Thankful Thursday | counting down to September
This week, I am thankful:
that there are only six more weeks until September
I know some of you adore summer, but I'm over here counting down the weeks until the air might improve. 😉
Fellow humidity-haters: things are likely to improve a bit in six weeks! At least, for those of you relatively local to me.
for an exam-free life
I am still feeling a little dizzy (in a good way) at the thought that I do not have to study for anything right now.
And honestly, I think most of my BSN classes do not involve exams, so my life from here on out should be pretty exam-free, and that is wild to think about. Yay!
Obviously, I will be learning plenty of stuff at my job as a new nurse, but it will not involve studying for exams. And that makes all the difference because when you have an exam looming, you always feel the pressure to study.
(At least, I do!)
But my new nurse job will not require me to spend a bunch of non-working hours studying. I can clock out and actually be done. Amazing.
that I passed my NCLEX on the first try
I know this is old news, but I still feel delighted that I didn't have to spend another $200 for a second try, delighted I don't have to study for it anymore, delighted I only had to do 85 questions, delighted it's done, done, done.
I will be basking in this feeling for a while, I think.
for time to read books again
In the last week, I have read almost four entire books. And that's a big change from reading almost no books during nursing school.
(Did three of the books have to do with medicine? YES. But they were not for school; they were for fun!)
for a little breather before anything new
My nursing job doesn't start until August 11th, so for the next three weeks or so, I have a little time for a pause. It's like a small intermission before I start my work as a nurse and also before I start my BSN classes.
And I am grateful!
I think my brain can use a little rest. 🙂
How I feel approaching my new grad nurse job:
for a visit from a butterfly
I looked up and saw this one hanging by my kitchen window!
And in a similar thankful vein, I have been seeing a lot of box turtles recently and that makes me happy.
The other day on a drive to the gym, I saw one crossing the road. That made me nervous so I pulled over on the next side street, hopped out of my car, and helped the turtle get across the road safely.
I probably looked like I had lost my mind, but you know, the turtle is ok, so it was worth it. 😉
for being healthy
I have general good health, which I am grateful for, but also, I'm thankful to not have had even any minor health issues lately (such as a cold).
for the many places you can find Chiquita
You never know where she will turn up next. 😉
This week I am grateful for:
- Good (and not too hot) weather for our family weekend away
- Random phone calls from friends to check in
- A daughter who is willing to try anything when it comes to food, and dislikes very little
- The savings to finally get our new kitchen started
- Our local libraries, reading with my daughter, and by myself, is one of life's constant pleasures
Only one, but a biggie!
My daughter won a scholarship thru her part time job. With this scholarship
(along with others and grants) the Fall tuition bill is $500!!!! And she said
“I can make that payment myself”
@Julie, Yay! Wonderful!
@Julie, That is awesome. Well done to your daughter.
@Julie,
Congratulations to your hardworking daughter!!!!!!! Looks like a bright future ahead for her!
@Julie, three hearty huzzahs for your daughter--and for you too, since I'm sure you were an important influence on her and her excellent work ethic!
@Julie,
Congratulations! That's great news. 🙂
I was really looking forward to this practice today because I have identified a certified bad attitude creeping up on me. So this week I am thankful:
*for rain. You wouldn't be able to tell my looking at the humid lushness outside, but people tell me we still have a rain deficit.
*that I finished the quilt top for my son. This was supposed to be a high school graduation gift, but it is more than a year late. I'm motivated to get it done now because he's transferring to a far away school this year. (He'll be with his older brother.)
*that I was able to motivate myself out of bed this morning early. I'm already done with my shower and my face therapy routine, so now I have plenty of time to be thankful before I make pancakes.
*for the fresh blackberries we've been picking.
*that my dad didn't fall yesterday when he got woozy. That autocorrect just taught me that the first thing I typed wasn't the correct spelling of woozy.
*for the coffee I'm about to grind and make. That my father has physical therapy today; I hope it helps him. That I have free reading time while Dad's in PT. That my daughter found her pattern piece and finished her shorts AND that she made these almost without any help from me AND they fit and are cute AND that the misplaced pattern piece was the only problem during the making (because some patterns are frustrating).
@Jody S., I have felt the same way this week regarding my own attitude. I'm so glad we both found things to be thankful for 🙂
Yeah for lazy, entertainment only reading!!
Thankful that the mower guy called to say that it was fixed, it was just the belt drive and total for parts/labor, pick up and drop off is less than $200!
