This week, I am thankful:
that my pregnant cousin is feeling a little better
I went to help her yesterday, and while she’s not feeling 100%, she is doing better than before. Yay!
for a body healthy enough to help my cousin
As I was working yesterday, I was thinking about how I am thankful to be in a place to be the helper.
I’ve been in the sick-and-pregnant-needing-help place, and that memory makes me especially thankful to have the health now to help her.
for the way the internet lets me keep up with people
One of my cousins had her first baby this year, and even though she lives in California, I get to see regular updates with pictures of her cute little guy.
In case you’re wondering, I have a lot of cousins: 31, to be exact.
And also, in case you’re wondering, based on all these pictures of me holding baby cousins: I am indeed one of the oldest cousins. Only three were born before me.
that our cat got a clean bill of health
She was due for some shots, so she got a check-up at the vet yesterday.
Aside from being a little too chunky, she got an A+.
(We are always trying to help her lose weight, but no luck thus far, largely because she is L A Z Y.)
that the inauguration is done and that it was calm
I’m thankful that it was 100% smoother at the Capitol yesterday than it was on January 6th. Whew.
(A slightly related aside: a reader wrote me this week with an inaccurate impression of how I view white supremacy and the January 6th Capitol invasion. So, since I haven’t been clear enough: I do not at all think invading the Capitol is appropriate. I do not support racism, white supremacy, or white nationalism, I do support justice and equity, and I want to keep learning how to best show active love to people who do not look like me. Which includes continually looking at my own heart for prejudice and racism, and figuring out ways I need to grow and change.)
the beautiful blue sky I’m looking at as I type this
Yes, the trees are bare and the grass is brown, and there’s not much green to see; this is true.
But it is also true that the sun is shining in a blue sky.
And it is also true that I have a window to see this through!
for the delicious pear I just ate
Hungry Harvest sent me some pears over a week ago, and they are just now getting soft enough to eat.
I often get the timing of my pear-cutting wrong; I either go too early and get a hard, chalky experience, or I wait too long and end up with a mushy pear.
But today, it was jusssst right. And a just-right pear is so good.
for all my working appliances
I am on a multi-week streak of everything working, and it is just delightful.
for my quiet neighborhood
People in this neighborhood do have a penchant for setting off fireworks at random times (and for like a week surrounding holidays!), but other than that, it’s very peaceful here, and I am thankful for that.
for the sounds of nature, even in the winter
The other morning, I was standing by the river, noticing all the sounds that are still there in January.
Summer is noisier, of course, but even now you can hear the breeze moving the water and you can hear the birds in the trees.
that there are no bothersome bugs in the winter
I appreciate the zero-mosquitoes situation that January offers.
that the sun sets well after 5:00 pm now
And at the end of the 15-day forecast on my weather app, the sunset time is listed as 5:31. EXCELLENT.
(Why yes, I do check this every day.)
Karen says
So grateful that someone loaned me a jigsaw puzzle—out of the blue—a lovely and generous gesture.
Chatting with people in person is so rare for me and when it happens I recognize how wonderful it feels so I’m doubly grateful.
Having the first “jab” and hopefully the 2nd in a few weeks.
Grateful it is Friday—it’s been a looooong week!
Kristen says
That reminds me that when I was at my mammogram, waiting to see the doctor, another mom and I started having a nice chit-chat. Like you said, it feels like such a rare thing that it is QUITE delightful when it happens!
SandyH says
I am thankful for:
Six grandkids (11,9,7,6,5,5)who come to dinner every Monday night
Making a huge dent in de-cluttering and selling things we don’t need
Having lunch out every Wednesday with my mom and one of my daughters
I’ll go ahead and jump on the bandwagon and say I’m thankful the inauguration and that the transition went smoothly. I’m trying to stay positive about it all. I too, have my worries about the new leadership.
And finally, I’m so very thankful that at the three-month mark of my semi-retirement, I exceeded all of my financial goals working at home. ( I am a dog groomer and retired after 24 years at the same animal clinic and now have a home-based business.)
kristin @ going country says
I was just thinking today how grateful I am to have had so many years of experience cooking and feeding a family before I started working again. If it wasn’t already second nature to me, coming home at 4:30 and getting dinner on the table for six people would be much more daunting.
