Monday, January 31, 2005

Monday, 31 January 2005 - Good timing and My sister, L

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for being in the right place at the right time.

Last night, we got an additional 4-6 inches of snow (this time, the dry, powdery kind), giving us a total of nearly 16 inches in two days. School was cancelled. Our street is a mess - unplowed, rutted, slippery and very difficult navigate without 4-wheel drive. Our garbage men had a tough time driving their truck up and down the street. I hope the mailman survives the drive.

This morning, T and I took a short walk along the trail (I should have worn snowshoes as the drifts were really deep). On our way home, I noticed two policemen leaving the corner house. As one officer tried to drive his car along side his partner's, he got stuck in the snow. He tried every driving maneuver to get "unstuck." I offered to lend him a snow shovel, but he declined.

When I got home, I decided to shovel the sidewalk. I noticed the policeman was still stuck in the snow (his partner had since driven away), so I walked over and gave him the shovel so he could clear the snow and slush engulfing the tires. It didn't work. I told him that we would need to push his car onto Silent Rain, the plowed street that runs perpendicular to ours. I ran home to get my husband. S and two guys we know from the neighborhood met with the officer before successfully pushing the police car onto driveable road. A couple of hours later, I saw the same two police cars driving up Silent Rain ... I wonder what's going on.

S and I spent most of the morning shoveling the sidewalk and driveway while T looked on. Paul is still in Ohio so S shoveled about half of his driveway - the snow was heavy and over 14" deep. The boys next door were suppose to shovel their driveway while their mother was at work, but they preferred to play with T, pelt each other with snowballs, and build a snow fort. We plan to go snowshoeing this afternoon. Our neighbor, K, cut trails earlier with her dog, Sage. I am sure that T will love the outing.

And, I am also thankful for my sister, L. Today, she celebrates her 48th birthday. L is an intelligent, talented and sensible woman. She always makes us feel welcome in her beautiful home and shows genuine interest in what we're doing and thinking. And, perhaps most importantly, she is R's and B's remarkable mother.

For these blessings, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, January 30, 2005

Sunday, 30 January 2005 - Last night's snowstorm

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for last night's snowstorm.

We awoke to nearly a foot of pure white frosting covering our neighborhood. Can you believe it - nearly 12 inches of snow! I had to shovel a path down the driveway just to retrieve the newspapers.

The snow is wet, sticky and heavy, the kind that takes more muscle power to shovel than the dry powder from the last storm. It's also perfect for snowballs, snowmen, and snow forts. My husband and I spent over an hour clearing the driveway and sidewalk while T supervised our work. I like the workout so I also shoveled the sidewalk from our house to the corner. T and I are probably the only ones who regularly use the sidewalk, so I felt obligated to clear a path. Whew! I broke a sweat after only a few minutes.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, January 29, 2005

Saturday, 29 January 2005 - Our snowy Saturday

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for our snowy Saturday.

Just when I thought spring's visit would last for a while, winter returned in a hurry, delivering a snowstorm. This time, to my garden's delight, it's an Albuquerque low bringing wet, sticky flakes. The storm's a day early, upsetting my husband's plans for a bicycle ride at the Air Force Academy with his riding buddy. T and I didn't change our morning routine and enjoyed a refreshing hike along the trail. On several stretches, we were the first beings to disturb the snowy path. We also noticed sets of canine tracks unaccompanied by human steps - must be the local coyote pack heading home after a busy Friday night.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, January 28, 2005

Friday, 28 January 2005 - An early morning start

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the early morning start.

Surprise! I got up at 4:30 AM. This is a magic hour for me. When I was in my 20s and a long distance runner, I went to bed by 9:30 PM and awoke every day to train at 4:30 AM. Of course, I wasn't married then and didn't own a distraction creating television set. I was, however, very disciplined with my schedule, religiously listened to at least three Public Radio stations, didn't own a car, sewed nearly all my clothes, and read lots of books (you have lots of prime reading time when you take the bus to work). My whole life revolved around my budding career and running.

Things are different now. I am much older, married, watch more TV than I should, and no longer run although I exercise daily. And, I am not as disciplined with my schedule, probably because I do not have a job that requires me to be in the office at a specific time. Nevertheless, I need to work on this aspect of my life so I can build a better structure for my day.

For this blessing, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Thursday, 27 January 2005 - Ear plugs

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for ear plugs that work.

My husband snores. I need to sleep. End of story.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Wednesday, 26 January 2005 - Accessibility

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful that we are accessible to friends and acquaintances.

Yesterday, our neighbor, Paul, called around 7 AM to ask if one of us could drive him to the Denver airport. His father had a stroke over the weekend, and he needed to get home to Ohio to see his family through the initial days of the crisis. My husband, who owns his own consulting practice and works from home, didn't hesitate to say, "yes." How wonderful that Paul felt he could ask us for help on such short notice and that we could respond so quickly to his request.

