Just before midnight

Ah, just before midnight ... a long, full day it's been. Today, I'm extremely grateful for (in no particular order) ...

1. Connecting with my dear friend, seeing her work spaces, and enjoying the spectacular stained glass at Olympia Brown church in Racine ... I should have had my camera!

2. Finally finishing several tasks, from shopping for particular items to wrapping gifts for tomorrow night, to clearing (once again) the guest room for my favorite overnighters. :-)

3. Knowing that tomorrow I get to see another dear friend for the first time in a long long time ... not sure where or when, but all will fall into place.

4. Adventures in cooking that turn out well, and a life partner willing to venture out of the ordinary with me. This is what we had for dinner tonight ... try it! You'll be surprised at how the flavors blend! http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/print/index.php?r=1329

5. The sump pumps continue to switch on, dump water outside, and turn off again ... all on a very slow cycle, which means things are working ... and there is still no flooding in our basement, which means I can relax and be grateful.

Contented sigh ....

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Today, I am abundantly grateful for:

1. A warm, dry, pleasant home to live in.

2. Enough of everything I need and most of what I want in life.

3. A good-hearted, warm, loving, caring, wonderful husband.

4. Two fabulous daughters, a perfect son-in-law, two great stepsons and their families -- all of whom I love dearly.

5. A full heart and a body that works pretty darned well, all things considered.


And I'm aware these are not in order of priority, either.

Winter Thaw

Yesterday, the temperature reached over 50 here in southeastern Wisconsin. I'm grateful none of the rain or melted snow ended up in my basement anywhere except in the sump pump well, where it can quickly be sent back outside again.

The milder temperatures allowed me more comfort as I spent a few minutes rearranging "stuff" in the garage -- throwing away some junk, gathering all the work gloves and tossing them in the washer and dryer (even the leather ones, surprisingly, come out well!), and storing some things like candles and matches in drawers instead of shelves. It's a little more organized now, in the garage, and I will take "a little better" any day.

Saturday felt like Sunday without the rush at the end to gather and put out the garbage for Monday pickup ... thanks to the blessing of paid vacation, which has given us a whole week of leisure!

Amy spent most of the day with us yesterday ... always a pleasure.

I took time to begin reading Peter Walsh's "It's All Too Much: an easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff" -- and I'm hoping to pare down our "stuff" with its guidance.

Happy Holidays! 2008

Happy Holidays! 2008
Originally uploaded by shrnmc

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Love,
John and Sharon