Chapter 11, Page 30, Book 13

November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

Elizabeth Coatsworth

It’s the last day of November here and it has been a busy month.  I’m thinking that December will be just as busy if not busier.  It’s been very cold and we probably broke a record for having the coldest Thanksgiving in a long long while.  I had some grand times with my family this past week.  A new grandchild, Thanksgiving celebrations and a little family excursion too.  The pictures today are of two of my little grandsons, 3 years old, enjoying the snow.  It surely does warm my heart to see the little one having so much fun.  

Snow doesn’t give me much pleasure unless I’m inside looking out.  For me it means bundling up just to keep warm.  It’s like I gained 10 pounds just putting on the layers to keep warm.  I always seem to feel so much lighter when the warm weather comes.   I’m not complaining, just stating a fact.  I’ve lived in this part of the country most of my life.  I could have chosen to live elsewhere and this point in my life I’m sure I’ll stay right here as here is home.  Besides that this was a light snow, just a few inches.  There will be a whole lot more to come.

1178. Plenty of good warm clothing to wear

1179. for boots and wool socks that keep my feet warm

1180. for hats and scarves and mittens, wardrobe essentials for northern Ohio

Chapter 11, Page 29, Book 13

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space.  It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe.  It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.  

Michael Strassfeld

We live with so much light around, it's hard to imagine a world in total darkness. We are used to everything being illuminated.  Even at the midnight hour the street light outside brightens up the night here at my house.

Getting out of bed in the morning is, for a lot of people, the single hardest thing they do each and every day. There have been times I’ve been like that.  I have dreaded starting a new day.  Thankfully, I’m no longer like that. I dreaded a new day because of all the work I had to do.  I dreaded a new day because I knew I’d have to deal with some very unpleasant people.  I dreaded a new day because when I woke up the man I loved wasn’t there beside me anymore.

But there is just no denying the sunrise. Sooner or later, summer or winter, Daylight Savings Time or not, the morning illumination is going to impose itself on all of us. We have to make a choice, to live like the night will never end, or accept the reality that the daytime has arrived.

I know now that there is nothing to dread.  There is everything to be hopeful about.  Starting a new day is more like Christmas morning for me because I’ve discovered there is so much to be thankful for and I want to find out what this new day has in store.

It’s all about having an attitude of gratitude.  It can really change your life.  Looking on the Bright Side of life can work miracles and I’m here to say, I’ve lived it and proved it works.  

My Thankful List - Day 29

1175. for the people in my life that are no longer with us

1176. for the JOY in my heart that never fades

1177. for the bright spots in every day

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. 

Anthony J. D'Angelo

Chapter 11, Page 28, Book 13

The Old Fashioned Thanksgiving
Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959

It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;
But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.

It may be I'm old fashioned, but it seems to me today
We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day.

I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of Hello, daddy! as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.

Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly--
It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.

Wishing you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving !

My Thankful List - Day 28

1172. for a special day set aside to remind us to be THANKFUL

1173. for pumpkin pie and apple crisp!

1174. for good memories I’ll never forget

Chapter 11, Page 27, Book 13

Finding Inner Peace...

This is the time of year when things begin to get just a little hectic here at my house.  All holiday planning, and family commitments can leave me feeling scattered and plain old tired out. As the festivities approach, I feel compelled to do more and more, and risk losing my center of peace.  

I think that for me the preparation for any holiday is half the fun and I don’ t want anything or anyone to take away my peace.

So when I feel overwhelmed by demands, I try to find some relief by taking some time out for prayer and meditation, bringing back my inner space of peace and calmness. This is a way I can prepare myself to let go and enjoy the true meaning of the season.

This coming Sunday the season Advent begins and for me that means taking some time out every day to prepare for Christmas. Here on my blog starting Sunday, I hope to be able to share a little Christmas carol or hymn each day and will continue to do so throughout the month of December.  So take warning…

The Advent Virus is coming…

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE.

The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of THE ADVENT VIRUS:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

A loss of interest in judging other people.

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

A loss of interest in conflict.

A loss of the ability to worry. This is a very serious symptom.

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

Frequent attacks of smiling.

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Prepare in Peace,

Prepare in Hope,

Prepare in Joy,

Prepare in Love.

My Thankful List - Day 27

1169. that DS#5 and his beautiful family can be home together for Thanksgiving
1170. for snow on the ground, but not too much
1171. for mac and cheese, the grands all love it!

Chapter 11, Page 26, Book 13

In order to be irreplaceable,

one must always be different.

