Thankful Thursday | I have windows!
New here? Thankful Thursday is something we’ve been doing in these COVID times; a (frugal and free) exercise to help us hunt for the good that is in our lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.
This week, I am thankful:
that my windows are installed
We had multiple delays (rain, electrical work, more rain), but I am delighted to say that I now have windows in my wall.
We still need to buy blinds and patch the holes left from the electrical work, but that's ok, because we have LIGHT in that room now.
I am extremely pleased with this home-improvement spending.
for funds to pay for the windows
Our home improvement/maintenance fund has been sitting untouched for a while, growing, so it was no problem to pay for the windows.
I am grateful that the fund didn't get depleted by things like septic issues; new windows are so much more fun than plumbing or septic!
that Sonia's mouth is feeling better
She had a few under-the-weather days during her recovery from wisdom teeth removal, but she really turned a corner in a good way yesterday.
So now everyone except Zoe has had their wisdom teeth removed. I'm getting to be a pro at taking care of wisdom teeth patients at this point. 😉
for not having to sit in waiting rooms
Thanks to COVID, I almost never sit in waiting rooms anymore; I get to just stay in my car until we get called in.
I don't really like waiting rooms, so this is fine by me! I get to be nearer the outdoors (my car offers a lot of natural light. Ha.) and away from all the distractions of a waiting room.
Yesterday, I got to sit in my quiet car, with the doors open, parked by the trees, and work by myself in the sunshine while Sonia had an appointment. This is unequivocally preferable to a waiting room!
I was telling Mr. FG that I hope this is a thing that sticks around after COVID, especially for offices where infectious people go for care.
for a fun Zoom call with my friend Sylvia
Sylvia runs a small business coaching company, and she's part of my mastermind group.
She offered to do a call with me to help me figure out a plan to meet my latest accountability goal, and we had a delightful time on the call while also being quite productive.
for being able to vote by mail
Well, I didn't exactly do mail. I filled my ballot out and took it to the dropbox by the fire station.
Easy-peasy, and it cost me no gas because I did it on the way home from another errand.
I could have dropped it in the mail, but this way I saved the election board a little postage and took a little stress off the postal system.
I already got a tracking email saying my ballot has been received, so, yay!
Not gonna lie; I hope this option remains even post-COVID. So much easier than standing in line.
for Sonia's babysitting job
She's got a gig watching a little guy for two hours two mornings a week.
for mild October weather
We haven't needed heat or air conditioning, which is lovely for the electric bill.
for the colors of October
There's such a lovely array of colors here, and there are still a lot of green leaves as well. Nice and cheerful!
that two more books sold on eBay
Slowly but surely, my shelf of listed books is getting emptier and emptier.
(Here's how to sell books on eBay.)
More money and less clutter for me. Plus, the books are going to homes that want them.
that geometry is easier the fourth time around
Zoe's doing geometry at the tutorial this year, but of course, I'm responsible for helping her with all of her homework during the week.
I have to say, the fourth go-round (she's my fourth homeschool student, obviously) is definitely easier than the first. I'm way better at proofs now, and I can recall theorems and postulates much more easily.
Incidentally, Zoe's teacher has been assigning proofs through the Delta Math website as a supplement, and I have to say that I am very impressed with how much the online practice helps with figuring out how to do proofs. Such a cool tool!
Thankful to be able to work from home for next 2 days, joy joy joy.
Thankful that my daughter is thriving in graduate school.
Thankful for fall weather.
Thankful for young people in my life.
Thankful for the simplest pleasures during this difficult time.
Kristen, what a difference those windows make---seems like they always belonged there. Enjoy the light that it brings into your home.
It is wonderful to hear you are thankful for the young people in your life. During this pandemic, it would be so much more enjoyable if we had others here with us. An empty nest is not much fun 🙁
Your windows are so pretty and light Kirsten! Well worth the money scraped together for them 🙂
I am grateful to work with a team of great people, who all biring their professionalism and their different personalities. It makes me feel at home in my work.
Also grateful that our incomes are steady and that we can still support our charities and also help out our kids who have been more impacted financially by covid.