Thankful my girl has 2 in-class days left of her summer class/lab and 2 exams before she can have a little break! She made this choice and is grateful but I am ready for her to have an almost 3 week summer break before fall quarters start! lol (such a go getter/hard worker-proud of her ethic)
Thankful I was raised to be creative and capable in the kitchen- comes in handy with throwing together decent meals when your tired and not feeling it. (less waste of what I already bought and money)
Thankful the A/C was invented b/c I am not built for humidity
For being a good healer.. I never really thought of it until I had 2 MOHS procedures on my face 5 weeks apart and I have heard SO many positive compliments and feedbacks from med professionals and friends/family. Basal Cell can present small on the surface but spread far underneath the skin. I am grateful for a skilled specialist working diligently and carefully to excise everything necessary but also focused on what the after will be. I obviously am 1000% aware of every stitch and scar but even at this early stage people have stated if they had not known already about the surgery, the scarring thus far would not have been that obvious.. So lucky! (still gonna do scar treatment once totally healed! )
@jes, I second your thanks for the invention of air conditioning. Blessings on the late Willis Carrier. It's been in the 90s here, with humidity to match, for most of the past week.
Also, blessings on my DH for insisting that we get both central AC and solar panels about 15 years ago. The solar panels keep the cost of the AC within reason.
@A. Marie, and everyone considering solar panels,
I heard on NPR this morning that the tax credits for energy-saving things such as solar panels and electric vehicles are going to go away. They said if you are considering such things, such as installing solar panels or insulating your attic, do it ASAP. Full details ought to be on NPR's website.
@jes, I had Mohs surgery done on my nose for basal cell carcinoma back in March and it is healing really well. I had to wait to use the scar gel (which contains silicone and is incredible in its healing properties!!!) until 4 weeks and I used it for 3 months. It really does work, and at 4 months, I'm really pleased with the results. They say after a year it will be almost unnoticeable so here's to hoping that's the case!!! But the greatest news is the cancer is 100% gone and they were able to remove the BCC in the first attempt. Good luck in your healing journey.
@Fru-gal Lisa,
that's because ALL TAX stuff was set to expire (not by current President) & that 2025 would be We'll see what is passed (what stays & what might be new).
Making the purchase now or next few months should make no difference because it will be done during 2025 & tax rules (done anytime during year) are for that whole year. Now manufacturers rebate is completely different story. And you can do both manufacturers rebate & tax credits---just be sure to keep all receipts & maybe make photo copy for mail in paperwork.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Except they're also defunding NPR.
@A. Marie,
That was so smart of your DH. One of my sisters lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and their 1920s era house does not have a/c. Back in the day, summers weren't sweltering, but global warming has changed that. I think they have a window a/c unit for their bedroom.
@JDinNM,
Well it should be on today's website. NPR was broadcasting as of this morning.
Let's hope a mega-rich person writes 'em a check.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Giving yet more money to the mega rich is why they're defunding NPR and PBS.
This reminds me that a few weeks back, my husband and I also saw a box turtle crossing the road (the opposite side we were on). So, we decided to take a U-turn and help him off the road. Imagine my delight that by the time we got back (1- 2 minutes, at most), a car full of teen boys had already stopped to help the turtle. It made my heart happy not only to see 5 teenage boys help the turtle but to see the joy on their faces as they did so. Thanks for reminding me of this!
@Sarah, Turtles cross the road in good numbers after a rain on the roads down off our plateau. I still remember my son--then 13--insisting we stop to get them out of the road every time. He would jump out of the car exclaiming, "Don't worry, buddy! I'll help you!" It was so cute. Luckily, there's hardly any traffic there so we didn't have to risk getting creamed to help the turtles.
@Sarah, I also have stopped to help our endangered Gopher Tortoises cross when I see them - -they are much easier to spot due to size.
@Sarah, Thank you for sharing your story of the teenage boys. You (and they!) just made my heart happy and brightened my morning. Have helped a desert tortoise across a road and am remembering that joy too. Blessings, and to you too Kristen!
@AZ Lynn, I second this comment!
@Cheryl,
I've helped turtles cross the road here in Arkansas too -- usually on back roads near areas where there are creeks.
I am thankful that I have mostly adapted to the hot and humid weather. My Celtic self will never love it but I seem to adapt somewhat as the summer progresses.
I am thankful for Freecycle as a means to pass unwanted items on to others. I have been using it quite a bit lately.
I am thankful for general good health and the ability to do things that hopefully will help me maintain that: eat healthy food, get enough sleep, the time and ability to exercise, access to medical care when needed, etc, etc, etc.