Coco Chanel

I think we are all irreplaceable because each and everyone of us is uniquely and wonderful made.  There are no two of us alike.  I don’t think we need be anything other than ourselves.  We don’t need to try to look like others by dressing they way they do.  We don’t need to act like others just to be popular.  We don’t need to do anything but be our own person.  Each of us has something in us that makes us valuable in our own right.

Thankfully we do not all look the same or do the same things.  Every person has something different to offer and we need to value ourselves for who we are and what we do.  The lowliest job in the world is just as important  as the highest paid job.  From scrubbing floors to being a King, we all have important work to do.

The thing we need to remember is to do everything the best we know how.  

I have a large family and although they were all raised the same way, lived in the same place and even wore some hand me downs, they turned out to be their own unique persons.  It doesn’t really matter where we come from or what we wear.  Each of us has qualities to be admired and appreciated.

Today I’m thankful for all the irreplaceable people in my life.

My Thankful List - Day 26

1166. for the stories that never grow old

1167. for all my grandchildren

1168. for reminders, they help us keep on track

You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. 

Pablo Casals 

Chapter 11, Page 25, Book 13

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience:  this is the ideal life.  

Mark Twain

One of my favorite things to do is to read.  I’ve had a life long love affair with books .  They are definitely one thing I need to remember to be thankful for.  There is not a day goes by that I’m not reading something.  Reading a good book is like taking a mini vacation. Your attention is absorbed and for a while you forget about everyday challenges.

A good book naturally gives you a moment to relax and forget. It takes you away to another land where your imagination has no limits.  I have always thought that books were better than any of the movies they make from them.  When we read our imagination plays a big part in how the people look and act and about how everything looks.  Since I’ve developed my own idea about how those characters act and look the movie never seems as good at all.

So today I’m thankful books that give our imaginations a chance to explore new worlds.  Without imagination a lot of things would never happen at all.  It takes an imaginative mind to develop new things.

My Thankful List - Day 25

1163. for a new week to give thanks

1164. for all the wonderful people in my life to say THANK YOU to.

1165. for a little warmer temps today, I believe we go above freezing

For Sunday, November 24th, 2013

My Youngest Son and his Son mashing potatoes for dinner yesterday

The person who really wants to do something finds a way; the other person finds an excuse.  

Author Unknown

Living by myself I know for a fact that we can all get wrapped up in our own world, life, and problems to the point that we fail to see the needs of others. It’s easy when you are by yourself and don’t see many people day in and day out.  I guess that is why it so important that we keep in touch with those around us.  With all the online opportunities we have now there is really no excuse for not doing so.

Thankfully I do have friends and family that keep in touch and because they do, I have other things to think about and to do besides thinking about myself.  They mean the world to me.  And my world is larger too because of them.

Sometimes we think that because we don’t hear from someone, that they must not care.  But that goes both ways, I think.  It’s easy to write a note or call someone, it only takes a moment.  Sometimes it means we have to take the initiative.

Nothing costs as much as caring—except not caring.

My Thankful List - Day 24

1161. for a quiet Sunday to rest and relax

1162. for a family that shares and cares

1163. for leftover turkey

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone.  A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.  

Samuel Johnson

Chapter 11, Page 23, Book 13

Blessed are you who believe

Luke 1:45

Believing is one of the first steps to making our dreams a reality. We all have beliefs of some kind.  Things we believe to be true.  Yours may be different than mine, but here are some of things I believe.

 Because of my beliefs I know that there is nothing impossible for our dear Lord makes all things possible.

I believe that all things happen for a reason, so that makes it possible for me to be thankful for everything in my life

My beliefs give me the HOPE to keep going even when I feel like giving up. 

I believe that there is hope for this crazy world of ours and am thankful every day for the blessings that come my way.

My Thankful list - Day 23

1158. for my family, all those near and far

1159. for abundant food to share

1160. for love and laughter

I can only echo this prayer:

Dear Lord; we beg but one boon more:

Peace in the hearts of all men living,

peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving.

Joseph Auslander

Chapter 11, Page 22, Book 13

Every day's a perfect gift of time for us to use. Hours waiting to be filled in any way we choose. Each morning brings a quiet hope that rises with the sun. Each evening brings the sweet content that comes with work well done. 

Source Unknown

Time is one unknown quantity that is a subject of concern for many.  There are those that bemoan that fact that they don’t have enough time and there are also those that think they have too much time on their hands.

One thing I’ve learned, maybe two, is that we all have the time that has been allotted to us.  We all have the same 24 hours in a day as everyone else has.  It’s up to us to make the best use of the time we have.

I believe that each of us,  being who we are, with the gifts we have, and living in this time, did not happen by accident.  We were each born for such a time as this today, the present moment.