Grateful for how my parents brought us siblings up. I think a lot of them, even though they are no longer with us.
Thankful for the sun shining and bringing out the beautiful autumn colors.
It was so nice to read you're thankful for your coworkers. It made me stop and think about how thankful I am to work with a great group of people and how much better my life is for it.
Yay windows! The room looks so much more open.
I am thankful for our surrogate grandpa of a landlord. I texted him yesterday because the house was unusually cold, and he had a tech over to look at/fix the furnace within half an hour. He was just as prompt when I noticed a small puddle beneath the water heater a few years ago, installing a replacement the very next day. We handle things like re-caulking, small replacements (i.e. cabinet hinges) and painting ourselves, which our landlord knows and has given his blessing to. (We stay the heck away from plumbing and electrical, for the record!) We love this house and adore him--we're so fortunate to have found both!
I'm thankful that I can (and will) vote in person. Maybe I'm paranoid but I've seen enough fraud cases where I prefer to fill out my paper ballot and have a policeman supervise it being placed into a secure machine for counting.
That I own the Peanuts holiday specials on DVD. There will be no broadcast showings and the only place to stream them is Apple+ (a service I will never, ever, ever buy.)
Also that so many classic films are available and are in my home library. I want to say that 99% of the movies and TV shows I watch wasn't made this century (so pre-2000) and it's much nicer to watch films from that time. Much more art involved and less of the ... noise of the present day.
Also that seven months into this mess I still do not know of anyone personally who was sick.
Your very lucky. I have been sick. I have lost 3 friends due to COVID-19.
I'm so sorry to hear that, Ramona.
Battra92, you reminded me that I, too, can be grateful that only two of my friends (a couple) have gotten covid-19. Thank you for that, it's a hard week to find something to be grateful for.
Just as everyday seems just like the day before, much of what I’m thankful for is the same week after week. Perhaps this is the result of the pandemic.
• I am thankful for my beautiful, new rescue pup.
• I am happy Calico Kitty is accepting the new pup and finally coming out from underneath the bed
• I am blessed by good health and can remain active
• I am thankful to live so close to ocean. Being able to enjoy beach related activities has been a sanity saver during these weird times.
• Especially happy that I enjoy my husband’s company. Since the pandemic, we have been in the same space 90% of the time!
BTW, I love the addition of the window to the space. It brings in so much light!
Our cat hid underneath Lisey's bed when we first brought her home from the shelter. Now she mainly goes under the bed when she hears a knock at the door. Stranger danger!
It's been a rough week around here. My 86 year old Mom is not doing well and we are trying to come to an agreement with my siblings about how to care for her going forward. So this week I am extremely thankful to have an amazing husband that would do anything in his power to help me and Mom, wonderful caring friends that have been there to support me, a boss that is caring and companionate, beautiful sunshine filled days to lighten the sadness, and being financially stable enough so we could be unfrugal and eat out this week and not worry about the money.
Hugs to you. That's such a hard place to be!
I hear every bit of what you're saying between the lines of "trying to come to an agreement with my siblings." You have my complete support.
Me too. Makes my heart hurt (just shed ugly private tears tonite).
Those windows make such a difference!
I am thankful for
a boss who is understanding about my health (chronic illness)
New cord leggings that are so cosy!
An office space at home that is easier to work in than a dining room table
Not having to commute
Being able to get pots of tea with proper china whenever I want because I'm working from home
1. Thankful for good conversation with other mommas during my son's baseball practice. I think sometimes we are louder than the kids. But the laughing is so good for us that I really don't care.
2. Thankful that my kids have the option to be in school right now. I COULD NOT go back to working from home and trying to homeschool my kids. My kids need friends and the time away from home.
3. Thankful for this wonderful fall weather. We have been blessed in Eastern PA with wonderful fall temperatures. I haven't needed to turn the heat on OR open any windows.
4. Thankful that my daughter got out of bed this morning with NO arguing/fighting. She is normally a terror to wake up!
Those windows look GREAT! I'll bet every day you will walk in there and smile, for many days to come. And the fall colors peeping in that window are a nice bonus for having this done in the autumn.
