(Late) Ten things I'm Thankful For - 10/26/2012

 

(This is a late edition due to growing internet issues. I've loaded and reloaded until the coffee shop became my uploading fun place for blog post preparations. I am hoping our online abilities improve, and soon.) 

- 1- I'm thankful for hot and steamy soups in autumn. This one was a homemade tomato soup, accompanied by melted parmesan cheesy fresh french bread slices, compliments of my hubby. Everyone declared all was perfect for such a blustery day. 

- 2 - I'm thankful for simply luscious autumn scenery, like the one above, photographed this day, in my very own yard! Note the blue hues in the sky, the fall palette of color bursts in the trees, and feel the love of autumn upon us. 

- 3 - I'm thankful for this "family size" box of Ritz crackers, the kind of cracker I don't normally buy. However, on sale, this one caught my eye after one son was complaining that he was granted great snacks at a friend's house, but not his own. Huh?

When I inquired just what that might be, he in his coy young adult aged body language added; "They have Ritz crackers mom." 

I don't get it, but it meant much to him that I bought these. Crazy times.

- 4 - I'm thankful for the little things of autumn, the ones that catch my eye any time of day or night. The photo above is the current decor on my kitchen table. The one just below it, was the table decor when dining out during our lunch the other day. Sweetness abounds. 

- 5 - I'm thankful for small findings in the garden, like the tiny bird nest above hiding in my tree. No one dared remove it, for there it will remain until next spring for what we hope will be, yet another birdie visit.

- 6 - I'm thankful for an organized beginning to our school year. Tabs are an all important item for one daughter this year, and she requested her very own bottle of white out to correct her errors in the future. Another cutesy thing was finding my old bin of "office supply's" date stamp in her possession, the one she's been using to sign in each day in daily her school portfolio schedule. I suppose one never knows when an item comes in handy for someone else. 

 

- 7 - I'm thankful for things like this! The "Leaves", is this same daughter's penmanship, the one she entered into the annual country fall fair's exhibit. This gal struggled to use cursive writing in her daily work, much preferring to print instead. After using several books of Italic writing for her penmanship practice, I finally see her "non-loopy", more formal writing coming to fruition.  

The woman she had handed her entry in to remarked how wonderful she thought her writing was, a boom to this young gal, who will now happily continue forward with confidence in her efforts. And how great it was to see her work among all others in the community on the very large viewing boards at the fair, and have her listen to the comments of friends who were able to see it on display there, more great motivation for her to press on!

- 8 - I'm thankful for small family birthday celebrations, especially the ones that often fall on calendar holidays like this one below on our Canadian Thanksgiving. Happy, Happy 20th Birthday to our girl! 

The change up of birthday cheesecake, with the additional traditional pumpkin pie and whip cream, all made for a very caloric Thanksgiving/Birthday dessert.

- 9 - I'm thankful for schooling structure, at least it's coming along for our son with his new curriculum program. It's been much more intensive, with an online component he's trying to master. 

Starting out of the gate later than normal, due to books not mailed to us in time, we're both getting the hang of it all with this new to us school. First quarter coming up to send/email all of his work online. Now to get him pumped up to plunk away at his thesis for his big English essay....

- 10 - I'm thankful for having our bi-yearly ductwork cleaning all behind us now. It's hard to believe two years has already passed since the last time we had this service performed, the one this time with very interesting results! 

Remember when I told you the story of how we had a surprise visit from an ermine (winter white weasel?)? 

Well, lo and behold, in one of our cold ducts in the basement, the very one we heard that rodent using his sharp nails on the air vent steel, well, we found damage to the wall when he obviously tried to escape from where he had ended up when chasing the mouse indoors. 

Oh my goodness! The men involved in the service had never seen that type of damage before, for sure they've seen mouse scratching, just not evidence of a weasel's damage from an attempted great escape. 

 

It was fun to know one of the servicemen, one of the young fellows who used to  hang around our home. He was so excited to come over, that he sent me a very lovely note afterward, telling us how much he missed being here. What a thoughtful guy he was! 

*************

And there you have, one more installment of "Ten Things I'm Thankful For", though tardy as all get out. Our internet abilities are getting worse here than every before, so.....slow and just not worth the photo uploads anymore. When at a coffee shop, I try to take advantage and load, load, load. Today's load is always changing and growing, blessings aplenty and so many more things in our midst to be thankful for, IF ONLY we'd care to sift through and take a good look. 

Have a great evening;
Renee

When a salamader came to call

Just when things seem to appear to be much calmer, and school is slowly inching towards a summertime break, all becomes incredibly distracted this day, by our son's discovery of a wee salamander slithering about on our property.