Kristen says
So true. Cooking is a lot of hard work, no matter how you slice it, but it’s so much less overwhelming when you have plenty of kitchen hours under your belt.
Jody S. says
Today I am thankful I had time to read about everybody else’s thankfulness. I don’t always have the time.
I am thankful I got the haircuts for my boys done today. . . including my husband and father, that made 6! (I HATE doing haircuts. I think it is the frugal thing I do that I like the least. I think I would rather butcher the roosters than spend the afternoon doing haircuts.)
I am thankful my girls seem enthusiastic about a new history project we started today.
I am thankful that our homemade pizza tonight was really excellent after the “pizza plateau” (my husband’s words) that we’d been at for the last couple of months. Does that sound so lame or what? I guess I like the little things.
I am thankful that my husband has some organizational skills and was able today to set most of another room in our house to rights (we have tons of boxes and stuff all over the place since my dad moved in last week). Only one room left! (Now, the basement is another story entirely.)
I am thankful that our appliance repair guy was able to fix our large chest freezer and our fridge this week.
I am thankful that my two littlest ones picked out books for me to read to them before bed. . . and that they wanted to act one out. It was so cute, and I treasured it because those days are numbered.
I am thankful for the sense of humor my sons have. So funny.
There was sun today, and that was lovely.
SandyH says
I am also thankful for an easy-to-repair appliance experience! Our ice maker and water dispenser just completely stopped working one day. Their support person told us to unplug the refrigerator overnight! I was reluctant, but they assured us all would be okay. And it was- the ice maker and water are working fine again.
priskill says
“little things” are the best
Mar says
Glad days are getting longer.
Hopeful that things in our country will move forward with people getting vaccinated.
I am going into week 3 of a Wellness series offered by our insurance company. It has improved my general outlook on life.
Deb says
Only 4 cousins here, but my dh has a million, his dad has SIXTEEN siblings!
Thankful for my brother again! He ordered my parents a bigger TV so I am going to take them to the beach on Monday and my dh is going to sneak in and install it! Their anniversary is February 1st, so it will be up in time for that and the SUPER BOWL!
SUNSHINE! I love Florida in January.
1.3 million vaccinated in Florida so far.
I am thankful that our church is open, the gym, Aldi, WM, Sam’s, the library and restaurants are also open. It just makes it a lot easier to get things for my parents and restaurants make my dad’s life as caregiver a LOT easier. I’m thankful that they can afford that luxury that brings them enjoyment and makes his life easier!
BOOKS! So far, I have read two on Minimalism, The Year of Less and The More of Less (from the library) and Live Not by Lies and I just started The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. After that, Gentle and Lowly.
My daughter in law. She does not miss a day of sending me pictures of the grand kids. She is the best. So nice to stay connected to them in Nebraska!
Just working on being consciously thankful of even the little stuff that “turns out” or the little blessings that I sometimes take for granted! God is so gracious and kind.
Kristen says
Oh wow. 16 siblings. I cannot even imagine having 16 children!!
Deb says
I know, CRAZY. And she had a VERY hard life. 13 are still alive.
Linda Whitlock says
Hi Deb, I, too, recently finished Live Not by Lies — such an important if disquieting book — and I’m starting The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Read Gentle and Lowly a few months back while recuperating from a broken leg. It’s very good. Seems like we have similar interests or tastes.
Deb says
My son is a pastor and up on all the latest books. I also read Tim Challies’ blog every day so that is how I found out about them.
Maureen says
Thankful for my cousins too. We live far apart, but …
Thankful for technology so I can talk to who ever I want to and keep up with family. I love knowing what’s going on with family.
Thankful that family is well enough to talk on said technology!
That our finances are on the right track for payoff and that we have jobs to help with that. I just ache every time I hear the rate of unemployment or see stores and restaurants closing. Even if it’s a big store, someone is still out of a job. And that is sad.
Thankful that the weather has been cool in So FL so we can open the windows and tuen off the A/C. And that the sun is out and the solar panels are working.
Becca says
I’m thankful:
1. For my son’s love of art. He is 5 and we had such fun today drawing pictures together, it was just delightful.
2. For toddler snuggles. My 2 year old is curled up in my lap now watching a movie and it is wonderful. I love the way their little heads smell.
3. That my husband provides for us and I can work just part time. I love being home with my boys and am grateful to be able to swing it financially.
