The Bright Side

Many years in the A-Z Blog Challenge I've used Saturdays to make a list of 20 small blessings I'm grateful for that begin with the letter of the day. It felt good to hit pause long enough to consider the little (and sometimes not so little) things I appreciate, and I'm going to try that exercise again today. 

Yes I know it's Friday but I have a post for Saturday written in my head. 

My theme this month has been The Things We Keep and an attitude of gratitude is something I want to live with always. In no particular order here goes-

Day 21- U is for Unending Gratitude

unconditional love

an umbrella in the car on a rainy day

unique landscapes 

coffee sipped on an uninterrupted quiet morning

unselfish behavior

the comfort of God's unchanging Word

a flight upgrade

upbeat friends

the USA

unbroken promises

unexpected opportunities

user friendly instructions

understanding

unwinding on the porch 

a knot untied

understated fashion 

unabashed joy 

unhurried time

God's grace in times of uncertainty

unobstructed views

Turkey With A Side Of Hodgepodge

Welcome to The Wednesday Hodgepodge. I'm always grateful for those who join in here each week. And if you're here just occasionally I'm grateful for you too! If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. Here we go-

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

In a word, yes. Don't most people feel that way this time of year? I sat down yesterday and organized my 'to-buy' list which helped, and then I went ahead and did some online shopping and shipping. Many items were already marked with Black Friday pricing and it felt good to get some of this done. 

We have a lot of fun things on the December calendar and I want to enjoy each day as it comes. I make lists and put everything on the calendar including when I'll bake, when I'll wrap, when I'll write cards, etc. It makes the proverbial plate feel a little less full. 

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  

I learned to cook by watching and helping my momma, a truly wonderful cook. She made everything from scratch, served balanced meals, set the table, and baked a ridiculous, but much loved and appreciated, number of Christmas cookies every year. 

Both of my girls also enjoy cooking and baking and I think would say they learned the same way I did. That is, by watching and helping me in the kitchen. Still one of my favorite places to be with them, especially at the holidays. So many great conversations are held while chopping and stirring. 

As far as cookbooks vs. winging it I'd say I'm a little bit of both. I'll follow a recipe, particularly in baking where measurements and proportion matter. I love cookbooks, but I can also come up with something on the fly from my pantry in a crunch. I guess I'll say that while I can 'wing it' I rarely do. 

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

I can't really think of the last time I might have said yes when I should have said no. I try not to do that in this season of life. I used to excel at juggling many many things, but these days I'm happier without quite  so many plates in the air.  

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

I became part of (a witness really) to an extremely awkward conversation at an event we attended recently. I was chatting with a woman and her husband when their Thanksgiving host came over and rescinded their invitation because several other anticipated guests had cancelled and she didn't think she wanted to cook for 'just them'. Yikes. 

I wanted to slink away and pretend I didn't hear, but instead I spontaneously invited them to my daughter's house for dinner. I told my daughter the words were out of my mouth before I could actually check with her and see if it was fine.  It was fine. 

Thanksgiving is a time to be generous and I think is made for a 'the more the merrier' kind of attitude. As it turned out, the couple's original host ended up adding more guests to her dinner table, so their invite was back on. It all worked out. 

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

Giving T-H-A-N-K-S today for...

Traditions kept alive

Home

Acts of kindness done without fanfare

New mercies every morning

Kids, the ones fully grown and the ones still growing

Sunshiny days and life's simple pleasures 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

This handsome fella had his nails trimmed yesterday. 

He's not a fan. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 630

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (November 26th) to share answers and count your blessings. See you there! 

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Home Is Where The Hodgepodge Is

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then hop over and leave a comment for your neighbor there. Everyone is thankful for comments. Here we go-

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately? 

Best thing about my home? The view. 

Have I taken time to enjoy it lately? Absolutely. Every single day. There is never a day I walk out of my bedroom in the morning, see the lake, and feel anything less than a lot of gratitude for the beauty of what's right outside my window. 