And he's pretty cute too!

Why have we never seen these before? Who knows? 

Schooling on the back deck has been wonderful in the early morning hours, the added wee breeze keeps everyone cool before the intense beginning of the heat for the day. 

And then, everything of course - is interrupted. 

All in a good way of course...

Nature identification, and nature books in general slowly begin to sprawl out on the table. 

Children study, detect possible feeds and drink for a timely nature study. All gets rolling along proving to become a morning of serious educational rabbit trail discovery, deeply delving into the book/internet resources and solving curiosities.

The morning hours fly by with the friendly salamander watch/play timing right there on the back deck table, and then, the inevitable happens when mother says; 

"Okay, time to let him out so he can get back to his own familiar surroundings."

And, just in time for summoning them for a lunch break.

A morning of sweet salamander surprises did indeed fill their hours with an extra nature study, completely and utterly filled with enthusiasm and intrigue. And, a schooling schedule remained incomplete, when they were summoned for a refreshing drink and midday meal when the fishy crackers just weren't enough anymore. :)

Psst. I think they learned much, even with the thought of this welcomed bit of distraction.

Ten things I'm thankful for...

It's time!

Yes indeed ~  it's time again for another of my "Ten things I'm thankful for", installments, just a friendly culmination of assorted items off the top of my head that warrant a placement in this post here today.

Thanks for stopping by.

- 1 - I'm thankful for great neighbors! There are more families who have recently moved into our country acreage area, and slowly, over time... what a fabulous community we have become.

For instance, when the children are all together, there are banded folk, ready to keep a watchful eye on the children as spring and summer creep up. The presence of wildlife can be near at any time, so the whistles and walkie talkies are all on the same channel when the gang is out and about.

We've been happy to provide a sporty paved area this year for all to play basketball together on our property.  After stocking up on more basketballs, everyone is bouncing them and playing giggle fit games of "bump" on a regular basis. Even the older young adults are out there sweating it out. Fun times! 

Meanwhile, the adults also gather regularly. 

One of our neighbors hosted a clean up day, where everyone gathered to pick up garbage, recycling items and those larger items which someone felt led to dump in our area. The township provided all the vests, gloves, various types of garbage bags, and free pickup a few days later. What a team effort, something to "give back" and create a sense of pride for keeping our area free from debris.

 

 - 2 - I'm thankful for the springtime visit of our Ontario provincial flower - the Trilliums burst forth with their explosive natures, each one growing steadily upward and blessing all with their floral presence along the forest floor for about six weeks or so. In the photo above, the junky residuals of my bramble cutting still rests atop some of the trilliums, but rest assured all were picked up.

- 3 - I'm thankful for "comfort food" when necessary, like when everyone began complaining about the lack of baking in recent months. So, with my trusty recipe box on the kitchen counter to peruse through, a head full to the brim with anxious thoughts, I chose to spend an entire afternoon producing some great time tested family favorites; peanut butter cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, a banana loaf, a German struesel swirl cake, and of course, the evening family dinner. We had to have something nutritious, didn't we? 

 ...all unpacked, horses stalled, and the girls are awaiting her show times...

- 4 - I'm thankful for the start of this year's horse shows. Out of the starting gate (no pun intended...hahaha), the first show of the season turned out to be very interesting. Alarm clocks sang good morning at 4:30am., and it was off to the barn by 5:30am to prepare for the long day ahead. It always amazes me how many fresh, early morning smiles are ready to greet us at the barn in those early morning hours, the blessing of camaraderie as all pitch in to ready the horses and supplies necessary for the journey of the day.

We traveled not too far from home for this event, about 1.5 hours and all were stunned to find snow on the ground amidst Amish horse and carriage on the roadways! The venue hosts had to set up a plan B to accommodate the riders and the day's schedule, change fields to a lesser wet/snowy one, and include indoor barn riding which wasn't originally on the agenda.

The funny part about riding inside the barn for competing this day, was to find rather large mirrors on the walls, and when horse and rider rode past one in particular, the horse caught his reflection and spooked just a bit. 

Our younger daughter competed in a different division this year, one which included an eight jump course, which were "2 ft. 3 in or more", and if she didn't memorize the course properly, ended up in the wrong order, she would lose points. All the points count towards the end of the day's recognition of winners were are either pronounced "champion (1st place)" or "reserve champion (2nd place)" overall. This day, our girl captured herself three second place ribbons, and a reserve champion ribbon (second to champion) to add to her growing ribbon collection.