4. For swim lessons that are open during covid. Knowing how to swim is a vital safety skill and I’m glad we have someplace to go for the kids to learn.
5. For coffee. It is such a simple pleasure but cheap abundant black coffee just makes my day.
Karen. says
Coffee!
Jody S. says
Yes! to the baby head smell. I don’t have that anymore.
KimN says
I had to laugh about checking the sunrise/sunset time. I think I drive my husband and oldest son nuts because every night I make an announcement that starts “hey guys…” then I list the times and how many minutes of daylight we have gained since the shortest day. Then for comparison I tell them the temp and sunrise/sunset times for North Pole Alaska. So I am glad I am not the only one
kristin @ going country says
I used to live in North Pole, Alaska. My children are convinced I am personally acquainted with Santa.
KimN says
That is neat…it seems like a cool place! When our AC died in record high temps in August this summer I became convinced I wanted to move there because I hate the heat.
Suz says
I’m thankful to hear from those of you who are getting vaccinated – I don’t know anyone around me who has been, so it makes the process seem more immediate and real. I’m happy it’s getting out there!
Kris says
I’m a health care worker and in the first tier for getting vaccinated …. it’s frustratingly slow to get out to the general public but I think strides are being made.
Kayleigh says
I’m a teacher in Arkansas. I got my first dose yesterday! And have appointment scheduled for 2nd dose in 3 weeks. No side effects, but man oh man my arm aches so bad!!!!
Lucky Vi says
I’m another health care worker, and I got my first shot yesterday, along with about 1/2 of my coworkers. I’m so grateful that we were able to get vaccinated, and also that we have had (relatively) mild side effects. We all joked that we felt like we got punched in the arm by Mike Tyson, lol! I’m grateful that we are still able to help our patients, many of whom have told us about the loved ones they have lost to Covid. It breaks our hearts every time, and I want everyone to know how much we care and pray for our patients and their families.
Bee says
I am grateful for the wonderful, healthcare workers and scientist who have fought COVID-19 and pray for those who are on the frontlines. Thank you!
Joanne in the UK says
I’m in the U.K. and I’m a hospital receptionist and I got my first dose last Saturday. It was the Pfizer vaccine and my 2nd dose is in 11 weeks. They are stretching the timing of the 2nd dose so that more people can at least have 1 dose. My arm ached for 2 days but it was a small price to pay! My dad who is 80 had his first dose almost a fortnight ago he had the Oxford one and he had no side effects at all.
Do you in the US have to pay by the way or is it free? We don’t as it’s on the NHS and not available privately at all. Just wondered??
Ruby says
I too am thankful that yesterday came off peacefully and also that the minutes of sunlight are gradually longer. It’s been such a long winter. What I am most thankful for is that my son and I recovered well and quickly from Covid and are both back at work.
priskill says
I, too, am thankful that the inauguration is over and the insurrection was not a success and that there wasn’t any more violence in DC. And my goodness, even a cursory reading of your blogs shows your kindness, fairness, support for all the humane causes. It is WHY I love to read your stuff — to remind me to be kind, fair, etc. Not sure what the letter writer had read or maybe thought s/he had read. But — huh???
So I am thankful for your non-political and always kind posts.
Also very very thankful it is Thursday, which is practically a Friday (pupil-free friday — woot!) after a really tough week at school. Not sure if it was the wind or what but YIKES
Thankful to rejuvenate this weekend and try to plan better and catch up on stuff.
Oh, and thankful the wind stopped — just brutal.
Thankful to celebrate my husbands “Beatle Birthday” tomorrow with a gift card from our daughter for take out from his favorite steak place.
Thankful for the very nice people who also post here — they inspire me, too
SandyH says
Is he turning 64?
priskill says
Yes indeed — we keep joking about it!
Kristen says
I don’t know why she had such a different impression of my political beliefs; maybe she only pops in every now and again. I am glad to hear your impressions, since you are a faithful reader. I trust that your impression is reflective of what I actually write here!