That's sweet that Sonia is babysitting. Isn't it heartwarming to watch one of your "babies" take care of another baby?
1. I'm thankful that the sudden, wild, summer-like thunderstorm that hit as I was driving home yesterday didn't cause any damage or wrecks, that I could see, anyway. Those were some huge bolts of lightning.
2. I'm thankful that my husband's Medicare supplement plan sent him some reusable masks, free.
3. I'm thankful that my primary care physician takes my thyroid issue seriously and is working hard to balance out my new medication.
4. I'm thankful for the UPS man who carries big packages in for my husband, since my husband can't do that.
5. I'm thankful for evolving software at work, which makes it easier and easier to do things even when one is not a tech-oriented person. Does anyone here remember working in Lotus and D-base? "Syntax errors"?
Oh my days JD I remember Lotus very well!! Isn’t it bizarre how you completely forget about such things and then it all comes flooding back. I used WordStar for years and remember well the instructions at the beginning of each document. Now the page looks like a page on Word. I feel old @ 55
YOUR WINDOWS!!!!! They're so gorgeous! I would love to work at that table with the light streaming in.
I'm thankful that our dog seems to be recovering well from an expensive surgery. She had a very large tumor removed from her armpit (for lack of a better term) and the vet was very concerned that there wasn't enough tissue to close the incision. Our dog is very sore, but her pain medications are keeping her calm and (I hope) unaware of most of what's going on. It was a VERY hard decision to opt for surgery because she is a 9-year-old large dog. We will be paying for the surgery for awhile, but I think it was worth it - even if it wasn't the frugal choice.
I'm also incredibly thankful for a workplace filled with animal lovers who understand my anxiety about this animal that lives in our house and gets treated like a giant baby.
I'm thankful for my job, even thought it's been an extraordinary challenge to adapt to remote synchronous teaching. I'm grateful that I get to mentor my students and offer them grace when we're all struggling to stay afloat in covid times.
Ooo, the windows are fantastic. One of the things I actually really like about our junky 1970s-trailer-with-additions home is how many windows there are in the kitchen/dining area. So light and bright. Especially in New Mexico. 🙂
This week, I'm thankful for the teachers at the school who are trying very hard to make Halloween fun for tiny classes who don't get to have a school party or village celebration or anything they're accustomed to doing to celebrate. The teachers are at least having class parties with games so the kids can have someone besides their families see their costumes.
Thankful to have books I'm excited about reading right now. I always have something to read, but sometimes it's something that doesn't beat out over mindless Internetting. Not something I'm proud of, but there it is.
For fresh berries my mom brought us and that I get to have in my yogurt this morning. A very rare treat for us.
I am thankful that it is Thursday. Many people I know had great hardships on Monday. The rest of the week seems to be going better for people.
I am grateful that our daughter lives in our neighborhood and that we get to spend time with her every week.
I am thankful for the library and the many ebooks I have been reading (and listening to).
I am grateful for my siblings and the way that technology allows us to stay connected despite the great geographical distance between us.
I am thankful that voting is so easy in Maryland this year. I dropped my ballot off at a drop box and it was processed within a couple of days.
I am grateful for the wonderful weather we are having. It is still easy to get together outside with friends and attend yoga classes. I am grateful for my friends and also the many wonderful yoga teachers I have taken classes from over the years (and a few have become friends).
I am thankful for this weekly practice, Kristen, and the many readers that share thoughtful comments.
Your new window is soo nice! Gorgeous! I bet it looks nice on the outside of your house too. 🙂
1. THAT THE TIME FOR POLITICAL ADS ON TV IS ALMOST OVER.
2. Repeat #1.
3. Repeat #2
Seriously!
I agree Stephanie!!! Add I. The political texts and phone calls. Yikes folks...enough already!
Right there with you! I'm tired of all political junk at this point. Thankful we're almost to election day
It's a bit hard this week to find something to be grateful for, except for the "at least it isn't worse" items.
