O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Day Thirty - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a fitting time to express gratitude for my greatest blessing: My knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ as my Savior, Redeemer, Advocate, Spiritual Father, Brother and Friend. I couldn't make it through life without Him. He condescended to come to earth to experience life, pain, temptation and sorrow so He would know how to succor me. He suffered and gave His life to pay for my sins. He broke the chains of death and was resurrected so I can live again. Death is not the end. I don't understand everything, but I do know He loves me and will help me to pass the test of this mortal boarding school. I am forever grateful for His love and help.

Humor and Laughter

Day Twenty-nine - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Is there anything better for when you're down in the dumps than a good joke? It doesn't seem to matter if it's a really good joke, or a clever, witty one, or an old-fashioned corny Dad joke. Laughter is a relief to sorrow and stress. I love humor! I'm so thankful for the many who can tell a good joke, think up and perform a funny skit, or draw a belly laugh producing comic. It all lifts my spirit and helps me see the brighter side of life.

Here is a website that's as good as the funny pages in a newspaper. Hope you can enjoy a laugh or two.

New Home - Old Home Is any home perfect?

Day Twenty-eight - Thirty Day of Thanksgiving

We went back to our Minnesota house to do a few things. One of the things I most miss in our townhouse is windows! I am a creature of light and miss the large windows on all sides of the house. Almost all of the rooms in the Minnesota house have windows on two sides which makes the room bright and cheerful. But I don't miss the bugs (Asian beetles, flies, wasps) or squirrels scampering in the walls and ceilings. I don't miss the soul-sucking wallpaper, 70's paneling, flaking paint, crumbling bricks in the basement, or the leaky doors and windows when the wind is howling and the temperature is in the teens. I do miss the attic and the basement storage, the huge cedar lined linen closet, and the seventeen drawers in the kitchen. 

Actually I'm thankful to have a place to live that isn't a covered wagon, or dugout, or claim shanty. When I'm whining about my lack of storage, I remind myself that the pioneers would think I live in a palace. And I'm filled with gratitude once again: for hot and cold running water, flushing toilets (3 of them!), a washer and dryer, a stove with oven, microwave, central heat, and a garage to park out of the snow (eventually). Blessings abound!

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Day Twenty-seven - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Like many families, ours has the tradition of each person at the table sharing something they're thankful for before we give thanks for the food and ask for a blessing. My heart overflows with gratitude and I can't think of just one thing. So I usually express thanks for my Savior, Jesus Christ, my family, and being together with plenty of delicious food.

I hope that you too can be together with family and friends expressing love and gratitude for your many blessings. It seems appropriate to take stock of them, count them one by one, and see what God hath done.

Down is Warmest

Day Twenty-six - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Last night we were hit with the first winter storm as an arctic blast blew down from the north. We weren't snug in our new weather tight townhouse, no, we were on the road north to Minnesota to take care of some things at our old house. Right into the blast of the storm.

Today I'm thankful for down filled parkas, and down comforters to sleep under. Nothing beats it for lightweight warmth.  

Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or do without

Day Twenty-five - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Today I'm grateful for all the things I've learned living by the pioneer motto above. Creativity, ingenuity, substitution, and such. Being a one income family has honed my skills. And for that I'm thankful.

Classical Music

Day Twenty-four - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

 

I've loved classical music since about fourth grade when my parents bought me tickets to the Young People's concerts with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. I felt so grown up, four Saturdays of the school year dressed in my Sunday best attending the concerts at the San Diego Civic Theater. I got to attend in fifth and sixth grades also. When I was in high school I had the privilege of performing on that very stage with my high school concert choir, and another time with a church choir. 

I'm thankful for the glorious music composed by inspired men and women in centuries past, now played and recorded for my listening pleasure whenever I want to hear it. Which is often! Classical music soothes my soul when I feel out of sorts, inspires me, moves me to tears, and replenishes my creative spirit. 

Psalm 46:1

Day Twenty-three - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

I'm so thankful to know God is my Heavenly Father and that He watches over me and my loved ones. He is as close as a prayer, always available, ever loving and kind, eager for me to come to Him. He will never reject me, rather, like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, will come out to meet me and gather me in His arms. 

