Periodically reflect on at least 5 things for which I'm grateful

1) I am grateful that I was able to read two entire books in the past 4 days. Both Mysteries and both really good.

2) I am grateful for the great time we had at my oldest daughter’s boyfriend’s house on Saturday night. He recently bought his first house and he and my daughter had a 4th of July BBQ. She planned the bulk of it and it was rewarding to see her function as hostess in her first shingdig. I taught her well!!!

Mr. HC decided to bring a book with him as he was sure he wasn’t going to have anything fun to do or anyone interesting to talk too while we were there. I noticed that the book NEVER came out of the car. We brought my Mom over as well. She doesn’t get out of the house very much and she had a good time. 4th of July BBQ’s were a big deal when she was growing up and with her last remaining sibling passing away last fall, she has been really lonely for her family. I think this helped.

3) I am grateful for another birthday! Yesterday I turned 54 (and next year I’m eligible for the Denny’s senior citizen discount . . . wooo hooo) I had a very relaxing day, watching TV all day and sharing yummy snacks with Mr. HC and the dogs and a great Thai Dinner last night (where my Mom got to go again . . . she had two outings in one weekend)

4) I am grateful to be taking my Mom on Thursday to have those dang tests done that the cardiologist ordered, even though it will take almost all day. I have been worried about her and this is the first step to making certain that she is still here on my next birthday.

5) I am grateful that a new book arrived today. It is part of a mystery series that I really enjoy and I can have it with me during the all day tests for my Mom on Thursday.

1. A nice 3 day holiday weekend. Especially since this is traditionally the busiest time of the year for us. Maybe I should be thanking the slower economy for making this possible for the first time in years.

2. We are now eating zuchini out of our own garden and will soon have bell peppers and tomatoes as well.

3. A fine fireworks display put on by our city. It didn’t get rained out as feared.

4. Needed rain for area farmers’ crops. And our gardens, too.

5. The antics put on by our cats. Sometimes, it is quite a show.

1. managing to spend time with 3 good friends this morning
2. finding our dining room table
3. reservations for cottage on north shore that takes pets at no extra charge so we can have long weekend there over labor day weekend with our friends A and B and we can bring our new dog Duncan! We can take him hiking with us, Yay!
4. my sweetie
5. indoor plumbing- I think it is important to recall the mundane things we enjoy everyday that we would surely miss if we didn’t have them. I could live I think without my computer but I am not going to give up indoor plumbing.

1. The break in the weather we got Sunday.
2. Our first locally grown sweet corn.
3. Growing our own tomatoes, zuchini and peppers.
4. Grandkids and kittens.
5. Summer flowers.

1) I am grateful for the Cosmo Dog Park which Mr. HC and I discovered. We had a good time on Friday and so did the dogs!!!

2) I am grateful that I was able to acomplish many of the chores I had mapped out on the “Honey Dew” list that I made for “myself” this weekend. (Mr. HC is grateful that the list was not for “him”)

3) I am grateful that my Mom is feeling better. She seemed to have gotten a flu bug last week and I was worried.

4) I am grateful that my Mom has tests scheduled with her cardiologist. I have been worried about her lately. She has been reluctant to schedule the tests, but finally relented.

5) I am grateful for the kick ass pot of spaghetti sauce I made on Friday which lasted us the entire weekend . . . yum!!!

and my bonus gratitude

6) I am grateful for the quiet time Mr. HC and I spent on the patio this morning with the dogs. It was very peaceful and pleasant.

Today I am grateful for:

• A happy, sunny walk with the dog. He did such a good job heeling, even though we really haven’t formally worked on that yet and was really responsive and happy. Had a nice chat with a neighbor.
• Since we adopted this dog, and since I returned from my trip at the end of May, I have walked him at least once a day, every day, for 1-2 miles minimum. It doesn’t sound like much, but I can feel the difference. I no longer get winded at all and I feel myself walking faster.
• Librarian, who is a true blue friend. Thanks for your note today. I’ll try out some of those strategies.
• A somewhat clearer head today, with no panic attacks thus far.
• Blue skies.
• Pride month. Embracing diversity means challenging the very notion of monolithic, homogeneous normality. Happy Pride!

It’s the least I can do.

Today I am grateful for:

• My snuggly, cuddly new dog. I love him.
• Upcoming social engagements with friends. Being at home all the time isn’t good for me.
• Fizzy water
• A good trip to Maine, including a superior visit with my parents.
• Cheese

1) I am greatful for my husband. He calls me at lunch to thank me for making a delicious sandwich!

2) I am greatful for air conditioning

3) I am greatful that my work schedule is making it possible for me to spend Friday afternoons with my Mom.

4) I am greatful that the pool wasn’t broken when I thought it was this week. (Mr. Hippiechick informed me it was “operator error”, a nice way of saying his wife is well . . . crazy) It’s an expense that we didn’t need right now and I love playing in the pool with the dogs. I am greatful it was operator error!!!

5) I am greatful that Mr. Hippiechick is starting to really enjoy fruits and vegetables. It has made cooking for him even more fun.

Today I am grateful for:

• A beautiful, cool spring day. Gorgeous.
• Feeling alert and focused.
• CD: Nordic Roots 3
• Bacon and egg sandwiches.
• Two long conversations with two good friends.