Thankful Me

  Mt. St. Helens, as seen from an airplane  I love to travel, and I love to be home. This past week, I traveled home--to my parents' home, where so many memories of mine were made. Apparently I took the Utah snow to Oregon, because we ended up being pretty much snowbound most of the week, but the roads were good for the arrival and departure days, so that was appreciated.  1. I'm thankful for my parents, and for their health. Yes, they are older than they used to be, but aren't we all? It was great to just be able to spend time together, talking, laughing, and reminiscing. 2. I'm thankful for shelter from the elements. My dad designed and built their unique home and we were dry and warm, even when the power went out for a while.  3. I'm thankful for plants. My mom has a green thumb when it comes to houseplants. She knows their specific light requirements and carefully puts the plants in the best environment. My dad loves to root cuttings of outdoor plants in his ind...

  The sun rises over the Caribbean Sea You might remember that last summer, John and I won a free future cruise  on Holland America. Well, these past two weeks we have been redeeming that free cruise by escaping the snow and cold and hanging out in the Caribbean. We're back home now with snow in the forecast, but sunshine in our hearts.  Dark clouds above a blue sky and green-blue water and white sand beach at Trunk Bay, U.S.V.I. We did have a sprinkle or two of rain, but not much--and what's the problem with rain when you're wet from snorkeling anyway?  A conch shell as long as my foot on the beach The blue bricks that pave the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico The view of the unbelievably blue water and the ship from a bench in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas A replica of John Glenn and the Friendship 7, which splashed down near Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos John enjoying floating in a pool under one of the waterfalls at Damajagua in the Dominican Republic John and I on ...

  A nearly full moon rises above snow-covered mountains We've had a bit of a reprieve from the constant snow drizzle, and roads are clear (except up near Salt Lake City where though they may be clear from snow, nearly everyday a huge herd of elk shuts down the freeway ) Nevertheless, I'm not surprised by the Groundhog Day news this year; six more weeks of winter sounds about right. I just keep telling myself how nice it is that the drought is being chipped away.  1. I am thankful for snow. (More is in the forecast, of course.)  2. I am thankful that the plants will benefit from so much moisture.  3. I am thankful for the knowledge that spring will come eventually and I will be able to start seeds and plant trees and bushes.  4. I am thankful for a warm dry house. 5. I am thankful for reliable transportation. Knocking on wood with this one; our newest car is 13 years old this year. 6. I am thankful to be old enough to think that of course cars in the 13-20+ year ...