When two or more are gathered

Day Twenty-two - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Today I'm grateful for gathering with others. The day begin with a continuation of a visit from our daughter. She came to help me set up my sewing room/office, moving boxes out, arranging furniture, putting together a shelving unit. It was great to work together again. After the furniture was set up I told her I could handle the rest during the week so she asked if we could go shopping. We hit three thrift stores, and a book store. It was great fun. She left after lunch. 

I emptied some boxed, put things in their places, then relaxed and rested for a bit before preparing dinner for two sister missionaries. They arrived on time and we enjoyed a yummy meal together. I was a missionary forty-six years ago and remember how much I appreciated a delicious meal with church families. After they left I quickly cleaned up and left for a church conference meeting.

Meeting together with other believers in and followers of Jesus Christ is a blessing. I love feeling part of a group, especially a church group. The speakers were good, the music was wonderful and the spirit was strong.

It's true that when we gather together we strengthen and encourage one another. I'm thankful to be part of a family, and a church family.

Empty Wallet - Full Pantry

Day Twenty-one - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Moving is generally expensive. There are the costs of the actual move (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc. moving van, gas, etc.), then there is the cost of all the little things to make the new place work. So here we are all cozy in our new home, left with too much month and not enough money. So I'm grateful for a full pantry from which to plan meals. The encouragement to store food is not just for natural disaster emergencies, but for the common vicissitudes of life, like moving. 

I'm Sorry - I Forgive You

Day Twenty - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I grateful for the gifts of repentance and forgiveness. In day to day life these smooth ruffled feathers, restore peace, and allow us to move forward. In the eternal scheme of things repenting of sins and being forgiven by God is a gift that brings us closer to Him, and will eventually allow us to enter His presence and live with Him eternally. Now that's something to give thanks for!

Slow and Steady

 Day Nineteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

This morning at 7:00 I popped a frozen chunk of meat into my crockpot and at 5:00 this evening we sat down to a lovely Pot Roast dinner. I'm so thankful for slow cookers! The slow and steady heat turns a solidly frozen hunk of meat into a mouthwatering, tender roast with no fuss or mess. And the scent of it cooking is tantalizing on an overcast, drizzly day in November.

Attitude Adjustment

Day Eighteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I knew this move would be hard in some ways, downsizing and all. But I decided to make the best of it and tell myself that I'm having an adventure in a large RV instead of a misadventure in a tiny home. 

I'm grateful for the knowledge and ability to change my attitude. I haven't always been able to in the past. Something that has really helped me is that wonderful neighborhood on YouTube of lovely people with great attitudes and senses of humor. A daily does of humor does wonders! 

Creating Order Out of Chaos

Day Seventeen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

 

We've been in our new home, a small two-story townhouse, for eight full days. It's been almost as much a challenge unpacking and finding places for everything as it was to pack it all up. I grossly over estimated how many books would fit into two seven foot tall, three foot wide bookcases. Oops! I've struggled to put things away in the kitchen with so few drawers, there are three tiny ones, and cabinets that are narrow and deep with a half shelf at the back, except for the one in the corner which is shaped like a piece of pie with the wide end at the back, (who designed that abomination?), and the merry-go-round bottom corner cupboard. Not such a great kitchen for a senior citizen, but I'll get in some good exercise anyway. 

Today I finished putting away the mixing, serving and storing pieces in the kitchen. Then I moved on to setting up the living room which meant putting books on shelves, music cds on shelves, and dvds on shelves; then arranging the couch, ottoman, end tables and lamps, and chair. I even hung up two pieces of art.

I'm so grateful to have been able to create order out of all the chaos. It is now an inviting room--living, dining and kitchen all in one. Not my favorite layout, but I'm pretending it's a large RV and that makes it more acceptable. I'm grateful to have drywall walls instead of plaster, and tightly fitted windows that don't leak, and a heater that's powerful enough to warm the whole place, and a lovely counter in the bathroom to put my lotion on. There is much to be grateful for here.

Autumn

Day Sixteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

On the drive to church today I saw some gorgeous Burning Bush shrubs (Euonymus alatus) still glowing red, while most trees are now bare of leave. The vibrant red looks so pretty in the now barren landscape. I love the colors of Autumn, burgundy, red, orange, gold, yellow. I'm grateful to live where there are four distinct seasons, each with their own delights. 