I am thankful for tomatoes that are growing this year. I only plant cherry tomatoes and this year has been a good year for them. Kristen never tires of watermelon and I never tire of tomatoes (at least not in the summer).
I always think my German/Norwegian genes must be working against me in the summer. Ha.
@Kristen, I found out yesterday that I have Norwegian heritage! Perhaps that's what called me to Scandinavia 😉 My ancestors moved from Norway to Scotland a couple of centuries ago (the other side of my dad's family are from Ireland). I also have them to thank for my pale skin!
My Irish/Swedish genes really hate the hot sun of summer! I keep moving further north, but the hot weather seems to be following me!
@K D,
I'm the same way about tomatoes! I have a bunch of tomato plants with green 'maters on them. Can't wait until they ripen.
My mom always pulled over to save turles- thanks for continuing the cause!
I'm thankful my husband is at a professional conference. The topic really interests him, and he needs to get away from work. He has a hard time shutting off his work brain, so going to this conference will give him a good reason to focus on sonething else. Also, it means I don't have to cook good dinners for a few days.
I'm thankful our vacation this past weekend went smoothly. We got to see some family, and we managed the long drive pretty well. However, driving 2000+ miles in 4 days wasn't very relaxing for my husband ( so see thankful #1).
I'm thankful for cold showers on hot, sticky days.
And Chiquita photos!
@mbmom11, My husband always stopped in New York to help snapping turtles to get across the road. Most people are not brave enough to handle a snapping turtle, but he did something with a stick, maybe? Can't remember that part, but I do remember him always stopping when he saw one.
@kristin @ going country, you gave me a flashback to when we would swim in my grandfather's little pond - we were always warned to keep our feet off the bottom as much as possible since there was a big cranky snapping turtle who did not like company. Their snaky necks give them a long reach!
@kristin @ going country, my husband moves RATTLESNAKES off the road!! He always has a shovel in the back of his pickup.
@kristin @ going country, you've given me a flashback, too. DH and I once stopped in a particularly isolated stretch of an isolated NY state highway to try to assist a snapping turtle. Trouble was, the contrary creature wasn't at all interested in being helped, and hissed at DH's every move. The only way DH could finally get it off the road was to try to herd it in the opposite direction from the one that made sense!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, Um, don't tell him what we do to rattlesnakes . . .
@kristin @ going country, he knows, and he also does that same necessary task when they are in our yard.
This week, I am thankful for
a houseful of grandchildren visiting. My daughter and her husband are wonderful parents, and they live several states away, so this is a gloriously happy week for me.
I am smiling again, a real, inside and out smile, for the first time since my mom passed away in May.
This week, I have an abundance of tomatoes. The heavy rain and intense heat stopped them for a while, but now I have so many.
That's it. My heart is full.
@MommaJo, This is so great. I am so happy for your inside and out smile. Such a good description.
Love the Chiquita pics!
Thankful for:
After spending last year at a college in England, our oldest granddaughter (from Kenya) is spending the summer with us before starting nursing school in August.
That teaching said granddaughter to drive in the US is going well and she will test for her license hopefully in two weeks. (At age 19, in our state she is considered an adult driver and doesn’t have to do the graduated steps that younger teen drivers have to do)
That the stores are starting to bring out fall merchandise, which makes me very happy. Yes, the heat and humidity will eventually come to an end!
That we get so much delicious fresh produce these summer months.
@Addy, don't get too excited about Fall merchandise signaling cooler weather. Many stores had Halloween stuff out before 4th of July (3-4 months beforehand).
September will start the less/no humity & temperature starts to slowly drop (except far southern states).
@Regina, that is purely obnoxious merchandising.
Congratulations again on the NCLEX!
I have lots of thankfuls this week!
1. I am thankful to be home for a few weeks and seeing my family.
2. I am thankful for a beautiful walk to a nearby lake.
3. I am thankful for a fun dinner out with my mother, sister and sister's partner.
4. I am thankful for breakfast and yoga class with a friend.
5. I am thankful that my dad's shoulder is so much better (he broke it a couple of months ago).
I haven’t seen a box turtle in ages!
--For the rain last night that cooled everything down. It wasn't a hard, brutal rain as it so often is here in the summer, so it woke me up to close windows, but didn't sound like Armageddon and keep me awake.