I'm grateful for:
- that reading this list reminded me of things to be grateful for.
- that my new co-workers are good company.
- that I am able to set up alternate work sites for myself, rather than depending on someone else to do the arrangements. No one is as careful of one's own interests as oneself. I can do this because I established and maintained good relationships with many, many people in my organization and - in one case - did good work for him. So when I ask for permission to work at their offices, they were happy to get me office badges.
That's all I can think of right now.
I am thankful for my old car that never really let me down (2002 Ford Explorer).
I am thankful for my grandmother and HER fragility, that has allowed me buy a new car yesterday! (The old boy's suspension was shot. It was time. )
My grannie passed in 2017. I've just finished up her estate earlier this year. A long, very difficult road.
So, I was able to buy a 2019 Dodge Journey in FULL with cash. Wow!
I plan to continue her start with my own frugal ways.
I am thankful for the beautiful fall desert colors we've had. Even with very little rain the trees managed to show off for us!
- for my weekly produce box and that I am able to afford to support small businesses like this one
- for the new marketing plan my client accepted yesterday which will make both our business lives more structured and easier
- for golf with friends
- for flu shots even though this one left me feeling really puny for a day
- for hot tea in the mornings and kitties that sleep with us at night
Oh yes, kitties that sleep with you at night. One of the best feelings in the world.
I have often told my husband that I am such a *family* bed person that if we lived in another place and time our bed would be shared with the children, the cats and dogs, and the horse would be in the room, also.
I may have exaggerated a little.
One winter when we were having a prolonged period of minus 60 degree temps, the two chickens and the two sheep came indoors for about a week. There was just no way to keep their enclosures warm enough, not with only two of each in their respective sheds. The garage was too small and it was too cold to leave our vehicle out so they could have the garage, so we set up small pens in the kitchen (the sheep were Baby Dolls, a miniature breed). One night someone broke through the pen and then helped the chickens escape their pen. We woke to all four animals and the two dogs sleeping all sort of snuggled together at the foot of the bed; I still cannot believe one of the wolfhounds did not eat a chicken. It was around Christmas so seemed fitting! (We did have to shampoo the carpet, but it needed it anyway...)
O my goodness -- I LOVE that story -- the image of all the Baby Doll sheep and dogs and chickens snuggled up -- too too sweet. thanks for that lovely image!
That is the best story! I just woke my daughter up so I could read it loud enough for my husband and in-laws to hear in the living room.
Oh my gosh, Kristen. Your windows oook great!!
So happy for you!
Squeeee!!
New windows are awesome!! Enjoy! 🙂
Thankful for:
The little cabin we spent the weekend at! Trips are always a guess in the PNW but we had great weather. So beautiful and a much needed change of scenery from my house, haha.
My bed- as fun as a cabin is, I loveeee my comfy bed at home!
Mobile banking for depositing checks. So nice not having to haul all three kids to the bank, especially right now.
Animal Crossing. Sounds silly but the game is bringing my family a lot of joy right now!
Having an arborist as a neighbor- she has warned us about a few trees that were potentially dangerous before anything fell. Her team has done lots of practice trimmings in our yard for their newer members 😀
Let there be light! 🙂 Happy for you, Kristen.
Like many others commenting today, it's a rough week for me. So, in keeping with this exercise, I am choosing thankfulness for: wonderful bosses and coworkers who care both about the services we provide to our patients as well as how each other is doing .... that absentee voting is legal for everyone in Michigan (had hubby drop off ballot earlier this week) .... that we have the finances to afford the expenses that come with having 2 kids in high school (cap and gown .... class ring ... yearbook .... it all adds up) .... that I have been healthy ..... that despite the gloomy rain, the fall colors are beautiful this year.
That vine with the blue berries is called porcelain berry. Very pretty but horribly, horribly invasive!
I do so love waiting in my care too. Yesterday I went through the pharmacy drive through. I asked if they had any flu shots & what I needed to do to get one. They said I needed to come inside (mask on) but when the pharmacist saw I had my toddler grandson with me she said, 'Pull around & I'll come out & give it to you.' Perfect! I was going to have to take my grandson home, get the shot then go back & pick him up for the day.