Horse "Hunter/Jumper" season is now in full swing, and after having to miss a horse show when we recently traveled west, luckily her missing points for the year won't count this time round against her. The girls (both of ours) are working hard, out riding often, to gain even more confidence and partnering with their assigned horses to thrust into the next three months of show scheduling. There are quite a few shows they'll be participating as riders in, whole entire show days, where an entire year's worth of all their riding efforts will culminate and count for everything they've been working toward.

When a child's passion advances to higher levels, every parent knows it's time to be "on deck" for them. Here we go girls.... 

- 5 - I'm thankful for the joy I find in assorted paper crafting, to have the ability to work with my hands and create personalized designed cards for those special people in my life. All I seem to require is enough time to get into action, and when able, it doesn't take me much to launch loving hands forward after choosing the specific materials from my craft room. My only hope will be the recipient will embrace the sincere message that I very much wish to convey.

While any card is in progress, I find myself concentrating, and praying for the receiver at the other end who my card crafting was intended for. 

Just as I tend to do while scrapbooking, I find this is something I can offer of myself, especially when I gift a card to someone who lives thousands of miles away from me. Rarely does one card ever leave home without a final personal heartfelt thought before dropping it into the mailbox, and I've practically sealed the card envelopes every time, with a kiss before sending them on their way through the postal system.

Oh sure, often some folks don't get all sentimental about these sorts of things like I do, but in this modern day of email and the lack of written letters or cards, it might just be that one simple stroke of a pen on a handmade card that shows someone "I care" enough to make it for them, truly - just.for.them.... And, that's enough to keep me motivated to press on with making more as I'm able to over time.

- 6 - I'm thankful for warm sunshiny days, when my husband and I can congregate in our special chairs on our little deck, conversing with a glass of wine in hand before dinner, or while discussing our days further later on, while watching the sun set before us.

Ahhhh, the days of summer are surely upon us now, and so will be more sun saluting moments like this in the months to come.

- 7 - I'm thankful for school syllabus guiding us toward the finish line, that is except for a final few weeks up ahead where I'm able to finalize the year's schooling and learning outcomes for our two younger ones.

It's been back to "Dickens", and watching "Oliver" for the thousandth time, chatting about our Wednesday Shakespeare tales, skimming stories of the family's beloved animals again in the "Thornton Burgess Bird book", binoculars handy on a side table for quick viewing out the large windows to the forest beyond, hoping to spot and identify our own variety of birding population living here.

There are no shortage of good books nearby on our family bookshelves, and truth be known, as our children are reading so much quicker and more for the love of it nowadays, I've been slipping in extra reading assignments on their weekly lists to instill in them yet more love of plain ole' simple reading pleasures.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; 

they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, 

and the most patient of teachers.  

~ Charles W. Eliot

Speaking of schooling, it's been great to entertain the option of monthly homeschooling days offered at our church. Having been a homeschooling group leader for many years in the past, where hard work and sweat on the brow offered many others wonderful First Friday monthly activities to partake in, or Little Flower meetings to attend with their daughters, or teen groups with guest speakers in our home, and so forth, I especially appreciate these ones I've been able to tap into because a priest does all the teaching, and he expects the mothers to take the day to relax and enjoy a teacher's day off. Can you say - wonderful?  

Teaching teens and working on the timeline of Salvation History, 

with a bit of Canadiana thrown in.

It's especially great to watch a priest run around playing hockey or basketball during a break, with his cassock on. And, again this year, we are blessed by a fellow artist parishioner who offers free art lessons with various media, incredible fly tack making, and his wife teaches beading to anyone wanting to learn. The special works of art that have been created are really something else, and the talents freely shared, create an atmosphere everyone sure appreciates.

- 8 - I'm thankful for fun moments when seeing our daughter wanting to read to our grandbaby, something that results in her hand reaching close by for a book on the shelve next to her, and this happenstance chosen one was opened for a little show and tell. I grabbed my cell phone nearby, snapped this photo, and then asked her if she saw what she had picked out. We both got a good giggle from the whole thing. I suppose it's never too early to begin now is it? :)

- 9 - I'm thankful for an employer that cares enough to say it with flowers! How thoughtful they were to send not only the flower bouquet above, but also one more to the church on the day of my mother in law's funeral. Actually, my husband and four of our adult children work for the same company in several geographical areas across Canada, so we ended up unable to bring them home, so we sent both to two employees from the westcoast; one went home with this daughter, the other with our son.

It was an emotional moment, such a lovely thing to breathe in the floral scent during the following Sunday morning mass, and to recognize the exquisite orchids arranged in the beautiful floral filled vase. As it was the month of May, one of these vases containing all was resting under the statue of Our Lady, offered there as a tribute to my mother in law's incredible devotion to the BVM. She would have liked to find them resting there under her mantle.