Stephanie says
Thankful Thursday. Covid edition. Week 1024 ( feels like)
1. Thankful for two days of sunshine and blue skies
2. Thankful for our new to us treadmill
3. Thankful my dads BIG DOWNSIZE move is over!
4. For ALDI shopping prices
5. Hot tea in the winter, brewed at home of course
Becca says
1. Winter sunshine and fresh air.
2. Purring cats.
3. Food, water, shelter, health, family-the usual taken for granteds
4. My sister had her covid shot, my mil gets hers tomorrow, and my work will be vaccinating me soon-baby steps!
5. My eight year old son still likes to snuggle.
Kris says
Thankful for …. getting covid vaccination #2 today! …. that I could see a sunny glow in the sky as I was driving to work this morning (it’s pretty rare to see the sun in my neck of the woods at this time of year) …. for a delightful patient at work today who used to sing jazz in clubs when she was younger; I was able to get her to sing for me and I think both of us enjoyed our time together …. for puzzles (we are currently in a puzzle craze at our house and it’s been fun to do) … for a well-stocked pantry and freezer.
Kristen says
Yay! So glad you are vaccinated now!
K D says
I am thankful for this weekly exercise.
I am grateful that the weather has been decent. Not too cold or cloudy. I love the lighter days, there is such a difference one month past the solstice.
I am thankful that while we are Staying Home that I have a couple friends that I walk with each week. I walk with one at a time and mask up but it is still social.
I am grateful that my charity stitching group is able to meet virtually. Today a member’s friend joined us from England (we went international). She is much more shut in than we are and really needed an outlet. My perspective has been altered.
I am thankful that people continue to be vaccinated for Covid-19. I am on a list with my county to be notified when my group can sign up. I am in the last group which means I am privileged.
I am grateful for our little house in a decent neighborhood and the ability to both pick up and have groceries delivered.
I am thankful for podcasts. There is so much that can be learned. I’m working my way through The Happiness Lab. There are so many episodes that it will take me a while.
I am grateful for the internet that makes things like this possible. There are definitely trade-offs but I try to use it for good.
Lindsey says
1. That the process for me and my husband to get vaccinated was seamless. I was dreading it given what I have seen on the news happening in other places, but our system was efficient (45 minutes total, including my half hour wait afterwards), and the volunteers were helpful and cheerful.
2. That we still have a community newspaper. It costs me a few bucks a month to support it but the result is a method for exposing any local politicians who are trying to act up, news on local folks and locally owned businesses, and articles on local hidden jewels for walking or nature viewing.
3. So very, very thankful for the peaceful inauguration. I cannot express how anxiety provoking these past few months have been for someone who grew up hearing the stories of parents who lived through the Nazis taking over Germany. I know it is not all smooth sailing now but as my husband said yesterday, “Now maybe you can stop hoarding food and medicine.”
4. As usual, the library, for this week’s supply of books.
5. For the folks who fix wheelchairs. Mine stopped working and the local home hospital equipment provider sent someone over within three hours to fix it and my insurance paid the bill with no hesitation. This chair was built specific to my body, where they came to my house and measured all the segments of my body, such as my legs and butt (not too humiliating, to have some guy putting a measuring tape across your rear)…the final result cost (this is not a typo) $28,000. SO, when it broke down I had a mini breakdown myself, in a panic but it all worked out. I am very thankful for the chair and the people willing to fix it and to come to me instead of expecting me to drag and 421 pound inoperative chair to them.
priskill says
#5 — So glad for you!!
EngineerMom says
I am so, so grateful that yesterday was an incredibly boring news day. Things going off without a hitch was EXACTLY what we needed.
I am also incredibly grateful for the ability to work from home. We found out my remote-learning 4th grader was watching (age appropriate, thankfully) shows on Netflix during school hours on the family iPad instead of engaging with her class. We rearranged our house so she is now working in the same room I am, and while it’s a little challenging for meetings, she seems to be much happier and more engaged with her class again.
Tammy says
Pears are like avocados! So hard to get the ripeness just right.
Hawaii Planner says
I always enjoy this exercise so much. I’m thankful for:
-A person on my team at work, but so far it’s been very mild. Hoping they have a quick & easy recovery
-A negative COVID test (I can test weekly through my work)
-We had an absolutely gorgeous long weekend. It’s easy to think of all the things you can’t do during COVID, and forget about the gift of a sunny day. We tried to make the most of the unexpected lovely weather in January
-An easy crockpot recipe for dinner last night. Sometimes you just need an easy/lazy/delicious option!