Getting to sleep in to 6AM. My dils work schedule has changed a little. I used to get up at 4:30 to be at their house at 5. Now, I get to sleep to 6 or even 6:30! And my son brings the baby over around 8 when he gets ff work. So nice. We hope the change is permanent.
October weather
Thankful I finally got muffins made from the three (!) cups of bananas I have been looking at all week.
Thankful for flannel sheets. If it has to be cold, at least my bed can be cozy.
Thankful for my wonderful bosses. Makes work more enjoyable.
Thankful for my Doctor. She is the best.
Thankful for my Dog. She provides a lot of joy, and an outlet for hugs and kisses in a COVID world.
Those windows!!!!
Congratulations on the window! It's lovely, and it clearly should have always been there. I'm very glad you have it now.
And of course, it's great that Sonia is healing up nicely.
I'll go ahead and list some things myself:
1. We were supposed to have a power outage today, but we aren't, so I'm grateful for that - especially since we have a birthday tomorrow, which will be much more fun with electricity.
2. Because I thought we'd lose power, our house is unusually clean for a Thursday, and basically every stitch of laundry in the house is clean and dry (if not folded.....).
3. The weather is perfect, and none of us have fall allergies, so I can have the windows open all I want.
Your new dining window is so fabulous! Wow, it makes such a huge difference!
Thankful for:
* My son has handled the mix of remote and in-class learning like a champ! He is a senior this year and it's not anything like we had dreamed of, but he is handling it all with kindness, focus and grace (better than a lot of adults I know)
* Our local grocery store has most of everything in stock on a regular basis now. Seeing completely empty shelves was very scary a few months ago.
* My husband and I have stable jobs and we work with great people.
* The temps in south Texas are finally starting to cool down. God bless autumn weather! 🙂
* My voting experience was pleasant and safe.
1. Our ballots were confirmed received and valid. We chose to mail them as we are at high risk, and it took a while, but it was worth it.
2. Cool temperatures. It's been very humid lately but at least it's not hot and humid.
3. We had a spare bulb for the light fixture over our table. It takes an indoor flood lamp bulb, (it's a weird tube-shaped light fixture we will replace one day), and we bought a extra one a long time ago when we needed a replacement just in case it was hard to find again. It was nice not having to run out to find one right away.
4. Season 4 of "Somebody Feed Phil" will be out next Friday, October 30th on Netflix. Love his show!
5. I have "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" on DVD. Apple TV bought the rights and for the first time since it aired in the 1960s it won't be on network TV. (Phooey on you Apple TV!!!)
I'm annoyed about the Peanuts specials moving to Apple TV too! I bought the Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas boxed DVD set awhile ago and I am glad I did.
I used to watch a YouTuber who, on the night the Thanksgiving special aired, made her kids the same food the Thanksgiving special featured for dinner: Toast, popcorn and ice cream sundaes. The idea of that still makes me smile.
Hi Lorraine,
My husband and I have been tempted for years to have such a Thanksgiving dinner. This might be the year!
Last year, we had fried chicken and waffles on Thanksgiving.
Go non-traditional, I say!
The new window looks great! Do you mind sharing what brand window?
1. For early voting - my friend and I were able to walk in and out in the time it took to be validated and cast our ballots.
2. For technology which allows me to keep in touch with my family, download and print knitting patterns, stream TV - the list is endless!
3. For being able to sit outside in the beautiful Fall sunshine and just breathe.
4. For having the good health and energy to be able to keep up the maintenance on my home, and the cushion of funds that allows me to outsource what I am not capable of/qualified to do!
5. For the support of family and friends who have made sure I am ok while themselves grieving the loss of my husband.
I am so sorry about your husband. May your memories of sustain you.
Amen to Lindsey's comment.
Thankful for:
1. Our four chickens, who keep pumping out four eggs a day, even though that is not usually what chickens do---lay every single day. We have more eggs than we can use and it allows us to gift them to others. As I have said before, people seem thrilled to get a dozen homegrown eggs at random times, which then makes me smile.