- 10 - I'm thankful for those times when something so very exciting comes our way, where we can feel like a big kid again and let loose and enjoy!

While on the westcoast, the family gathered several times at a relative's home. He had built this incredible tree fort for his children, with a special staircase around the other side to climb up, and a secret knotted rope passageway only small children could fit through.

My sister in law offered to give me the royal tour, so of course I was interested! Ha! Who wouldn't be? We stood high above, overlooking all upon the balcony, enjoying catch up conversation, and I for one, wasn't in any hurry to descend from here. I remember waving over to the upper deck where many were dining, someone taking our photo from there. I'd love to see it sometime...smile.

There's only one problem for me after this experience though..... totally inspired, now I want one of my own! Golly gee, I have enough trees out yonder, surely we can make one of these too. Yes?

Maybe someday when all the kids have grown and leave home, I'll get my own fort. If my kids aren't here to enjoy it, I'll more than make up for that. (snickering,,,)  And yes, even a rope swing like the one in the left of the photo, would just be a lovely thing for this Nana. Just so you know, yep, I love swings too.

....................................................................................................

~ ~ And there you have another ten things for the week, just a few that are in no particular order as usual, a few heartfelt random and personal thoughts I was led to share here.

Are you writing down your "thankful things" yet?

I know, I know, I've been asking the same question on this blog now for many years, but come on, gratitude can only be true to heart when it is a remembered and practiced habit.

Even if we attempt some joyful thought, unless we truly "try" to consider having thankful moments throughout the day, on purpose, and yes, each and every day, how then will we sift through the tougher things in life, when one simply cannot see the trees through the forest?

 The greatest gift you can give yourself is joy, 

not only because of the feeling that goes with it at the moment,

but because of the magnificent experience it will draw to you. 

It will produce wonders in your life." 

~ Jack Boland

Happy many unhappy people do you pass by on a daily basis? 

Find joy folks, just make it a habit to look for it in your daily rhythm of life, and eventually, it will come to find you first. I promise. 

• Get rid of the grumpies. 
• Drop the grumblies. 
• Wipe off the frown. 
• Turn I can't into "I can".
• Stop thinking of things that just aren't so.
• Forget the self righteousness. 
• End the nit picking legalistic tendencies.
• Remember to see Jesus in every face (quote by ~ Mother Teresa)
• Dive into a lifestyle that welcomes others with a smile, show your joyful and happy heart by the words you choose to use, the body actions you demonstrate, the tone of your voice (are you yelling?), and the simple everyday deeds of each ordinary (even mundane kind of) day.  

... And that my friends, sums it up. If you aren't able to sift through the stormy clouds ruining your clearer vision, offer a prayer to help guide you this day. 

I leave you with one more thought for today folks. (Aren't I just full of sharing today?)

...When the sun goes down, offer a moment of silence, then salute the day goodbye.

• Never forget to say your prayers and an act of true contrition. 
• Never go to bed angry. 
• Resolve issues today before tomorrow comes. 

Ask yourself; "How can I improve my tomorrow" - the very words that should be the whisper of your heart overflowing on to your lips, shortly before your head crashes onto your pillow full swing, for your nightly slumber. 

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

 

~ Psalm 30:5

One never knows the day, nor the hour when our last breath may occur, and if we live by the slogan; "Every day a blessing", then surely we also must reflect on our days before we close our eyes to see how well we scored the previous hours.

On the shores of the Pacific Ocean once more, enjoying the view, 

saluting the sunset, and breathing in that saline air. 

 

37/52 weeks

52 weeks of daily life in pictures:
trials and celebrations,
the extraordinary and mundane --
whatever is unique to the week.

Join me if you like.

** Ice hockey season fast approaches, and woe (YIKES!) to the parent whose son has outgrown almost all of his hockey gear! 

Off to a few hockey swaps and the only reward of the moments was the purchase of a new hockey bag on wheels. Everything at the swaps has been too small for this grown up and giant son of ours. :) 

We've already completed several ice hockey skate tryouts, now awaiting contact for this year's assigned coach and team. Here we go.....

** After the humidity and bug weeks, it's definitely time for more bonfires before sunset. 

We had a new-to-us moment last weekend when the entire family gathered after dinner to recite the rosary around the fire, both dogs laying ever quietly nearby, taking in the rhythm of voices in prayer and likely mesmerized by the flames of the bonfire before them. 

That was a highlight for all, a special Sunday evening, and one to most definitely be repeated soon....because the bugs are disappearing and don't surround us so easily when attempting to enjoy the flames and falling sunset at the day's end.