For this blessing, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Tuesday, 25 January 2005 - A few hours of solitude

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a few hours of solitude.

This morning, my husband took our neighbor, Paul, to the Denver airport. So, for the first time in several weeks, I have the house all to myself for more than an hour or two. But, I am not alone. T stays with me wherever I go, following me around the house or the garden. Right now, he's sleeping in the doorway to my studio. If I get up, so will he. Ahhh, he's my wonderful chocolate Labrador Retriever shadow.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, January 24, 2005

Monday, 24 January 2005 - A 2-hour hike

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the 2-hour hike my husband, T and I took this afternoon along the neighborhood trail and then into the mountains.

The trail was in good shape, only a few muddy areas. I enjoyed the workout even though I wasn't used to carrying my backpack and extra water for T. He had an especially good time and didn't seem to mind the new harness he got for Christmas. I hear that cooler, wet weather is on it's way so we'd better enjoy these springlike days while we can.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Sunday, 23 January 2005 - Another beautiful day in the midst of winter

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for another beautiful day that emerged in the midst of our Colorado winter.

My spider plants are enjoying another day in the sun, T and I took a leisurely hike along the trail, and I am fighting the sudden urge to begin spring cleaning. I ate a huge vegetable salad for lunch and am drinking iced ginger lemon tea for refreshment. My garden cries out to me for some TLC, but I hesitate to do much more than water the plants. With my luck, an arctic cold front is probably lurking around the corner. I'd better enjoy the great weather while I can.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Saturday, 22 January 2005 - Courage to get rid of things

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the courage to get rid of things I no longer use or need.

I read that when we get rid of our excess "stuff," we make room for newness in our lives - not just new clothes or other things, but new opportunities, dreams and possibilities. I am ready for the new adventure. The purge begins today!

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, January 21, 2005

Friday, 21 January 2005 - Fresh organic tomatoes (reasonably priced)

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful that fresh organic tomatoes are now reasonably priced.

I nearly fainted when the cost exceeded $3.00 a pound. My favorite pasta sauce requires at least 12 tomatoes (I roast them at 425 degrees with fresh garlic, onions, spices and olive oil, then serve the sauce over linguini). For a time, my husband and I feasted on this simple but rather expensive dish.

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Thursday, 20 January 2005 - A beautiful springlike day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the beautiful springlike day - 70 degree high, sunny, and just enough of a breeze to cool me.

I cleaned the culvert next to the park and the alley that leads to Centennial Blvd. - both were littered with trash. I also aired-out my spider plants and watered the perennials and trees in the back yard. We are all in great spirits and have made up our vitamin D deficiencies. I only wish it was April so I could begin gardening in earnest. Instead, I am basking in the glorious sunshine, sadly anticipating more wintry weather in the weeks to come.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Wednesday, 19 January 2005 - Satsumi tangerines

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for my favorite winter snack food, Satsumi tangerines.

I buy the organic ones at my favorite natural foods store. Satsumis are juicy, sweet, easy to peel and virtually seedless. I only wish they had a longer season of availability (like year round).

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Tuesday, 18 January 2005 - Shoe repairman

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the shoe repairman who charged me only $9.00 for new heels on two pairs of Cole Haan boots.

I bought the boots inexpensively on Ebay so I'm glad the repairs were so reasonable since they increase my overall cost. I told him that I expected to pay at least twice as much - I paid $12.00 at another shop for new heels on one pair of shoes. He said that he doesn't want to overcharge and feels he's asking a fair price for his work. I am the consummate bargain shopper (i.e., highest quality for low prices) so he has my business and I'll refer friends and acquaintances to him.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, January 17, 2005

Monday, 17 January 2005 - The public library

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the public library.

I learned to read around age 4 and have always loved the printed word. Today, I also indulge in books-on-tape and DVDs. When the urge to buy something overtakes me but I have no money to spend, I head to the library where I can check out more books than I can carry!

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Sunday, 16 January 2005 - My alarm clock

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for my alarm clock.

I used to be an early morning person. However, this winter, I've been going to bed late and waking up whenever I'm done sleeping. This morning, I wanted to go to church and had to wake up at 7 AM to take T for a walk and then get ready. If the alarm hadn't gone off, I would have slept for at least one or two more hours.

By the way, I know that I haven't been to services ever since I was deeply hurt by my former church. I really miss the worship and fellowship, so I hope my search for a new church home will be short and sweet.

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, January 15, 2005

Saturday, 15 January 2005 - NPR

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for National Public Radio and the Saturday line-up on our local station, KRCC.

I am a long time radio listener. Before I got married, I didn't own a television and listened to Los Angeles area public radio stations all the time. We watch too much TV these days, so it's nice to turn on the radio and listen to some great and entertaining programs.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, January 14, 2005

Friday, 14 January 2005 - A philanthropist's heart

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a philanthropist's heart. Nothing elevates my spirits higher than giving of myself and my "wealth" to others in need.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Thursday, 13 January 2005 - Fresh salads

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for fresh salads.