2. Our pound hound, who is so low maintenance that he practically takes care of himself. He doesn't destroy anything, he poops in the same area in the backyard so clean up is easier, he is happy to go for walks or errands but if I am having a day where I can't move much he lies by my feet without complaint. Daily he reminds me of that story someone mentioned previously, that when he goes to heaven and St. Peter asks his name, our dog will say, "Good Boy!"
3. The steadily decreasing daylight!
4. That our local hospital is now allowing non-Covid patients to have one family member at a time visit them for short periods. We have a friend in the hospital and we talk daily and each time she has been weeping about being alone with "no one who loves me touching me."
5. The new Ken Follett book The Evening and the Morning. It is the fourth in the series and as mesmerizing as the first three books. It is now the ending of the Dark Ages and when I pull my head out of it, I have to blink at being back in 2020. (Which if you ask me, sometimes feels like we are going back into the Dark Ages.)
Lindsey, I smiled so big at the idea of your sweet dog thinking his name is 'Good Boy'. Thanks for sharing. That warms my heart. I'm glad you have so many blessings. 🙂
Your windows are beautiful, Kristen. What a difference in the room!
1. I am thankful for a wonderful husband and son who leaped into action when my car wouldn't start after a long work day, although I'm gobsmacked at how much a battery costs these days. Eeeeyow!
2. Thankful that we found a vet to effectively treat our sweet little dog who is plagued with allergies.
3. Thankful for the unexpected gift of two federal farm program food boxes. I now have so very many potatoes and onions. Cottage pie -- yum!
4. Very thankful that all in our household remain healthy and working.
5. Thankful for dear friends, both here on earth and in Heaven, and for feeling them around us in tough times.
Thankful that:
- we had the weather and energy to finish redoing the doors on our shed on Tuesday -- and that the two week job (contending with energy and weather) of refurbishing an old shed so we never have paint or repair it again in our lifetimes is done.
- that we had a non-windy day to bring home the plywood for the shed floor on our CRV
- that I'm still getting fresh tender lettuce from two covered planters and a cold frame
- that I was able to participate in a Unity spiritual potluck on Zoom last night (music and Indigenous teachings and spiritual readings, oh my!)
- that so much of my spiritual life can be safely nurtured on-line
- that I have the income and this country has the fall harvests mean I can do a thorough winter stock-up (full freezer, full pantry, full preserve shelves)
- that I have the health and energy to do all the above!
(1) For the ability to bite my tongue and count to 10 before responding to *anything* I read online. I'm staying out of a lot of trouble this way.
(2) For my late mother-in-law--with whom I had an often conflicted relationship, but who taught me to make a stovetop braise of pork chops, potatoes, and onions with caraway seeds that may be DH's favorite meal. I made it today, and he's positively purring. Not an easy thing to arrange for an Alzheimer's sufferer in the late afternoon.
(3) For my indoor cat, who not only is DH's comfort and consolation, but acts as a watch-cat for trouble under our bird feeders. When she goes "on point" at the windows, I know I need to get out and chase off another cat or some other varmint. Thank you, dear Betty.
(4) For everyone posting at the Spouse or Partner Caregiver Forum on the Alzheimer's Association website, which is an important lifeline for me right now. Bless them all.
(5) And for the idea of "covert decluttering" I got from one of the commenters at (4). I'm starting a quiet process of getting things out of the house and garage that I know DH will never use again. Not only can I use the occasional cash, but it's a way of "venting" for me.
Aww, that is so lovely that you made a favorite dish of his. You are such a good caregiver.
I don't know if I have ever commented on your blog even though I am a long time reader, but I have read comments here and on Katy's blog from A. Marie, and I must say that I wish I lived where I could spend time with her. I am in awe of the way that you (A. Marie) live your hard days right now while dementia changes your husband. I KNOW that it can't be easy at any time (my daughter is an EMT that works in memory care), but you do it with such grace and care and love for him while still taking care of yourself. Thank you so much for this sweet example.
Can you teach me how to make those pork chops? I just can't ever make good pork chops.