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

I do like squash, all varieties really. My favorite is probably yellow squash in the form of a squash casserole. I make this one when I have squash on hand and sometimes add zucchini too. It's easy and delicious (Mrs. Hopkin's Boarding House Squash). I also love butternut squash roasted or as a soup. 

I'm not hosting Thanksgiving this year, but I am bringing a vegetable and think I'll make it squash. 

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

Not exactly squashed but...hubs and I had sushi on Friday evening and we sat at the bar to eat. There was an empty seat between my chair and three gentleman who were talking business. On the other side of hubs there was one empty seat and then on the other end of the bar there were two or three empties, maybe more. A man came in and asked hubs if he'd mind if he squeezed another seat in next to him? Huh? Why? 

It was so odd. He jammed this bar stool in where there clearly wasn't enough room to sit without being right on top of hubs when there were empty seats on the other side of the bar. We were getting ready to pay, so we just rolled with it, but it was odd and I wouldn't have wanted to eat my dinner that way. I was trying to decide if he was on a date with someone he hadn't met before, because it kind of felt that way. I mean we were all squashed in together so it was hard not to hear.  I wanted to tell him this wasn't the best way to begin his evening, but I refrained. 

4. Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy? 

I've never played squash and only played racquetball a couple of times in college. I have played all of the racquet sports at some point in my life, but none seriously. Except maybe ping pong. I'm competitive at ping pong. 

Hubs and I played pickleball some when the craze began, but then I broke my elbow (unrelated to pickleball) and we never picked it back up. The injury count is particularly high in this sport (just ask my son-in-law the orthopedist) so I don't think I'll go back to it. 

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'. 

Personal property taxes. I own the car. I've paid for the car. I paid taxes on the car when purchased. Why do we have to continue to pay 'personal property taxes' on a movable asset we own outright? Real estate I sort of understand because you live in the community where schools and other services you require benefit from them, but vehicles and boats are something entirely different and I burn a little every year when I have to pay that particular tax. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I've been running all day so am light on random thoughts at the moment. Who's cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year? What's on the menu? 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 629

Here are the questions for this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (November 19th) to share answers with the blog world. See you there! 

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately? 

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

4. Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy? 

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

PB And Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go...

1. What does patriotism mean to you? 

I try not to repeat questions, but every now and then one slips through. This is one of those times. I looked back and saw my answer to this one all the way back in 2011, and while the world has changed a whole lot my answer to this has not. 

"Loving your country is at the heart of patriotism, but I think it goes deeper than that. Living in a foreign country helped me see the word patriotism also means you personally identify with your home country. You worry, defend, promote, and act as cheerleader. You want to see her demonstrate all that is good and right in the world. Sometimes she lets you down but you love her anyway. 

In 2025 I would add that patriotism also means showing respect for our national symbols (the flag, our anthem, etc), obeying our laws, honoring those who've sacrificed and are in service to our country, and doing what we can to be good citizens. 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

Well this one is tough because I love all three of these so much, my favorite three months of the year. I love the weather, the skies, the color, and the change in menu and clothing. My birthday is in September, but November gives us Thanksgiving. That much needed pause before the busy-ness of the Christmas season truly begins, makes November my favorite. 

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

I love the song I Thank God by Maverick City Music. I've linked it (here) if you don't know it. You can't listen to this one sitting down. 

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

I like peanut butter but don't eat a lot of it. I think the last peanut butter bite I had was a Reese's Cup on Halloween.  

Peanut butter and fluff aka marshmallow cream for those not in the know. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

I'm sure you can guess my answer to this one...my daughter and her family moving to tiny town is the event I'm most grateful for. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Whew. We busy. I will do a catch up at some point. Probably. Or not. Whatever. 

Tomorrow I'm hosting a link up here for anyone interested in sharing a Day In The Life post. These are always fun to read and help us remember all the ways we're connected as we go about the everyday ordinary business of living. Hope you'll join us! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 628

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (Nov 12) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What does patriotism mean to you? 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Hodgepodge Is Never Just So-So

Welcome to November and this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. Mine is wordy. That second question was better in my head lol. Thanks for playing along! 