-That I hit a retirement account goal yesterday. I’ve been saving since I was 21, and worked at two companies with a great match, so I’ve been blessed. It doesn’t change my life in any way, but it feels like such a milestone for me
J. says
I am grateful that
The surgery of my colleagues’ husband was successful. He was in a bad place and there is hope of recovery now
That the inauguration was peaceful and dignified, as I felt as a cross Atlantic viewer
Grateful for the webinar I am watching on one of my favorite composers
That our curfew will start at 9pm and not 8pm at night. There will be more opportunity to stretch our legs after work in the coming weeks
That work on our garden is coming along fine. It is nice to look forward to summer, knowing we will enjoy our garden so much!
JD says
I’m thankful I made it here to comment on Thankful Thursday, because I’ve been really busy today.
1. I’m thankful for the winter sun. I dread the sun in the summer, but today it is so nice. The temperature was 36 when I drove to work this morning but is 68 now.
2. I’m thankful that whatever grabbed the 2 pound bucket of fish food from my porch at night, drug it off to the edge of the neighbor’s trees, and gnawed the lid open so that almost all of the fish food spilled on the ground, at least didn’t actually eat up all the fish food. That bucket had been opened only a week or so. I’m thankful my husband spotted it and made the effort to scoop most of the food back into the bucket, sifting the pine needles and leaves out of it.
3. I’m grateful that all of my co-workers are nice. I’ve worked with some real toxic ones in the past; this is much, much better.
4. I’m thankful we found a good pet-sitter, since I have to take my husband in for a minor procedure and will be gone overnight.
5. I’m thankful my two teen grandkids will say “Love you” to me and give me a hug and/or kiss in public.
OregonGuest says
JD, entirely possible my dog may have been on your front porch last night…..she’s kind of a jerk. (Got a good laugh at your description!!)
Heather says
“that the sun sets well after 5:00 pm now”
YES! Every day I am thankful for each extra minute or two.
Sarah G says
1. For the snow my children are currently playing in. They love it and it keeps them nicely occupied for a while.
2. For our full pantry and freezer, and mostly full refrigerator. We live in a nation where, for most of us, it takes patience and determination to actually eat up all the food already in our homes. That’s a pretty good problem to have.
3. For our safe neighborhood where my kids can go outside and play in the yard and I don’t have to worry about their safety.
4. For the (very) used London Fog coat my two year old is wearing. My mom bought it at a tiny thrift shop years ago for my first daughter. Now it’s on the third daughter. London Fog must be a really well made brand because this coat is amazing! The style looks dated, but the condition is like brand new!
5. That my baby is happier today. Yesterday he wouldn’t stop fussing/crying even when I was holding him, and I got nothing done.
6. That it’s almost Groundhog Day! My family (of origin) has a goofy tradition of celebrating this holiday with gusto. We even took a pilgrimage to Punxsutawney in 2007!
Ruth T says
31 cousins!!!! Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun!
Today I’m thankful:
* that when we left the library this morning it was 39 and sunny outside! Didn’t even need a coat!
* for headphones so I can listen to a podcast while not bothering anyone else in the house.
* that I talked myself out of spending my fun money on something unnecessary earlier this month so that I was able to buy some flowers to drop off to my friend who has COVID. I’m also thankful that she’s doing pretty well with it.
* that my kids love to read. Imaginative play is not my strength, but my kids had me read 19 books to them this morning and I’m totally happy to do that!
A. Marie says
Thankful for:
The arrival of various belated monies: DH’s January SS payment; our first long-term care insurance payment for DH’s home care aides (now that we’re finally through the 90-service-day deductible period); and our stimulus check. All of these were hung up in their respective pipelines for longer than they should have been. But all’s well that ends well, and I am enjoying the (fleeting, of course) sensation of having cash.
A peaceful transition yesterday. Of course, anyone who expects things to be the Big Rock Candy Mountain from now on hasn’t been paying attention. But, like Kristen, I’m hugely relieved that at least we didn’t have a repetition of Jan. 6.
And Kristen herself, this blog, and its readers–especially all those who commented on my FFT this Tuesday about DH. Writing this did me a lot of good, and I’m grateful to you all.
Kristen says
Isn’t it amazing how writing can do so much good for our souls? That’s so often my experience when writing thankful lists; I might be down when I start, but I end up feeling rather rich by the time I finish.
I’m thankful you share your journey with us!