--For children who still play. Yesterday was hot until the rain started moving in around us, but when the storms were some distance off, the sun was behind clouds and the air cooled down about fifteen degrees. Everyone ended up drifting outside after dinner because it was cooler outside than in (we don't have air conditioning). My husband was watering trees, I was talking to him, my daughter was playing some game of her own devising in the (empty) horse pen, and my two younger sons were playing something in the driveway. It was a nice hour or so before bed.
--That I haven't found any hornworms on my tomatoes yet this year. My husband found a couple deep in one of his grape vines, but usually by this point I'm on High Hornworm alert and have to patrol with a blacklight at night (they glow!) to keep them from decimating my tomatoes. I suspect it's either the grasshoppers or the blister beetles we have in alarming numbers that have been eating their eggs or something.
--That the grasshoppers and blister beetles haven't been eating my tomato plants. They did eat the really small ones, but for some reason, they mostly leave the big ones alone. So far, anyway. It's about the only thing they're not eating.
--For my parents, sister, and brother. It's been a rough couple of years, and they have all been nothing but supportive and willing to listen to me talk unendingly about it. No family is without some issues, but I am so thankful that mine is generally pretty close and supportive.
@kristin @ going country,
Did you get any hail? My sister-in-law who lives near Albuquerque has had her garden repeatedly trashed by hail. She got back from vacation to find it all obliterated.
Prayers for the family situation, from a fellow suffering mom.
@mbmom11, Not this time, although we often do. So far this summer, we haven't had any damaging hail, but it's always a possibility.
@kristin @ going country, My sister and her family were driving from AZ to Wisc. for vacation last week. Just as they were leaving Albuquerque they got hit by the worst hail storm they had ever experienced. There was not any place safe to pull off so they kept going believing that the windshield was going to be shattered any second. Made it safely to their stop for the night thank God, but scary, scary stuff.
@AZ Lynn, Yikes. Storms in New Mexico can be pretty scary, yes. Especially in a car.
This week I am especially thankful to know that bananas may contribute to headaches. In the two months since I stopped eating bananas, I've had maybe three mild headaches, which is a miracle. When I have a headache, my stomach feels like it's an empty pit and craves everything, so it sure is frugal and healthier not to have headaches driving what I ingest.
@MB in MN, Oh, finding headache triggers is like decoding a puzzle! I'm glad you figured it out.
I remember that feeling after graduating college as a returning student. It was amazing, and it lasted a long time. Enjoy your freedom!
1. I am grateful for air conditioning, too, and doubly grateful that mine is working as it should. It's no fun to see "Very High Humidity" come up on the computer's weather monitor, and no fun seeing 99 deg. F on a thermometer on the way home at 5:30pm that same day.
2. I'm thankful for the good melon I bought. It's an orange-fleshed honeydew, and it is at just the right point - sweet, flavorful, not crunchy, not mushy soft.
3. I'm thankful that my replacement starts here at my work next Monday, which will give us 7 months to train her and give us time to get quarterly and year end tasks included in the training. She should be ready to take over with a lot of confidence by next March.
4. I'm grateful for ice makers, mine in particular. The water coming out of my faucet in summer is warm, coming as it does from a shallow well in very hot weather. A few ice cubes help a lot! I have to say, I don't miss the old aluminum trays that stuck to your hands and their handles that dug into your hands while releasing the ice cubes.
5. I'm grateful I made it in to work before the deluge of rain started! It's pouring right now.
@JD, I just saw a metal ice cube tray & had to explain to teen similar description.
@JD, I share your lack of nostalgia for the bad old days of metal ice cube trays. But I just bought a couple of plastic, flexible trays--not for making ice, but for freezing small quantities of chicken or beef stock, herbs in olive oil, etc. The "Everyday Cheapskate" column had an article on this the other day.
@A. Marie and @Regina,
A. Marie, I also keep two flexible plastic trays for freezing small things such as herbs or a tablespoon of lemon juice. I had to use them for ice when my icemaker died, and they worked, but were not much fun to use. I will use them any day over the metal trays, though.
Regina, I took my then-teen daughter to a 1940's house at a museum once. I opened the refrigerator - that was allowed and the docent was right there - and showed her a tray and asked her how one was to get the ice out. She was mystified, because she couldn't imagine that a frozen metal tray was designed to be held in our bare hands so we could yank the icy handle with brute force to break out the cubes. The docent and I both had a good chuckle over it.
@A. Marie,
My recent frugal fail was NOT freezing some pasta sauce in ice cube trays. I got ready to use the rest of the jar I'd earlier refrigerated, and couldn't because it had mold. Won't make that mistake again!