Quick reminder-I'm hosting a Day In The Life linkup here for anyone interested, on Thursday, November 13th. If you need more info you'll find details at the end of the post linked here (A Freshly Painted Hodgepodge).

Okay, back to today... 

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 

My younger daughter and her littles are coming to hang out with us next week and there's nothing I love more than seeing my two girls together. Love having all the grands together too, but I especially love my girls having sister time. 

2. Dictionary.com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

Here are my answers-

Is it part of my vocabulary. Nope. 

What do I think? I realize and can also appreciate the way slang is very much a generational thing and changes with the times. I can get on board with slang working it's way into everyday usage, and even our dictionary in some cases, but not super ridiculous slang. 

I suppose all slang is slightly ridiculous, but even the people using this one don't seem to get it, and it's not an expression I see lasting the way a lot of slang does. 

What word do I think would have made a better choice? If we're sticking with slang I like doomscroll and I especially like doomscroll detox. Who doesn't need that in today's climate? 

3. What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

Green drinks. The real thing, aka veggies, is so much better. 

4. Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavored teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 

Yes and I like both hot and cold. I drink coffee first thing in the morning, but will have a cup of tea most afternoons around 3 PM. I like mine with just a splash of milk. No flavors, just regular tea flavored tea please.  

Also, I want my hot tea in an actual cup, no styrofoam or metal Stanley type container. And I don't want it microwaved. We have an automatic super hot water dispenser in our kitchen sink but I do not make tea with it. I use a kettle like all tea snobs should. An electric kettle is fine. I like the act of making tea, the exhale that seems to come with it, and the slowdown it brings to a busy day. 

5. The November Hodgepodge always has a gratitude question each week. For today, what are three things that make your heart sing? 

• Well, in a nod to the previous question its tea drinking season and I love my afternoon cuppa. In the warm months I drink iced coffee in the afternoon but once fall hits I'm all about a cozy cup of  afternoon tea. 

• Autumn skies. I love sunrises that are so brilliant they reflect off the lake into my kitchen window. 

• My sister. Today is her birthday and I'm  feeling especially grateful for her this year. My mom lives with her and I'm so thankful for all she does to keep my mom safe and feeling loved. Growing older requires a lot of letting go of roles we've always held, routines we've created, and  bits and pieces of who we used to be. But caring for someone who’s aging means letting go, too. Caregivers give up time, energy, and parts of their own lives, and I want her to always know how very much we appreciate all she does. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've been posting our weekly 'day dates' here because we're aiming for 52 in 52 weeks. Mentioning them every week helps us stay on track. We've had a busy month so most weeks we've had to make the most of whatever window of time we happen to have, and I guess that's kind of the point-find time. 

Day Date Episode Five...does a visit to the doctor count? 

It does if you decide it does. Last week hubs had an appointment at the dermatologist and we made a date of it. It's about an hour away so lots of time to chat in the car both coming and going. It was a rainy day and we decided we'd have lunch out after his appointment. 

I sat in the car and read my book, then we did another fun thing together which was a trip back to the car dealer to get new batteries in my key fobs. Naturally the warning light for that couldn't have come on when I was there the week before, but we popped back in and they were quick and are always so nice. 

We thought about where we wanted to eat and initially thought we'd try something new but it was not yet 11 am so most lunch spots weren't open. We decided on breakfast instead and hubs suggested a spot we used to frequent when our girls were in uni here. We went more often when we lived in the city while building our house. 

It's a diner of sorts but we like it and we enjoyed talking about living in this town and would we ever want to live there again, and how much it's changed but how it's still a great city. 

We remembered to snap a quick rainy day selfie out front before we left. 

Day dates are what you make them. We likely will miss one this week as my mother-in-law is visiting, but we'll tack a week on at the end because we're retired and we can do whatever we want. That's what we like to say anyway. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! Happy birthday Sissy xo 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 627

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (November 5th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 

2. Dictionary.com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

3. What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

4. Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavored teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 

5. The November Hodgepodge has always included a weekly gratitude question. Here's the question for today-what are three things that make your heart sing? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Par-tay In The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then hop over and leave a comment for the blogger there before you. Here we go-

1.  Are you more life of the party or more party pooper? If your answer is somewhere in the middle which side of the middle do you lean towards more? 

Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what's your favorite kind of party? 

I'm married to the life of the party and there can't be two. I'm not a party pooper though, and would say I land somewhere in the middle. If I'm in the mood for a party then I lean more toward the fun side. If we've had too much socializing and not enough at home time, then I'm going to lean the other way. I prefer smaller gatherings to huge parties. My favorite is probably a dinner party...table for 8 please. 

2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list? 

perspective, wisdom, and blue jeans

3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don't you? 

I love my birthday. I want to always embrace the gift of a new year. There's not any special way it needs to be celebrated...mostly I want to feel like the people I love took some time to think about me and to tell me so. It might be just a phone call, text, or a card in the mail. I don't need big splashy gifts, but something small that says 'me' to them means a lot. 

4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month. 

In 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building. I read something interesting George is quoted as saying -

'...however, political parties may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." 

Words to ponder, yes? 

5. Share two good things about your life right now. 

• grandchildren 
• my sister and brother-in-law taking such good care of my mom is an honest to goodness answer to prayer...I don't write about it a lot, but my mom lives with them and that is such a blessing. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The world is a lot right now, isn't it? 

I want to point to Jesus, the light of the world, and say He's the answer to every question we're asking in our efforts to make sense of something so senseless. 

Maybe you don't know Him and this latest tragedy has done you in and you're seeking relief. If that's the case feel free to reach out. Maybe you knew Him as a child, but have drifted away because life has come at you hard and now, in the midst of these troubling times, you want to find your way back. Do that. Open a Bible. Talk to God in your own words, and with sincerity. He will hear you. He can handle our anger, confusion, and sadness. His love for you and me is enormous...bottomless...sure. 

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 619

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (Sept 10) to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away? 

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear? 

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for? 

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food? 

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Day 23-WOW

I'm going with my usual Saturday list of little things I love, all relating to the letter of the day in our A-Z Blog Challenge. 

 

W is for Whimsical

'lightly fanciful'

I've had fun coming up with these lists each week, and they do feel a little whimsical in nature, so the word fits. Here in no particular order is my W list of 20-

worries unrealized

wisteria in bloom

wittiness 

a water view

Sunday worship

wisdom gained

no weeds

warmhearted people

a sense of wonder 

watermelon

willpower 

freshly washed windows

homemade blueberry waffles

the Carolina wren 

weddings 

winning a mahjong hand

a walk in the woods

a warning heeded 

sushi with a side of wasabi 

water lilies in bloom 

Kounting My Blessings

In keeping with my Saturday A-Z Blog Challenge tradition, here's a list of 20 things in no particular order, all featuring the letter of the day, that I enjoy-love-am grateful for in this season of life. 

K is for Contentment is Key

'feeling happy with what you have;

deliberately choosing to be thankful'

secrets kept

my kin 

knowledge gained

kisses

key lime pie

even-keeled people

kingfisher on the lake 

unexpected kindness

kaleidoscope skies

a clean kitchen 

music by Kenny Chesney

promise keepers

kids

Lake Keowee

kayaking 

keen insights

kudos given

the Florida Keys

blooming kalanchoe

kindred spirits

G is for Gratitude

Rolling right along in the A-Z with today's Letter G- 

G is for Gratitude

'a state of being grateful; thankfulness'

I've always been an optimistic person. If someone brings up a negative point I have an irresistible urge to counter with something positive.  Are we born this way or is this an attitude we cultivate as we grow up and older? 

I think my parents encouraged an attitude of gratitude from the time we were small. We said grace before meals and were taught to say thank you for gifts we were given or kindness extended, and to put our appreciation in writing too. While I can't say gratitude is something I've had to learn with age, I do think it's a habit I've learned to practice with more intention. 

