This week, I am thankful:
for all the Piper updates I get
It makes me so happy to see how much joy Lisey is getting out of having little Miss Piper in her life. They’re such a happy pair!
for my new straightener
Man, every time I use the new one, I still am mentally preparing myself for having a hair or two pulled. I have not adjusted to the silky smooth experience of having a non-broken straightener. Heh.
I definitely should have bought this sooner. But at least I have one now!
(Some of you were asking why I straighten my hair; I usually just do a quick straighten on my bangs because they go haywire otherwise.)
for some rain, finally
We have had multiple episodes of rain this week, which is a serious mercy because the ground here was getting pretty dry.
for highs in the 80s
I am so glad to not be in the high 90s right now. And I would be very thankful to not see those again all summer long, actually. 😉
for a little getaway
A little while back, my therapist suggested that perhaps a small solo trip would be just the thing for me.
So I went home, found a few days between shifts in the upcoming weeks, and booked two nights at a little town in PA called Jim Thorpe.
I had a lovely time, with absolutely no agenda or plan, which is quite manageable when you are flying solo. 😉
It did rain quite a bit, but I managed to get out a lot when the sky wasn’t dripping.
And I think the clouds helped to keep the temps down a bit.
10/10, would recommend.
And I am grateful I got to go!
for the ability to walk and walk and walk
I walked almost 15 miles in the 48 hours I was in Jim Thorpe; I am thankful for a healthy body that can move.
for a reliable car
Whenever I take a road trip, I am freshly thankful for a reliable car.
I have had my van (a Toyota Sienna) since 2013, and it has literally never, ever had a mechanical problem. It has only needed regular maintenance, plus repairs when squirrels chewed the wires.
Seriously, what a great vehicle! 11 years, 0 problems.
Lisa K
Friday 26th of July 2024
Thankfully for me this week are numerous. Here are just a few of them. 1. I got to go to long-anticipated family reunion and on the same trip got to revisit the New England states, a visit I've wanted to do for more than 20 years. 2. I really like all of my family and they are genuinely pleasant people to be around. I know this isn't necessarily the norm. 3. Getting to enjoy all the interesting architecture on my trip which is very different from my part of the world. 4. For the ease of travel with electronic navigation systems (although I actually still enjoy paper maps!). 5. For seeing old friends again after 25 years. 6. For the privilege of sitting down with an old friend and visiting for hours catching up. There is nothing quite like visiting with someone who you've known since childhood. 7. For my own bed and cooler air on returning home 8. For the miracle of travel today. Bridges, highway systems, flying across the continent in a single day! I take these things for granted when they are such a privilege. 9. For the progress I noticed in recreation venues making an effort to be more accessible to all. I noticed museums, etc., that had options for low-income people to participate, more places that were encouraging children to participate by providing good things for them to do, more options for people with mobility issues, washrooms with changing stations for adults not just babies, quiet rooms for those who get overstimulated, shows advertised for people with sensory issues, and so on. Not that many years ago, people with diverse needs were just overlooked and excluded. There is still more work to be done, I'm sure, but these signs of progress are encouraging. 10. For music.
StephanieLD
Friday 26th of July 2024
I would love to take a trip alone! But can't leave hubby at home, and he doesn't travel well anymore, so I can just enjoy everyone's photos!
Gratitudes, Husband edition: 1. Again, the Rescue Squad. Hubby felt last Thurs, they helped get him up, and then we all left, as he insisted he was alright. Later, after walking down the hall, he was unable to get up out of a chair due to severe pain in the left knee. He had to push his lifeline button, and the service called Rescue Squad back. They transported him to the ER, where it was discovered he had a fractured left tibia, just below the knee cap. I was at Bible study and didn't know anything for 2 hours.
2. It was his paralyzed leg, not the good one, so it's easy to keep it immobile with the knee brace, which in turn, minimizes his pain.
3. The usual delirium he experiences when in a hospital or rehab has been much less this time. Usually he becomes very confused, disoriented, and paranoid, and can get belligerent with me. On a scale of 1-10, ten being the absolute nightmare, he is about a 2 - 3. I've received only one 2 am phone call from him so far.
4. Having been through a similar experience 5 years before, and unfortunately having to go to the rehab at the bottom of our list again, I am a much better advocate for him now and am not above playing the nurse card when they try to blow smoke in my face.
5. I am retired, so I am able to be there for hours every day, as his needs exceed the usual staffing available, both in the hospital and in the nursing home/rehab.
Wife Edition: 1. I did take a day off on Tues, which was my birthday, in order to catch up on chores, handle some business, take a nap, and spend time with the poor, neglected canine child. 2. I am grateful for friends who flooded my texts and fb page with birthday wishes, 99% of whom had no idea hubby was incapacitated. I was indulging in a little pity party, and that raised my spirits immeasurably. 3. I did get a 10:30 pm call when hubby saw the date on his phone and realized it was my birthday.
Michelle
Thursday 25th of July 2024
Have you considered planning a frugal girl group weekend?
Michelle
Thursday 25th of July 2024
What do you recommend one to do while visiting Jim Thorpe?
Jean C
Thursday 25th of July 2024
I am thankful that we have found a wonderful home health aide to assist my 105 year old MIL with bathing. As her strength, mobility and cognition diminish this is truly a blessing and a relief. Grateful that her urinary infection is almost gone.
Grateful that I have been able to attend all my exercise classes this week.
Grateful to spend some time with extended family this week and weekend.
Grateful to have clean windows (not a moment too soon).
Grateful for a nice steady rainfall earlier this week.