Oh my, your turtle rescue made me nervous. I'm happy you both survived. A man was killed last week trying to do the same (turtle didn't make it either.)
https://abcnews.go.com/US/fatal-crash-95-good-samaritan-dies-rescue-turtle/story?id=123573357
Oh my goodness, that's awful. Mine was on a pretty quiet two-lane road; had it been a highway or something, I would not have braved it.
1. Grateful for every day that passes puts us one day closer to cooler weather. 90 degree temps and humidity to match make being outside unbearable and although I love the summer, I am officially done with the heat.
2. Thankful for good doctors keeping a watchful eye on me during my pregnancy. It is a comfort to know that I am in good hands and that I am not an anomaly to them.
3. Thankful that I can drink coffee again - 1st trimester aversion seems to have passed - and that it is laced with pumpkin spice creamer.
4. Thankful for naps and a family that lets me rest when I need to.
5. Thankful to be able to crawl into a comfortable bed each night with clean, fresh sheets and wonderful pillows.
Enjoy your time and Chiquita! She is quite the character. You could right a children's book about the adventures of
Chiquita.
I am also thankful that we are half way through summer.The midsummer doldrums have set in for me. It's too hot to be outside unless I'm in, on, or by the water.
I'm thankful that summer gives me time to get things. The pace is slower and socializing is at a minimum as many travel in search of cooler weather. There always seems to be things that need my attention around the house. I now have time to do it.
The high summer humidity makes everyday a bad hair day. No matter what I do, I resemble a hedgehog. I am thankful that for 9 months out of the year this is not the case.
I am thankful that I found such a kind and competent GP. I had a doctor's appointment this week and I was reminded what a blessing this is.
When running errands yesterday, I heard the Travis Tritt song, It's a Great Day to Be Alive. Now it is stuck in my head. So I'll just say I'm thankful to be given this day.
Wishing you all the gifts of peace, good health, and prosperity.
@Bee, write a children's book. Time for a cup of coffee. I shouldn't write when I'm not awake!
@Bee,
Your number 3.... I resemble that remark.
@Bee, I'm getting to the point where I resemble a hedgehog year-round. I've gone from having straight-as-string hair most of my life to having perpetual post-menopause frizz.
I am a fellow turtle mover! We have so many wetlands in our urban area (The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes is true to its name!) that there are always a couple turtles I help scootch to safer spots each spring/summer.
This week I am thankful for…
• A cool rainy day yesterday.
• How green everything is and all the wildflowers that seem to be everywhere.
• Quality time with my son and husband.
• Good audio books for when I am stuck in traffic.
• Puppy snuggles every evening.
• How helpful my son has been this summer – my parents are moving into my grandparent’s house at the end of the summer so they can be closer to my grandparents (who just moved to assisted living). My son has been spending extra time with my dad helping at both houses to get ready for the big move.
1. My final property tax payment for the year has been sent in. No more payments until next year.
2. Flooring has been installed. I can once again use my LR-DR and the computer room.
3. The roofers are coming sometime next week and my new metal roof is supposed to be installed in one day's time. I gave them their down payment and part of my SS check will cover the rest.
4. I haven't had to water the lawn in a couple of weeks due to the rain. And the lake is full, so no escalated water rationing.
5. Snuggles continues to be a loving pet, even if he does chew up my ballpoint pens. (Despite having plenty of chew toys and rawhide chews and chew bones all over the house. Go figure.) He also is a very dedicated squirrel hunter, keeps after them until they run into someone else's yard, so no furry fiends in my attic this year!
@Fru-gal Lisa, Clark, though not a dog, shares Snuggles' affinity for writing implements. He loves to bat my Pilot pens off the desk, but his favorite thing to chew on is a regular old No. 2 pencil. I have to hide them or he'll chew the erasers off and swallow them. Weirdo!
@Karen A.,
I have no idea why Snugs does this, because I have tons of chew bones and chew toys and rawhides around the house for him to chomp on. Pets are something else!
I am personally thankful for the heat!
I always feel that summer is the best time of the year and people complaining about it never have to deal with the sheer hell that is the almost six months of winter we have to deal with in the Northeast. Winter is rough because you can't do the sorts of things you can do during summer like amusement parks, going outdoors without a coat, driving with the windows down, baseball games, picking fresh vegetables, riding a carousel etc. Not to mention the swimming, sprinklers etc.
Also as a kid I hated school so summer was doubly awesome for not being in that prison.
So yes, I will take the humidity and the heat and never complain about it. I will forever complain about snow and the people who love it can shovel my driveway and pay my gas bill.