Time is one gift I’m thankful for and I try to make each moment count.  It’s always busy at my house, there is never a dull moment.  My days are filled with so much to do.  I may never get it all done, but today and everyday, I’m trying to do the best I can with what I’ve got.

I can set priorities and make lists of what I need to do, but those priorities can change in a flash so I’ve learned to be very flexible and savor the moments as they come.  So try not to bemoan or groan, time is a gift and when you know you’ve done your best, you need not regret any moment well spent. 

It may have not been to your plan, but plans were made the day you were born, for such a time as this.

My Thankful List - Day 22

1154. for the beauty in each day
1156. for those that make each gift special
1157. for all the blessings that come my way

And for you who may not already know…

My 19th grandchild arrived yesterday!  Mom and baby are doing just great!

Grand’ma’ doing her favorite thing…holding a new baby is wonderful!

Chapter 11, Page 21, Book 13

The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves. 

Garth Henrichs 

Don’t wait until everything is perfect before you decide to enjoy your everyday life….

I don’t know about you, but I spent many years before I learned contentment, and I believe there are many others who struggle as I did trying to find it.  I found out that a person who can only be satisfied when there are no disturbances in life will spend a great deal of time being discontented. I finally learned to be content while you are waiting for what you want or need.

I can’t count all the times I’ve said something to the effect… I’ll do it when my children are grown so I’ll have more time; or I’ll do it when I get a promotion because I’ll be in a better position it give; or when I get a better education I’ll be better equipped to handle the task; etc? Too often we put off the important things because everything is not just perfect around us.  So often we want things to be just so before we’ll make a move.

I think I spent half my life waiting.  I waited to grow up, I waited to get that first job, I waited until I was married, I waited until I had my 1st child, I waited until the kids were grown, and then all of the sudden life took over and proved to me that there would be no more waiting, the time was now.

If you are waiting for the perfect moment – stop! Take the moment and make it perfect!  Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day!

My Thankful List - Day 21

1151. for the fact that there have been more hello’s in my life than good byes

1152. for another new life coming into the world, grandchild #19 due today

1153. for all parents, they have one of the best jobs in the world

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.

Dr. Suess

Chapter 11, Page 20, Book 13

The view from my porch looking across the street

For everything there is a season, and

a time for every matter under heaven:

     a time to be born, and a time to die;

     a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

     a time to kill, and a time to heal;

     a time to break down, and a time to build up;

     a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

     a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

     a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

     a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

     a time to seek, and a time to lose;

     a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

     a time to tear, and a time to sew;

     a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

     a time to love, and a time to hate;

     a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1-8

This wonderful list represents all the seasons and the important matters of our lives. Some are happy times, others sad; some are productive while others seem wasteful; some inspire peace and others bring pain.  All of them are necessary for us to learn and to grow.  Their appearance is not by accident. If we look closely enough, each experience reveals a loving, divine purpose that we can learn to trust.

Each major transition in our lives requires our undivided time and attention for successful passage. Each one also presents a gift, if we're open to receiving it.  Today I’m thankful for the gifts of each season and the time to see their beauty.

My Thankful List Day 20

1148. for changes, they always come

1149. for those with a gift for the mechanical things in life

1150. for job to do, all are special in their own right

Whether the weather be fine,
Whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather,
Whatever the whether,
Whether we like it or not

Author Unknown

Chapter 11, Page 19, Book 13

All who would win joy, must share it; happiness was born a twin. 

Lord Byron 

Joy is contagious!

We can all spread joy by sharing a positive attitude, a smile, openness, and appreciation for all of life’s blessings. I am blessed in so many ways, and I rejoice and gives thanks everyday.

If others are pessimistic or glum, don’t take on their mood, but rather hold a positive thought for them, knowing this too shall pass... Instead of finding fault or complaint,  try to  look for the best in each person.. 

The blessings of God we see in our life  will fill our minds and hearts with joy and thanksgiving. 

Try to give happiness freely, spreading the good you see and have. Inspire those around you. Joy is contagious!

Everywhere you are and everywhere you go, love people, and you will find joy.

My thankful list - Day 19

1145. for our little Lad, 4 years old today!

1146. for the JOY of being a grandmother

1147.  for no damage here from Sunday’s storm, not one shingle missing from the roof

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. 

Thích Nhất Hạnh 

Chapter 11, Page 18, Book 13

For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

As winter is fast approaching, I thought it might be a good thing to give thanks for my home.  It is truly a shelter from the storms.  I shudder to think about those that don’t have a warm place to live.  It is  and always has been my privilege to have a nice warm home in the winter.  I’ve always been quite spoiled in that respect.  

