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| A hot air balloon flies in the sky above Utah Valley |
Recently, a hot air balloon soared overhead, and it seemed the perfect way to welcome in this week. Not only are we enjoying the last week of summer before the fall equinox, but this week also marks my grandson's 8th birthday and my parents' 60th wedding anniversary!
1. I'm thankful for my grandchildren. Thinking of each one of them puts a smile on my face. Happy birthday, grandson!
2. I'm thankful for my parents. I remember every election day as they left to go cast their votes, my dad would quip, "Well, we're off to cancel our votes out!" They are such different people, but somehow, it works. They provided me with a happy, secure, loving childhood and an eclectic exposure to music, books, and ideas. Happy 60th, Mom and Dad!
3. I'm thankful to live in a place with four seasons. Yes, winter can seem longer than the rest, but I still love experiencing the change of seasons.
One way I know the seasons are changing is that as winter approaches, the setting sun shines through my kitchen window at just the wrong angle if I am sitting at the dining table. My kitchen windowsill is filled with houseplants, and I love the view over the valley from that window, so I never installed window coverings. However, every year when the sun streams in at just that wrong angle, I think, "I really need to solve this problem." Well, this week was the time! I purchased curtain rods and curtains. I'm keeping the curtains open most of the time, but will be able to close them when needed.
The curtains are just long enough to block the sun when closed, but short enough to not interfere with my houseplants. I doubt any interior designer would suggest this length of curtain; if these curtains were church pants, they would be worn by quickly-growing teenage boys and hit well above the ankles. However, they fit the bill perfectly.
When John was installing the curtain rod, I entertained us both by reading the instructions.
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| The curtain rod installation instructions included several notices. Number 7 reads: "Never treat the curtains as swings when they hang on the rod." I pictured myself trying to swing from the curtains over my kitchen sink and John and I both started laughing! 4. I'm thankful for humor. Speaking of humor, the last time I ran a 5K race, I provided slapstick humor for those around me by tripping and falling flat on my face. (Well, I actually failed at the humor part, because nobody laughed and everyone was quick to ask if I was OK, but I did need a segue into the next thing I'm thankful for, so let's just go with it.) For a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to being risk-avoidant, I haven't run since that fall--until recently, when I started using the C25K (couch to 5 kilometer) app to train back up to being able to run fun runs again. I'm only on week three, but the point is, I'm making progress! 5. I'm thankful for running apps (and music playlists). On Monday, we were invited to join with other individuals who are associated with foster care to attend a special performance of Around the World in 80 Days at the Hale Center Theatre sponsored by Show Up Utah, an initiative of Utah First Lady Abby Cox. I have been so impressed by the support that is offered to foster families here in Utah. I was also very impressed by the quality of the performance. The sets were fantastic, as was the acting. 6. I'm thankful for community support for foster families. 7. I'm thankful for those who share their talents. Do you know who has many talents? Eagle Scouts! My nephew had an Eagle Scout court of honor this past weekend, that I was able to view live via a video feed. The covid pandemic might have made us more isolated, but it also made it easier to connect virtually, and that is one good thing that has remained. It was nice to watch my nephew receive his Eagle Scout award. 8. I'm thankful for extended family and 9. I'm thankful for the technology that helps us stay connected over distance. Video chats are great, too. Our oldest son utilizes video calls, and we always love seeing him. Our daughter is really good about letting the grandkids video chat with us, too. Whenever our youngest granddaughter gets the phone, she will run down the hall with it, giggling all the way. It makes me laugh to see her little head bobbing up and down and hearing her delightful giggle because she now has Grandma and Grandpa all to herself. Group texts are also a frequently-used tool. My mom, brother and sister, and I communicate daily via group chat. Of course, connecting in-person is best, when it is possible. John and I were able to visit his parents again this week, and it's always nice to see them. 10. I'm thankful for John. Whether he's working installing curtains (which apparently I am NOT allowed to use as swings), or we're playing board games, we have a good time together. We're not to sixty years yet, like our parents, but we'll get there! How has your week gone? What are you thankful for this week? Be sure to check out the other Ten Things of Thankful blog entries! |
Your list is delightful. Being able to stay connected is a blessing, and that we are more willing to do it electronically now is one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteRemember curtains are not swings and have a blessed and beautiful week!
Say what you will about the trial of the enforced isolation of recent years, it did jump start the whole video call thing. (I grew up on mid-20th C science fiction and have been waiting impatiently for it to take hold. The tech has been here for a while, but necessity being the mother of adapting and all.
ReplyDeleteLoved the quip.
We're entering Fall here as well. Trees and leaves being the primary bellweathers and all.
Have an excellent week
Obviously, SOMEONE tried (and got hurt) using curtains as a swing or we wouldn't have that warning! I'm happy to know you heeded it, because after your face plant running the 5K, probably not a good idea for you to take up curtain swinging!
ReplyDelete