Other things I'm thankful on:
* That I got to bed early last night and mostly slept during the night and was up easily to get the trash out and go to work.
* That I have a little bit of time off coming up (just a day but still)
See, to me, the weather we are having in the mid-Atlantic right now is also prohibitive of things such as riding a carousel or really doing anything outside except swimming.
But I am delighted you that you are having a fun time right now; I never begrudge anyone their summer enjoyment. I am just befuddled by it. 😉
Dh is still in the rehab hospital and while his attitude is enough to curdle sour cream, his various therapists are doing the best they can and there are some small improvements. We have been through many medical issues, but this one is testing me because he thinks I should be living with him in rehab. I know that if I do that, I'd throttle him in a day or so. Plus, when he does come home, he will need me to be at 100%. Anyhoo, positive thoughts and prayers for both of us. Through sickness and health, right?
@Jennifer,
Prayers are offered up for you, Jennifer. I've been right there, and it is really hard. You are right, you need to be at 100%, so stay where you are and take good care of yourself.
@Jennifer, Praying for positivity for your DH and strength for you!
For the mouse left dead beside my bedroom door. Thank you, anonymous kitty...there are 5 to choose from. They will all get treats!
That we got thru the mini heat wave without any issues.
That I work part time and was able to care for a dear friend who had a caregiver gap. Priceless.
That the Perseid meteor shower that officially begins tonight has been showing off for a few days now.
The first tomatoes are producing well.
My pup who keeps the deer out of the vegetable garden, orchard & flower garden.
This post reflects so much happiness! With three weeks of freedom remaining, perhaps a trip to Maine or Nova Scotia or the PNW or the UP of Michigan would be a great way to escape the heat and humidity.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
The UP in Michigan has actually been warm this summer, but not humid & plenty of rain >>>> mosquitoes are not lacking. But still wonderful. 🙂
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Or, the Smokies!
@JD, or the Rockies! Best of all, the Sierra (perfectly neutral on the subject here)!!
Thank you for helping the turtle! That was the right thing to do!
Today is blessedly cooler. The humidity was swampy yesterday, so I'm extra appreciative of the change. On a related note, I'm grateful for my air conditioned gym!
My daughter and I went to a fun whale exhibit at a museum Monday--it's great to have her home and to have fun time together.
Grateful for my son, who is contacting me daily while on his road trip. He's a responsible young man, and seems to enjoy staying in touch with mom, which is a blessing.
This week, I’m mainly thankful for AC. I cannot stand the humidity we’ve been having, and the AC keeps our house cool and less humid.
Thankful that the garden is starting to produce nice delicious vegetables!
Thankful that my husband was with me when I fell yesterday going down to the pond. I stepped in a hole, lost my balance , toppled over and landed in a pile of rocks. I was in a very precarious situation, and if not for him, I’m not sure how I would have gotten out of there. Just a few scrapes and a bruised ego today.
Ever thankful for a comfy place to lay my head each night. When visiting an couple of cities recently, we saw lots of unhoused people and it broke my heart.
Thank you for stopping to help box turtle cross the road. I have not seen any box turtles (in Michigan) in my area, only regular turtles & few snappers, which smaller turtles are harder to see here on road & do get rolled. I usually stop also (on the side of the road with flashers on) to try to help turtle cross road safely. I've had traffic completely stopped before trying to get turtle to safety. 🙂
Thankful for butterflies (also) as have had some beautiful orange Monarchs lately & some smaller other colored butterflies. Have had some taking shelter on my (covered) front porch during quick pop up rain storm. 🙂
Thankful for rescue dogs----always!
Thankful for teen continued (legal) way of making extra money. I find myself helping teen when come across things for teen.
Thankful for air conditioning. I try not to use AC all the time but I'm so grateful to have it in addition to all the tower fans circulating the air throughout the house.
Thankful for smart phones & video calls. It's nice to see faces/people (& surrounding area around them) sometimes instead of just hearing their voice.
Thankful for my dad's continued health. He has his blood draw today to check his numbers & see if radiation treatment did its job. My dad seems to be feeling better this last week & getting some ability to be active longer during the day(s).
Thankful (but wooried) the Tsunami warning for Alaska was cancelled but concerned for possible delayed reactions. 7.4 earthquake under water is pretty concerning. But grateful the people have some kind of warning system in place.
Thankful for the quick pop up downpour that soaked me as I was loading the recycling into my vehicle to take to be dropped off. It filled the top of rain barrel (6" deep) opening with that quick few minutes of downpour of rain. I didn't need to water plants after that.