(I wish I could share photos, but my laptop is so old I can't update the operating system and I'm not able to post photos anymore.)   

Time Alone and Time Together

Days Fourteen and Fifteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

 

Somehow while I was alone yesterday I forgot to post, so I'm combining again. 

In the midst of my chaotic situation, moving and unpacking, a bit of alone time was welcome to be able to steadily work through a mountain of boxes. Steve went directly to our other houses (yes, plural) yesterday after work, and will return tonight. When I'm alone I don't worry so much about meals and eat what I want when I want it. I'm grateful for some down time in the midst of the chaos.

On the other hand, this morning I attended a crafting activity at church which was totally delightful. I met women from three congregations, and found that there is a quilting group in the congregation that I attend. Hooray! The group is small, but meets once a month to work together on their own projects and to share skills and encouragement. I'm so thrilled! So many good women in this area. I'm thankful I went and spent time with them. 

Thrift Stores and Bartering

Day Thirteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

We just moved into a new place, this time it's a townhouse, a first for us. Downsizing has been challenging but a necessary step. I'm a saver, and a prepare for emergencies kind of person. I like to stock up so I don't have to go to the grocery store or Walmart so frequently, it's a way to avoid temptation. Well, trying to fit things into a place one third the size of our Victorian Mansion is definitely a challenge. 

Today I went to Salvation Army to drop off a load of "things that don't fit and I decided they aren't worth keeping"; and looked for a few things that I do need. I found one of them - a small cabinet for the main bathroom to store extra toilet paper and toiletries, as well as clean towels and washcloths. It was just $10 and in decent shape. I think it will work well for the purpose. I'm always thankful for those who donate their cast-offs instead of just trashing them. I enjoy finding bargains and treasures at thrift stores.

After work, Steve picked me up to go to Ames where he swapped an unneeded old IMac computer for a dorm fridge needed for his office. It went smoothly. The young man, a junior in college was getting a computer for his grandfather. He was happy, Steve was happy. No money was exchanged, but items were saved from the trash and will be put to good use. I'm thankful for everyone who is willing to barter goods and services. It's a win-win game.

All You Can Eat

 Day Twelve - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims left a populated area with shops and taverns and every amenity of that time and place. They arrived at the beginning of winter in a wilderness with no value added resources available, in other words no shops, no vendors or hawkers, in fact, no people except a few indigenous natives. I can hardly imagine what that must have been like. 

Pioneers from then on, in what became the United States, trekked into the wilderness, built homes, planted crops (often in the opposite order), and towns eventually grew up around them. But there was always movement westward to uninhabited areas and then hacking a life out of the new wilderness.

Today I went to two grocery stores, passing by dozens of restaurants, as well as other grocery stores. There is no want of food here. I can get just about anything I desire, many things shipped in from distant places. If I don't feel like cooking I can step into a restaurant and sit down to a nice meal cooked by someone else, and clean up by someone else. If I'm in a hurry I can order for pick-up, or even delivery. 

I feel so blessed to live in a time of such abundance. I'm thankful for all the farmers, ranchers, producers, pickers, processors, truckers, stockers, clerks and courtesy helpers; all working diligently to bring food to my table. If I had to grow my own I know I'd starve.

The YouTube Neighborhood

Day Eleven - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I am so, so thankful for people who share their skills and hobbies on YouTube. I have learned about a whole bunch of interesting things that I otherwise would never hear of. And the people are fun, creative, knowledgeable, crazy, and personable. For me it's like having a bunch of friends I can visit with each week.

I watch mudlarkers, magnet fishers, quilters, organizers and declutterers, linguists, musicians, litter-pickers, thrifters, actors, comedians, remodelers, builders, farmers, and lawnmowers, historical reenactors and seamstresses, mechanics, and a whole lot more. Some are quirky, some are traditional, all are interesting to me.

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps

Day Ten - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I married an active duty Marine (yes, it should always be capitalized!) and am grateful for the men and women who choose to serve in the military. It is not an easy life, but it is a good life. Four of our five children have served or are currently serving. All four services are represented in our family. But Dad is the longest serving, retiring after twenty-five and a half years of service. 

Today, 10 November 2025 is the Corps' 250th birthday, so Happy Birthday and Semper Fidelis!