KS says
I agree with you Kristen. I am more Democrat than Republican–but 100 million percent in the camp that everyone should be heard, all viewpoints need to be considered, and ALL Americans must act in a way that is good for ALL of us…congenially and peacefully!
Julie says
Thankful that some snow/rain is on the way! It has been a dry dry winter here and while we’ve enjoyed the sunshine, we know our desert needs moisture. Come on rain!
– for clients and lots of fun little projects to work on this month
– for sports. I love watching sports.
– for sweet kitties to entertain us
– for this life I get to live!
– for my weekly produce box and all the fun things it contains. This week we got grapefruit from Arizona!
Battra92 says
That’s amazing that you have 31 cousins. I have two. One is in a home because he can’t physically take care of himself and the other basically disowned everyone who didn’t align with her radical politics. So I just usually tell people I don’t have any cousins.
I’ve actually been having a pretty rough couple of weeks. I’m also frustrated with just how stupid and naive so many people are who think things are going to be better from now on. History tells us otherwise.
Of course this is a Thankful post so I suppose I should think about that.
– That I have the Blu-rays of my favorite anime and despite the fact that it’s an incredibly depressing show (much of the episodes are about death.) I’m enjoying watching it and it’s like visiting an old friend.
– That I have a remote starter for my car so I can let it warm up and I don’t have to get into a frozen car to go to work.
– That my wife has been taken off some extra stuff at work that was causing her a lot of stress. She’s back to her normal job again.
– That I don’t have any debt outside of my mortgage so if things go south, I have some buffer at least.
s says
Agree. I have been sad lately too. Whatever side of the political spectrum we are on, we need to do “our fighting in prayer.”
Battra92 says
Thanks. Prayer is one thing I’ve been working hard on lately, especially when I’ve been around a lot of people who have been less than kind to me or get angry when I disagree with them on something. The isolation of the last year means I’ve more or less been spending way too much time on social media because it’s the only way I get to “talk” with anyone outside of my family and the more I think about it, the more I think social media was a mistake.
Kristina says
Sorry you’ve been having a hard time.
When it comes to thinking things will be better from now on, I don’t think it’s naivete or stupidity but hope, which we all sorely need. There was a line in one of the speeches yesterday that put it so well, our job in perfecting things is never finished, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
Battra92 says
I have zero hope in Biden, nor in the lines written for him to say (that he probably doesn’t understand at all.) and I have even less faith in his VP and all of his cabinet picks announced.
The only way things will get better is if Christ returns in my lifetime, otherwise the good years are long over with.
s says
I agree with what you are saying, Battra. I have felt pretty hopeless too. Yet, I like to say that I have not lost faith that God will provide, save, and protect. Whatever side of the political spectrum we are on, though, we are to do our fighting in prayer, while not giving up on God and His love and justice.
Dawn says
I hope others will join me in praying for you ~ to feel peace, hope and optimism, and to see the possibility of good things to come.
Kristen says
Battra, I know you share my Christian faith, and so I wanted to share a short podcast episode that was published yesterday that I found encouraging. Our circumstances here can be awful, dire, and hopeless feeling, and the message here helps me re-orient what I am looking to for joy and hope. “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”
The podcast episode is here, along with a transcript, if you are interested. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-battle-to-remind Either way, I’m sending lots of love your way, and I hope that regardless of what else is going on, that you always feel welcomed and wanted here.
Bobi says
Hi Battra,
I regularly read your comments here and have noticed that you seem to be getting angrier and more pessimistic. Your overtly negative comments about our new administration is troubling. It would be nice if you could find it in your heart to ask yourself WWJD? Our country can never heal if we can’t find some common ground. We must all do our part to embrace our similarities rather than our differences. I’m trying and I’m asking you to join me.
Sincerely, Bobi
Battra92 says
Thanks for the Ted Talk.
Dawn says
I loved that line as well! ~ about continuing to try (to make our country better/unified). HOPE is huge. Sometimes, in a person’s low points in life and painful times, hope is what gets them through it.
JD says
I hope you and your cousin’s relationship will heal. I have 2 very politically-opposite-to-me cousins, too, out of 16 cousins, and I feel like I always have to tread very lightly around those 2. At least they haven’t cut off me or anyone else, so far, and I hope they won’t. I feel for you!