Thankful for Kristen & her blog where we can all learn & share with each other.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
This week I am grateful for
Such lovely weather!!! We’ve had a stretch of days that feel like a gift.
My kids. They both are in a good place right now, and saying that makes me feel like I’m jinxing it but, I’m not. They are great.
For old and new friends. Life has seasons of more friends and less friends, in my experience. I have been without close friends for a bit. Now an old friend and a new friend have started a book club and have included me.
Summer produce!! My blackberry bush has so many FAT blackberries on it! thats new! And my grape vine is falling over because it is so heavy with fruit. Im not sure what to do with all the grapes!!
@Caitlie, Grape juice/jelly. Or wine. 🙂
@kristin @ going country,
And you can freeze the grape juice raw for making jelly later. The sediment will have settled so you can just carefully pour the good juice off of it.
I am thankful that I am somewhat healthy. No major concerns. I have food to eat and a garden for fresh vegetables. I have a home and a husband that likes to cook, grill or go out to eat. The county library has helpful employees and good selection of materials.
Thankful for:
1. My 90 yo mom getting discharged from nursing home back to independent living tomorrow. I'm also thankful her nursing home and independent living facilities are nice places.
2. I'm planning a girls getaway with my young adult daughters. Thankful for the opportunity and the funds to make it happen.
3. Thankful our AC is in good shape after a repair over 4th of July weekend.
4. For my library and the Libby app and my kindle unlimited for ready access to books. I read really fast and having to buy 4 books/week would get pricey.
5. Aside from a recent order to get some medical equipment for my mom, I've been successfully navigating my purchases w/o giving money to Bezos or Target. I'm glad there are other resources available to me.
Enjoy your break before your job starts! Hope you have a little trip planned!
@Susan, my library’s website stopped working so I can no longer order books to be delivered to my local library. It is very inconvenient and disheartening. The Libby app almost NEVER has the books I look for, but I will never stop trying. It shocks me when I see that people buy books, but that is just dumb, because authors NEED people to buy their books rather than be cheapskates like me.
I am thankful for:
- the bounty of plums in my mother in law's garden. We made enough jam to have all year and gave some to our neighbours.
- my sweet chickens, who lay every day and give us delicious eggs
- the ability to cook delicious food at home. We eat whatever we want, experiment with different cuisines, and save money
- my teeny tiny car, which earns me money on my weekly commute to the office
- comfy, quality leather shoes. My feet swell in summer, and the last thing i need is blisters.
This summer lover is thankful for the overnight rain and for the cool down so perhaps will pick some more of the neighbor's blackberries. The rain will have washed off the overripe, wormy ones. Also will be glad to do a couple of small projects outside.
I am thankful for the Suyo cucumbers I have growing in my mineral tub. They are sweet, very crunchy, need no adornment but a little sea salt and fresh ground black pepper makes them gourmet. And they are generally burpless! On the vegetable line, I am also thankful for sweet corn season. Sometimes I just want to go outside and shout from the rooftop, "I LOVE SWEET CORN!" I wish I had not developed the aversion to tomatoes. They were my best favorite for breakfast, lunch, and supper but the GERD they cause have moved them off of the favored list. The first cantaloupe I got this season has been a winner. So good by itself or with cottage cheese as an easy meal.
I am thankful for this group and the love and concern we have for one another.
I am thankful for my beloved dog Molly. She is showing her age. Vision is dimming, cannot hear well. Her nose still works. She still comes in sometimes with the zoomies, allbeit less so. Even as a people nurse, I assess her for pain and overall well being.
I am thankful for the wren's courting melody and that his nests and mates are currently away from the front door. Also seeing the bunnies. There are less squirrels apparent since their main highway was cut down. I have seen only one, but I have seen one monarch butterfly checking out the milkweed offerings/habitats located in this waystation. And I am thankful for all the turtle/snake savers.
It seems that there will be layoffs in the near future at my husband's workplace and there's a good chance he will be included so I'm finding myself counting my lucky stars often these days. It feels like we're on the cusp of some change in our lives and with elderly parents, there's always some discomfort around when their health status might change. All of it keeps leading me back to being thankful for what we have today because it could easily change tomorrow. I'm so thankful for:
-the job that my husband has had for the last 12 years. Outside of the financial position it's put us in, it's granted flexibility and work-life balance that has allowed him to be very involved in the kids' lives.