I do remember visiting my grandparents on the farm during the winter.  There wasn’t any central heating there at all.  My mom would take the blankets off the bed and warm them up by the fireplace before we’d go to bed.  It was nice to snuggle under the covers on a cold night.  My grand mother also had some feather comforters that kept us warm but it would be cold when you’d get out of bed. 

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of reading about the early pioneers that came to Ohio and forged their way into a strange new land and about all they had to endure to make it through the cold winters here.  Some came from places that had much warmer climates and didn’t even know just hold cold it could be here.  

It does get pretty cold but thanks to central heating and some warm clothing, I’m usually pretty comfortable during the winter.  I don’t have to go out much so I stay inside a lot.  Gone are the days that I have to go slipping and sliding my way to work.  

My thankful list - Day 18

1142. for my home that gives shelter during the storms

1143. for the storms that strengthen us 

1144. for another new week 

There’s no place like home..

Chapter 11, Page 17, Book 13

In all the universe, in all time, you are the only you. 

Never have molecules come together exactly like you,

never again will your footsteps be repeated upon this earth. 

Your strength is the strength someone can count on, 

your life is the life that can make a difference.

Author Unknown

There are times in all of our lives that we’ve wished we were someone else.  Someone else that has or does things that we’d like to have or something we’d like to have done. But when it comes right down to it, I think I’m glad just to be me.  I don’t have a lot but I do enjoy what I do have.  

Each one of is special in our own right and being someone else wouldn’t make us a whole lot different.  If I had the things that some do, I probably wouldn’t know how to act.  I’d be uncomfortable with having  someone else clean my house.  I know people that do have cleaning people come in and I also know some who clean homes for others too.  For me that just isn’t the thing.  I have the time and the will to do it, but others don’t.  

We are all different, that is my point…Not what we do or have.  If we were all alike it would be so boring.

We need to take time just to be thankful for who we are.  We are a gift from God.  A treasure untold.  We are so amazing!  Too often we don’t appreciate the treasures we are.  

My Thankful List - Day 17

1139. for people who think that character is better than popularity

1140.  for having finished the 1st of my Christmas  craft projects

1141. for having a warmer day to get outside and rake leaves

There are times when life isn't all you want, but it's all you have. So what I say is: Have it! Stick a geranium in your hat and be happy!

Author Unknown

Chapter 11, Page 16, Book 13

The Parable of the Pencil

The Pencil Maker took a pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. 

There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.

And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

We all have a purpose…

Someone once reminded me, The average pencil is seven inches long, and the eraser is only a quarter of an inch long - just in case you thought optimism was dead.

There is much we can learn from everyday things like a simple pencil

Pencils come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Just like people. No matter what they look like on the outside, they all have one thing inside them that is the same: the lead core. Just like we all have a soul.

Pencils are made to write. That is their purpose. That purpose is only accomplished when there is a guiding hand around the pencil. We also were made for a purpose and I don’t think there is much of anything I could accomplish without that guiding hand.

Pencils have erasers in case of mistakes. God allows us to erase our mistakes. Pencils need a sharp point and we need to remain sharp.

I am thankful for stories and parables about life that make me think.

My thankful list - Day 16

1136. for DDIL #2, a very special gal!

1137. for celebrations near and far

1138. for my good cup of Maple Sleigh coffee this morning

No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers. 

Author Unknown

Chapter 11, Page 15, Book 13

The  snow here this week, yesterday it warmed up a little and now most of it is gone.

Old times never come back and I suppose it's just as well.  What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that's better.  

George E. Woodberry

There are days I think how can I possible give up one more thing.  So much has already been taken from me.  How can I bear the weight of one more cross?  

The best way I know is to try to find the joy in life no matter what the circumstances...

Things are always going to change and if you don’t know it now, you will in time…nothing lasts for ever.  Whether it is something good or something terrible…nothing is going to last forever.

This too shall pass.

So today I’m thankful for changes in my life.  Sometimes they make me more and more thankful for what I’ve had and sometimes they make me grateful for what is to come. 

My thankful list - Day 15

1133. for good things to do and to say

1134. for a furnace that is still working and keeps on running, it’s been terribly cold here

1135. for old movies, they are sometimes the best

Today is the last day of some of your life. 

Author Unknown

Chapter 11, Page 14, Book 13

Thanksgiving 2012

 Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. 

Hugh Sidey

A sign of the times…

Thanksgiving dinner has always been a big feast at our house.  It still is.  However, I do realize that for many it’s just like any other day.  Some don’t have a family to share a meal with and others don’t have much food at all  in their homes, let alone a feast. I am thankful to have family and friends to share a meal with.