Kristen says
I have one that has blocked me over the pretty mild stuff I have posted on social media (like that I wear a mask). I am happy to love despite disagreements, and to focus on what we have in common, but if the other person chooses to break the relationship, there’s not much left to do other than wait and pray with love and a soft heart. I often think of that Sara Groves lyric that I shared in this post: https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/five-frugal-things-i-appreciate-you-guys/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=grow.me&utm_campaign=grow_search “Lord, help us wait in kindness.”
Battra92 says
I was never close with her and there’s quite an age difference. So there’s no skin off my back because there never was any real relationship there. I know it bothers my grandmother that she never calls or writes or anything.
For me it’s just such a foreign idea of having cousins. My mom had one sibling and my dad was the only child of an only child.
Kristen says
That’s how it is for our kids on Mr. FG’s side; just two cousins over there.
My mom is one of five, and my dad is one of four. And my mom’s sister had nine kids, so that really upped the cousin count!
Bee says
I completely understand that it is hard to have hope. There has been so much hate from political leaders of both parties — the grandstanding, the hyperbole, the rhetoric has been beyond divisive. There also has been considerable efforts to curtail free speech. Most troubling of all, our culture seems to thrive on not just disagreeing with those who think differently, but destroying them. The Cancel Culture is thriving. However, change must begin somewhere. I am trying hard to be that change by listening to others and really considering the opinion of others. It’s not always easy, but it is the only way forward.
Anne says
I am always amused when people make fun of the fashions from another area. Just know that in 10 or 20 years you’ll be making fun of today’s fashions.
I was interested to hear of people setting off fireworks at random times in your area. I thought it was just idiots in my city. I don’t know when this became a thing to do. I also worry it might be gun shots.
Anne says
Dang, that was supposed to be “era.”
Battra92 says
Thing is, if you traveled in time from now to say 2007, you’d have a hard time convincing people you were from the future. Fashion has definitely slowed down.
Kristen says
Oh for sure! Fashions are always coming and going. One day, we will look at skinny jeans and be rolling our eyes.
Annie says
1. The warm hat I got at a reasonable price. There is no happy medium with our heat in this old apartment complex built the late 60s. Too cold to turn it off completely, too stuffy to keep the windows completely closed when it’s on, so I just crack them open a teeny bit and put on a hat.
2. In addition to the hat, I am thankful to have a home to kvetch about in the first place.
3. For rice pudding from our local diner…so good…so comforting.
4. While the place I work for has been impacted by the pandemic, we are still financially healthy enough to avoid layoffs at least for a while.
5. That my terrace faces East and we get some good sun to sit in during the day, even if I have to bundle up to do so.
Beth says
I don’t see how anyone not trolling could claim to believe you’d support violence or white supremacy. Trolls gonna troll.
LDA says
Thankful indeed for:
– my husband’s greatly improved health situation. He endured 6(!) surgeries between November 2019 & October 2020, & we are both breathing a long sigh of relief right now.
– that the sun has been out the last few days.
– that I have heard birds chattering on these sunny days!
– that the Covid-19 vaccine for our age group (age 60 & older here in KY, group 1C) will probably be available by the end of the month.
– my fridge & pantry are well stocked.
– each new day is a blessing & a gift, filled with renewed hope & possibilities.
Kristen says
Oh my goodness, that is a lot of surgeries. And that is just lovely that you guys will be able to get the vaccine soon.
Krysten says
I grew up on a pear orchard… check the firmness on the neck of the pear. Depending on how ripe you like them, you’ll eventually be able to judge when they feel right.
Kristen says
The problem is that I squeeze them, realize they are too hard, and then forget to check on them until they are too soft.
Or I squeeze them, think, “What if I forget about them until it’s too late??” and then cut one open.
The fault is all on me. lol
Krysten says
I like to make pear bread with anything that I cut up that isn’t the right texture. It seems to work with the whole spectrum of ripeness.
The recipe was given to me by my dear friend Erma.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix together:
1C. sugar
2 beaten eggs
¼ C. sour cream
½ C. vegetable oil
1t. vanilla
2C. flour
1t. baking soda
½ t. salt
Add and stir in the following:
¼ t. each cinnamon & nutmeg
1 ½ C. fresh pears, diced
2/3 C. chopped walnuts
½ t. grated lemon peel
Bake in a greased loaf pan for 1 hour.