-for the city we live in now - it's a very nice place to live. Beautiful and well-run. Walking, hiking and biking paths galore.
-for my parents' great attitudes.
-for my health and my family's health.
-for the beautiful neighborhood we live in. It's so green and lovely.
-for my job. I can't remember the last job I had where I wasn't itching to leave within the first year.
@CrunchyCake, most of the jobs I’ve had throughout my life were just something to be endured. This makes me very understanding of your last Thankful, and very curious as to what it is that you currently do!
Hoping very much for you that the layoff never comes!
@Kristen, Thanks Kristen. We're hopeful but also trying to stay realistic.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I work for a non-profit that grants funding to scientists. We're a small team so we all wear a lot of hats but the people (mostly) are kind, care about what they do, and support one another. Sometimes there's a lot of work to be done but the pressure is manageable and this place just really tries to do the right things the right way. Noble purpose + decent coworkers + positive tone at the top with generous policies + knowing what I do makes a difference = happy employee. It's far from perfect but it's a pretty good fit!
I’ve never seen a box turtle and am struck by how it matches the butterfly, which I’ve always thought should be called a “flutterby”.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
That was my dad's word for butterflies. He always called them flutterbys.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Butterflies were originally called Flutterbys, according to an article I read. Everyone thought they'd be cute in reversing the syllables and the name "butterfly" stuck. Why, I don't know!
Huh, I swear I've heard of James Patterson before, maybe because he is such a prolific author. Don't think I've read any of his books, though. Coauthorship of a novel seems like such a unique and fun thing to do.
This week I am thankful:
- For a long conversation with a friend last weekend
- For the rivers nearby relatively devoid of creepy crawlies so we can enjoy nature while it is oppressively hot
- For a long and insightful conversation with my boss last week
- For my spouse's positive attitude and adaptability (so far) in the face of a very challenging change at work
- For my parents, who continue to blow me away with their discernment and wisdom during difficult situations
Also posted on the Non-Consumer Advocate, but terrific enough to be posted twice! I have one GIGANTIC frugal thing—courtesy of the two relatives who flew up here on their own dime and refused any payment to redo our study. This house was built in 1950 and also went through a flood. We had most of it rebuilt when we moved in, but the study at the back of the house was not a high priority until the electricity (already sparse of outlets) began throwing the circuit. The guys came up to do that but when they opened the plywood panels, they found little insulation and some of it was newspapers from 1950, ditto for the ceiling plus no vapor barrier, mold on the flooring, never mind the lack of correctly installed electricity in that part of the house. So, we now have all new insulation, newly painted sheetrock instead of the dark cheapo paneling, 12 recessed lights in the new ceiling, new flooring, and enough outlets to power the Pentagon. We paid only for the materials and to feed the guys, less than $10,000 for a project much larger than the bid we got from a local person for a much smaller version of the job, for close to $45,000. Plus, both these guys are icky-picky, so we know things were done correctly (they are in construction in their real lives). Oh, and they also replaced the toilets in both our bathrooms with the new extra tall handicapped toilets, so several inches taller than the old handicapped toilets were, and installed a Ring device so I don’t have to drag myself to the front door to answer bells from window salesmen and religious proselytizers.
And, they loved salmon so ate through 3 to 4 fillets a day, for either lunch or dinner. We had built up a huge stockpile, due to generosity of fisher friends, as in over 60 fillets, so we were able to feed them from our freezer except for two days. So, also frugal.
We are so blessed in our neighbors and in most of our relatives. It is humbling and embarrassing to need help but we did remind ourselves of the times we flew out to help fathers and FILs when we were young and they had reached old age. It helped us feel less useless and more just like part of the wheel of time that goes around for everyone.
I'm thankful for
- nieces and nephews
- zucchini growing better after learning a pillinating trick... Thanks internet people.
- For 1 & 2 Peter, so much practical words in those two letters in the Bible.
- a comfy bed and ac
I’m thankful for:
- Our river life. We live near the river and go often to swim and spend time there.
- Time with family camping, enjoying the outdoors and growing closer to together.
- The fun times our girls had with Grandma & Auntie for a week by themselves and the yearly summer tradition it has become.
- Cooler weather in the 70s and lower 80s. I’m in the same boat as Kirsten.
- Our new and improved used camper and how we all proudly worked together to make it our own.
I love that you included a Sandra Boynton photo!
I loved Sandra Boynton's board books when my kids were little. So good. They are one of the only things I kept from their babyhood/toddlerhood. 🙂 So much sentimental value wrapped up in those!