Thanks to all for the kind compliments. (But, believe me, I'm no saint. I can get just as cross and cranky as the next person, and I don't always keep it under control. Still, I try, because I know that cross and cranky = counterproductive for DH.)
And the pork chops are pretty easy; the braising is the trick. Brown four pork chops on both sides. Then add two or three (each) sliced potatoes and sliced onions to the pan; season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds to taste; almost cover everything with water; bring it to the boil, and then turn it down to a simmer and cover the pan. Take the cover off about halfway through so that the liquid can cook down. That's it.
Oh, that sounds so good! My mom used to make a version where she also added well-rinsed sauerkraut and apples in layers with the pork chops. She would cook it in her crockpot until the pork chops fell apart. It was even better reheated the next day.
Your windows are amazing!!!
I'm thankful...
* That even though my dad tested positive for COVID this week, his symptoms haven't been scary yet, people in my state seem to be recovering from it much better than early on, and my parents have wonderful land and space to be quarantined in. I'm also thankful that my mom is there to take care of him. And if it had to happen, it's nice that it's between family gatherings and I don't have to worry about my brother or my kids giving it to him at Thanksgiving.
* That my daughter's school is still in-person. Not true of all schools in our county at the moment.
* For amazing resources and staff at our library. I just learned that I can even check out a mobile hot spot from my library!
* That Michigan is so incredibly beautiful right now.
* For the peace that the Lord gives and that He tells us to bring our cares to Him.
1. My son making fry bread...why did I not start teaching my kids how to cook sooner?? It's such a help!
2. A patient husband
3. Safety and health
4. A consistent God
I'm of two minds with the polls. I love the convenience of doing my ballot at home and dropping it off a drop off point, now that our state has ballot tracking, so I know that my ballot has been received and will be counted.
On the other hand, I always liked taking my children with me to the polls (both are adults now) from the time they were infants. They knew what voting was all about and they are both voters--my youngest just voted in her first presidential election! I think that example over the years has been profound, somehow mailing or dropping off a ballot doesn't seem that it will make the same impression on children.
I am thankful for my US citizenship, the US Constitution, and the privilege and duty of voting. We have a very precious gift as American Citizens, and I vote so we don't blow it.
Now, time for a funny story. When my eldest was 3, I told her that we were going to the polls to vote. She was very excited until we arrived at the poll, and she looked around and said "I don't see any boats."
We took our kids with us when they were younger and couldn't be left home alone, or sometimes we tag-teamed and went separately. Hopefully it made an impression!
Thankful we don't have to dress up for work. By the time we reopen I am not sure I can remember to not wear jeans.
That we are getting several days of rain, we really need it. Trees are beautiful.
I was able to clear out a bedroom for a home office. I like it much better than using my kitchen table. Plus I don't have to look at my pile of work.
That I was able to get my husband to vote. No joke first time ever in 44 years. I always vote. I did not have to break any arms or legs either. Lol.
You would be surprised how quick I can hit the mute for the TV for political ads, I may end up in Genius Book of World Records. Ha!
Well, first of all, KUDOS TO YOU -- dealing with geometry! For the FOURTH TIME! I forget what a postulate is.
Second: The light and view from your new windows is fabulous! What a great home improvement..We are spending SO MUCH TIME at home, I look around to see what I can do to make it more comfy but we actually have all we need.I bought a small freezer back in April, that's it.We already have a good TV, games, a pool in the backyard, many books, a Cloud Library account, my husband has model ships he has not yet put together, and I have a craft room full of goodies from over the years..many projects I can do without a trip to the store. I love my kitchen, and my cooking hobby.
I am thankful for what I have. And for my supportive husband and son, who are my best friends!
Is it weird that I admire that you can even see that a window belongs there and that you actually made it happen? I am challenged on both of those fronts.
I am thankful for the warmy slippers my kids gave me for my birthday in July. They've been unused so far because it's been so hot here but today was actually cool in the morning so I was excited to put them on.
Also thankful we're inching closer to the holiday season and the end of this year. We'll see how much will actually be different in 2021 but the prospect of a new start is incredibly appealing right now!