I am back on a nearly all raw food diet and couldn't make it without eating my favorite salad. I mix raw baby spinach with field greens, purple cabbage, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and flax seeds. I toss the mixture with a seasoned rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil dressing. Voila! I am ready to eat a heavenly meal.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Wednesday, 12 January 2005 - A good night's sleep

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a good night's sleep. With my life in flux and uncertainty abounding, I feel safe within my dreams.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Tuesday, 11 January 2005 - Chance to do a good deed

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the chance to do a good deed.

This morning, while we finished our last lap around the park, a beautiful white puppy bounded onto the grounds. He came up to T for a sniff. I grabbed him by his collar, realizing his owner had not accompanied him to the park. T was such a good boy as I lead him by the leash and pulled the lost puppy by the collar to our house. Thank goodness the puppy, Graham, had tags. My husband called the owner who had not even realized that Graham was missing. Graham's dad came right away to pick him up. We learned that Graham, a beautiful white German Shepard, is only five months old. We delighted in their reunion.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Monday, January 10, 2005

Monday, 10 January 2005 - A warm sunny day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a warm sunny day.

This sudden break in the cold weather surprised me this morning. I didn't wear a jacket or gloves during my walk with T - my favorite cotton sweatshirt sufficed. I opened the back door to air the house - felt good to flush out the staleness and welcome in fresh air. My heart wants to believe that spring has arrived a few months early, but my brain reminds me that winter will return soon. I'd better enjoy this lovely day while I can.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen
.

Sunday, January 09, 2005

Sunday, 9 January 2005 - End of football season

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful that the NFL season is almost finished. I am also glad that the Denver Broncos lost today and won't make it to the play-offs. I can't wait to read the scathing remarks from local sportswriters and fans.

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, January 08, 2005

Saturday, 8 January 2005 - Hope

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for hope in my life.

We watched the film, Osama, last night and rediscovered the meaning of hopelessness. I realize how fortunate I am to have a future. Even in my darkest moments, I know in my heart that things will get better. Hope feeds my faith.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Friday, January 07, 2005

Friday, 7 January 2005 - Ginger and lemon iced tea

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for glasses of ginger and lemon iced tea.

I brewed about a half gallon of this tasty concoction yesterday from fresh organic ingredients: ginger root (peeled and sliced) and lemons (peeled and chopped). I also added organic sugar and stevia to taste. The tea refreshes me year round, even on a cold winter's day after a long brisk walk with T in the park.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Thursday, January 06, 2005

Thursday, 6 January 2005 - Generous hearts

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for generous hearts.

The tragedy in SE Asia weighs heavily on my mind these days. One person can only do so much to alleviate the suffering and jumpstart the recovery. Collectively, we can change the world for the better. I thank those who can give so much more money than I to the relief effort. And I honor those who are doing the actual work of caring for the survivors.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Wednesday, 5 January 2005 - Daily crossword puzzles

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the daily crossword puzzles.

I have always been a word person and now, my day isn't complete without attempting at least three puzzles - hardcopy or online. I am happy to complete any or all of them, especially the NYT puzzle that gets more difficult as the week progresses. And, I also like Wuzzles and Word Scramble.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Tuesday, 4 January 2005 - Strength and determination to live a healthy life

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the strength and determination to live a healthy life.

My diet and exercise regime reflects my "health is my wealth" credo. I am trying not to be obsessive about this, but with over 60% of Americans overweight or obese, I want to stay in the fit and trim minority.

For this blessing, I am most grateful.

Amen.

Monday, January 03, 2005

Monday, 3 January 2005 - Computer technology

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for computer technology except when I lose my work and can't recover it.

I don't know how, but while rereading my journal, I discovered that the original text for today's entry was missing. Sadly, I can't remember what I wrote for this day.

I guess I better start backing-up my work everyday. It's a tedious but necessary task.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunday, January 02, 2005

Sunday, 2 January 2005 - Good walking shoes

Dear God:

Today, I am grateful for good walking shoes.

Yesterday, I examined the soles of my Lowa boots. I was sad to discover that the heels and soles were worn down - the result of a year's worth of walking. I guess they're ready for retirement.

This morning, I donned a new pair of Lowa's to begin this year's journey of daily walks along the trail or around the park with T. The boots are the same model - I bought extras last year during an online close-out sale. They fit the same as the older pair but have that new cushiony feel. I am a very aggressive walker so I hope this pair makes it through the year.

T and I walked two miles around the park - a good distance to break-in a new pair of boots.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

Saturday, 1 January 2005 - A new year

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for the new year - the continuation of a journey yet the beginning of a great adventure. What will happen to me between now and December 31, 2005? It's a mystery that I am anxious to solve.

For this blessing, I am very thankful.

Amen.