Here are a few things I do to cultivate a grateful heart-

blog-seriously, blogging has been so beneficial in helping me see all there is to be grateful for...if you don't blog, then journal, keep a list, put slips of paper in a gratitude jar, whatever works for you, but write it down. There is something about writing down what you're grateful for that helps you call it to mind when you need remembering

pray-pausing to acknowledge and give thanks for the good things I've been given certainly, but on the flip side of that... when life is hard or confusing talking to God reminds me I'm not walking through those things alone, something for which I feel tremendous gratitude 

volunteer-the best way I know to change the way I see a day, a circumstance, or life in general is to do something for somebody else

say thank you more-for the small things too. You never know when you'll make someone's day, which in turn has a way of making yours

send the card, write the note-let the people who have meant something to you know it 

be present-we have far more distractions than ever before, and it's a challenge to look up from our phones, but look up we must if we hope to catch the sunset, marvel at the rainbow or admire how the tiniest of flowers bursts through the dry, hard ground. 

We always have a choice in how we see our lives. I want to view mine in every season through the lens of gratitude. 

Making a List, Checking It Often

Day 4 in the A-Z...let's get to it-

D is for Delight

I've taken part in the A-Z blog challenge for a number of years. Typically I don't blog on Saturdays, but since the challenge does call for it, several years ago I came up with something seemingly simple to meet that requirement. 

I made a list every Saturday of little things I love that fit with the letter of the day. It was so gratifying and turned out to be a small blessing all it's own. My plan is to continue doing that this year in my Saturday posts. 

I know. 

Today isn't Saturday, but hear me out. I've been watching my youngest daughter's two little ones all week while she and her hubs are on holiday and I'm tired. TGIF y'all! 

So how does a list like this fit with my challenge theme of 'life lessons learned'?  

Simple. Making these lists the past several years has shown me taking note of 'the little things' stirs up in me a grateful heart. And that's something I want in every season of my life.

In no particular order, and using today's letter of the day (D), here are 20 things that bring delight-

a dazzling blue sky day
a dependable God
daffodils in bloom
dining out
dressing up
darling grandchildren
slow dancing in the kitchen 
driving somewhere new
daydreams
discernment
date nights 
a little girl named Daisy
a dip in the lake 
daughters who mother with patience and humor
dishes done
decency
dreams come true 
daybreak
decorating for Christmas
the big dipper on a cloudless night

Ten On The Tenth

Joining Marsha today for her monthly 10 on the 10th prompt which is this-

I didn't do a year end recap on my blog this year, so I'm thinking this might take it's place. Scrolling back through the prior year's pictures it's funny the moments you see captured there that were so special as you lived them, but that were then pushed to the recesses of your mind as time rolled forward. It was fun to pull them out and dust them off.  

Here are ten for keeps..

1. A new little someone to love joined our family in February. 

The baby shower my daughter's friends hosted for her was truly so special. 

These friends praying for Sugar, who arrived just a few weeks later, is a moment I don't want to forget.

My own momma meeting her for the first time a few weeks later is another memory I'll treasure. 

2. There was a whole lot of lake fun this year-

3. Cousin time was for sure a favorite...

And even with all the comings and goings and people moving countries we still managed to squeeze in a whole lotta fun with grandkids in the house. 

4. Lots of happy celebrations happened this year, including a 2nd birthday..

Fireworks on the 4th of July...

A summer bridal shower and traveling to two different weddings of kids we knew when they were still just kids...

5. There were some fun weekends spent with college friends...

6. A great big outdoor project that will be enormously enjoyed in 2025...

7. Tea in Cambridge with my daughter on my birthday was a 5-star highlight from 2024...

That day was part of a fabulous trip to England taken with my hubs to mark our 40th anniversary....

8. Not enough sister time in 2024, but what we did have was special...

And I loved that my momma had a day at the lake with her three girls plus one granddaughter all together...

9. As always I am so grateful for the beauty that surrounds us...

10.  And last but not least, there was the Christmas holiday spent with littles to round out the year.

There was an awful lot to love in 2024. I knew this of course, but looking back and writing it down helps make it all stick. And while I'm sure I could have made a list of things I'd rather forget, it felt really good to count my blessings. 

'Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.' Ralph Waldo Emerson