Thankful for a colleague who took the time to make masks for my daughters and for me - after all this time, we still haven't had luck with any that fit great. We haven't really been out much so it's been ok but it was so kind of her to do this.
Thankful that my husband isn't satisfied with status quo like I am. He's always looking for something better and I benefit shamelessly.
That my pants still fit. There's so much sitting going on...
Your last one made me laugh!
And thank you for the compliment. I think it's less about me being creative and more about me feeling starved for light. Ha.
Beautiful windows -- love that light coming thru
1. It is cooling off in SoCal -- wore a sweater today!
2. I am starting to lose the "Covid-19" I gained -- pants are fitting a tad better, walking every day and feeling better.
3. Phone and internet -- daughter moved far away (for now) but we can talk any time and send pictures on the phone. Thankful for HER 🙂 🙂 🙂
4. Thankful the beach is not too far away and that we actually went there a couple weeks ago after months of record-breaking heat and I was way stressed out from work -- it made such a difference in my attitude. Going again this weekend . It cost a little to park and some gas but so so so worth it to be someplace without concrete and traffic.
5.
1. I'm thankful that night falls after each day, and we wake up to fresh starts. It's been a rough day (typical child development challenges), but tomorrow is a new start.
2. I'm thankful for my little people who alternately drive my crazy and make me laugh. Today I discovered that one of my littles had cut the fleece tie blanket (one side unicorns, one side mermaids) used as her bedding, and the sheet below it. When I inquired what happened, she explained she was cutting out pieces to make a blanket for her baby doll (she broke several rules that she is well aware of). A little while later I found a perfectly cut out unicorn and mermaid, and I couldn't help but laugh. She really is sweet, if a little misguided in her attempts at providing for her babies. Life would be so dull without littles around.
3. Books with excellent story telling that have helped me see the world more beautifully this week.
4. Quilting. It brings me such joy to create with beautiful fabric. I am currently working on what I am certain will be one of my favorite quilts.
too cute of a story! And I hear ya on the drive me crazy and make me melt:)
1. I'm thankful that my in-laws could come for a visit. My kids love time with their grandparents.
2. I'm thankful that I just finished canning tomato products for the year. I'm thankful that I had tomatoes to can.
3. I'm thankful that my kids now how to work hard and that some of them can fit into the crawlspace to thaw out the frozen-up dehumidifier and clean the filter which was dirty. And that they nearly fought over who "got to" go down into the crawlspace to do the work. (Note: this rarely happens--that my kids vie over who gets to do work.)
4. I'm thankful for dish soap that cuts grease.
5. I'm thankful that you got your pretty window because folks need light in the winter!
6. I'm thankful for my friend, Lauryn. She's so good to me.
7. I'm thankful for the lovely weather and the view. Always the view.
* I am thankful that the renovations for our shower is finally started. Being shower-less for 1.5 year sucks!
* Thankful that hubby didn't break his neck falling from the roof of the house! Geez.......
* Thankful to still be able to dry clothes on the line at this time of the year
* Thankful to have a job, even if I really don't feel like working today! TGIF!
* Thankful to live in a home filled with love and security
Your window looks fantastic! I love all the light.
I'm thankful for:
1. Good health for everyone in my family
2. Good, stable jobs for both my husband and I
3. My loving and generous husband
4. The increased opportunity I've had to spend more time with my teenage daughter. It's the one benefit that's come out of COVID-we've had more opportunities to explore common interests.
5. This gorgeous fall weather and foliage we are currently experiencing
I'm with you on the waiting room thing. One of my pet peeves has always been the patient who brings the entire family to the tiny, overcrowded waiting room. If grandma is going to watch the kids, why do they all have to come sit in the waiting room?
Still thankful for your near daily posts on both of your blogs!
I did have to bring all four of my kids with me sometimes to appointments, but I tried to avoid it if I could. I can't imagine choosing that; it's not fun to corral children in a waiting room!
Your window is beautiful! I would agree that getting more light and what looks like a lovely view into your home is so worth the money!