One of the signs of the times seems to be that there are few and fewer dinners spent around the family table.  Less and less time is being spent with family.

Food has always played such an important role in our lives, from Biblical manna from heaven to today’s fruit on the vine. It’s not just a coincidence. Food is something everyone can understand. We all need to eat.  I think that food and faith are closely bound. And so are we. Sharing a meal is perhaps the most important things people can do together as a way to celebrate our humanity, our sameness despite our differences, and our hunger for community.

Maybe we could all make our life a sign of the times, a sign of joy and hope for each new day.

My thankful list - Day 14

1130. for the settlers of a new country

1131. for people that work together to get a job done

1132. for good neighbors, I am blessed to have one

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. 

Aesop

Chapter 11, Page 13, Book 13

I was walking along, minding my business, When out of the orange colored sky, Flash, bam, alacazam, Wonderful you came by…

Lyrics by Nat King Cole

What we do does make a difference. I remember an old story about three friends, none of whom could swim, who were in a boat. When they got out to the middle of the lake one of them took out a drill and began boring a hole in the bottom of the boat. The other two shouted, What are you doing?

Mind your own business, said the one with the drill. I'm drilling this hole beneath my seat alone. It has nothing to do with you.

But, shouted the other two men, we are all in the same boat!

What a true and important statement, We are all in the same boat. Our boat is this wonderful earth God has given us to live on. What we do does make a difference and what we do can be good or bad for everyone else

There are times that we just cannot mind our own business.

There are other times I think that we’d be better off if we thought more about what we do than what others are doing.  So many times I have all I can do to keep my own self on track, let alone what other are doing.

None the less I’m very thankful for all the wonderful YOUS in my life.  Because there are so many people in my life, I’m really never alone.  I may live by myself but I am not all by myself.

My thankful list - Day 13

1127. for our little sweet sugar AB, what a wonderful 1st year she’s had!

1128.  for the camera on my phone, I couldn’t find my charger for my camera so it made do just fine

1129.  for a houseful of little ones playing together, what fun they had!

In a world full of people who couldn't care less, be someone who couldn't care more.  

Author Unknown

Chapter 11, Page 12, Book 13

Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars... or your two legs... or your hands... or your hearing? Add up what you have, and you'll find that you wouldn't sell it for all the gold in the world.

Dale Carnegie, 1888-1955

There are so many things in my life that are worth more than all the gold in the world.  Money can not buy the things I treasure and hold dear.

I truly believe I’m probably the richest person in the world.  I’ve been given so many cherished gifts and believe me, I am thankful for them.  Just to see my grandchildren’s eyes sparkle and twinkle is a picture worth more than any Mona Lisa.

I am not good at all at expressing all the wonderful things that my heart hold dear. So often I get overwhelmed with the feelings of love and affection that I’ve been blessed with.  

My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.  

J. Brotherton

If someone were to ask me what I want or need, I’d have to say I’ve got it all.  I’ve everything I could ever possibly have.  No I don’t have a lot of money, I don’t have a fancy house, I don’t drive a new car.  But I don’t need those things and appreciate the fact that I’ve not been given them .  Possibly we could all want a little less and give a little more. 

Did you notice that today is 11/ 12/ 13?  I guess that makes it pretty special.  It's not often that our month, day and year follow in consecutive order.  Hope you all have an extra special day!  

My thankful list - Day 12

1124.  for DDIL#1, whose winning smile and caring ways have made her a special member of our family

1125. for a family that are also friends

1126. for friends that are like family

I am grateful for what I am and have. 

My thanksgiving is perpetual... 

O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. 

No run on my bank can drain it 

for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.

Henry David Thoreau

Chapter 11, Page 11, Book 13

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die

Dwight D. Eisenhower

A Poppy for Remembrance..

On this Veterans Day, let us take a moment out of our busy schedules to remember our military men and women, past and present.

Poppies, which are a bright red flower, became a symbol of Veterans Day after the bloody WWI battle in Flanders Field, in Belgium.  Poppies thrived in the fertile soil there. Many soldiers were buried in Flanders field, creating a contrast of white crosses and vibrant red poppies. Major John McCrae was a Canadian surgeon who was moved by the sight of this, leading him to pen one of the most memorable war poems ever written 

 In Flanders Fields.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

      Between the crosses, row on row,

   That mark our place; and in the sky

   The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

   Loved and were loved, and now we lie

         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

   The torch; be yours to hold it high.

   If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

         In Flanders fields.

Thank you to all who have served our nation and defended our freedoms and continue to do so