A few crummy photos to follow snapped on my iphone, nevertheless they too tell a story of the tapestry of our days.

** The photo above shows the organization of this year's schooling, and this week our children are becoming more familiar with early morning rising to hit the books for this new school year, as opposed to reveling in those allowable lazier summer mornings. They are truly not great fans of such change. I'm hoping (and so are they) it won't take too long to get rolling on a new discipline because these two used to be early risers, yes, they used to be. Now, they have discovered the novelty of laying in bed a while before plunging feet to floor.

 

** One of the summer goals we had hoped to accomplish was taking one or two rooms a week, and spending a selected amount of time to perform a deep cleaning and organization of all items resting within. 

It was a reason to celebrate last week when we completed a two day break down of the kitchen, chosen dead last to check off the list. Everyone I know dreads the big kitchen cleaning duties several times each year. We were no exception. As mouse season is almost upon us with cooler nights in our midst, all crumbs and a good scrubbing were highly required. No temptations should lay there to invite rodents inside.

I happily brought this task to the bottom of the list at first. Happily... and now, with bottom cupboards and counters cleaned out one day, followed by upper cupboards another, we are done! 

Check!

** Come September, the days grow cooler, but in no way have we been prepared for frost appearing so early.

Thoughts of seeking those more cool autumn comforting morning moments reappear, and hubby and I have revisited our weekly cuppa dates. Conversation carries easily, sharing hearts belong there in our purposeful times together. 

** Slowly rolling into September, we were able to attend our Canoe Club's family corn roast. 

Sitting by the water, it was a lovely evening and a great opportunity to catch up with those we've paddled and took courses with throughout the summer months. 

Our son was famished and couldn't wait, found here standing at the front of the line with my hubby down a bit behind him.

I love this club, it's so family and people friendly and I'm pleased it doesn't end here. Monthly indoor meetings will begin again next month, complete with guest speakers and more opportunities which will soon present for autumn paddling sessions.

** My husband studied his lines from the script formulated after an intensive interview from the media bunch at his respiratory physiotherapy hospital. 

He only required six takes this week and was teased when being proclaimed as a TIFF natural after being filmed for an upcoming movie, which will be used in part as a fundraising promotional tool towards the building of a new wing on the hospital. 

After two photo shoots to obtain stills for the precursor medical journey story, we await and are eager to see the edited version featuring his highly personalized bit of filming content. It's been a brutal and horrible week respiratory wise for him, so this filming was a welcomed distraction in between several sudden required emergent tests in the attempt to try to determine what seems to be going on internally.

As a gift for his part in the fundraiser film, he was presented "prezzies"; a tshirt, lunch bag and pen. It was the lunch bag that really resonated with me (wink), insulated and so handy. :)

** When the local children return to school, we have a list of desirable outings which are perfect for less crowded enjoyment. 

First up last week (besides the beach) was a great visit to the zoo of course, and the weather was just perfect! 

Our children have grown up visiting zoos often in their childhood, and love to spend long lingering moments near the animals any time.

** A new adventure awaits our youngest son this year as he has registered to become a "Sea Cadet". 

Among having to be fast tracked into the program to learn commands, marching and other assorted knowledge bits, formal sailing practice and shooting marksmanship begins over the next two weeks. He is found smiling often over the thought of joining this group. 

Before the first meeting, a haircut and shopping expedition was required to buy him a white golf shirt and black pants. This week he said his hair is still too long (it's short) and he wants another cut soon. Gotta love that.

This is just an introductory photo above, the older newbie cadets were only observing when I snapped the photo and a few other groups were marching outdoors before "colors" began.

** I won this color palette this week during a fun interior guest speaker hour at my local Newcomer group. In case some of you never knew this (I didn't), "Benjamin Moore" has teamed up with "The Pottery Barn" for seasonal color choice encouragement. 

I have high hopes of painting our kitchen/family room this fall, so I'm shopping for colors. Maybe one will be in here? Not sure yet.

** History abounds from the "War of 1812" and is prevalent all over the province of Ontario. 

We are continuing our study using real life field trip outings for getting to know more and appreciating this time period. Next week we are off to "Fort Willow" and the "Nine Mile Portage" for a live time period representation.

This boy is loving this...and so is his mother. (Oh, and photo was snapped before the Cadet required hair cut day.)  

** Did someone say "beach time"? 

The air was cooler and less humid here last week, and moments along this water's edge are always welcomed.

I have been overcome by the beauty and richness of our life together, those early mornings setting out, those evenings gleaming with rivers and lakes below us, still holding the last light.

~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh 

Head on over to Barbara's to check out the invitation to join the

52 week photography link-up party.