probably 7+ years now! And only met in person once.
- Taking the opportunity to do some spring cleaning in anticipation of guests. Things are prone to mold in our area, and I'm grateful to catch some things well before they develop into a problem.
I am thankful for my morning coffee.
I am thankful that Daylight Saving Time is coming. (I love having a bit more light after work.)
I am thankful that there was no one in the urgent care on Saturday when my daughter needed pink eye antibiotics.
I am thankful for rain in socal.
For anyone with access to a Trader Joe's (43 states, Google just told me!), I heard eggs are just $3.59 (limit 1). Brown and (I think) cage-free. Headed there asap.
This week I'm thankful:
* that my kid waited until Saturday to fracture his finger. Changing health insurance was a hot mess and my kids were actually without coverage for all of January and February. So a fractured pinky on March 1 was much easier to handle. I'm thankful for those two months of complete protection.
* for the way my community is responding to something hard. While the response isn't entirely perfect (I did have to debunk a rumor this morning), overall the response has been beautiful, encouraging, and unifying.
It's been a long, full, kind of hard week. While I know I've been thankful for more throughout the week, that's all I've got right now.
In Minnesota, eggs are $3.49 at Trader Joe’s but almost $6.00 at Aldi.
Congratulations on your test scores.
I'm grateful for
* Wonderful students... For to another teacher leaving, I volunteered to pick up 2 extra classes, and the kids in those classes have been very gracious about the change. And my older students have offered to help with the grading load.
*Both my boys being healthy again, and that I didn't get whatever the ick was
* Spring break coming soon
* My husband. Always
Eggs still $3.50 at Trader Joes, for those who are lucky enough to live near one!
I went to a store that sells local food items, and got farm eggs for $5 a dozen, which is also less expensive than my Aldi is selling eggs.
Don’t ever feel bad about not posting while you are busy in nursing school! We all know how hard and important it is and are so happy for you.
Congrats on getting through half the semester!
I'm thankful for/that ...
1) My God, husband, girls, family, friend, church, school, library and community.
2) Fun times together with my family going on walks, playing games, and watching at home movies.
3) Audio books from the library. They've kept me preoccupied while doing the dreaded house tasks like folding and putting away laundry, washing dishes, and tidying the house.
4) For the much needed sleep and rest.
5) For getting tasks done off my to do lists.