The image above says simply "I am grateful" in hand-printed black lettering on a white background. At the top and bottom of the vertically oriented rectangle there is a wide border of Christmas greenery pointing inward, along with red berries and pinecones, all frosted with snow. The image source is unknown.
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Christmas has come and gone for another year, and I have to admit that I am always thankful for that. I had a nice Christmas, but it is just a very emotional time for me and for many. Today life returns to normal routine, well... almost!
I am delighted to report that Smoky, one of our outside feral boys who has been with us since last June, finally got brave enough (and chilly enough) this morning to come into the house and discover how warm and cozy it is inside. He has made himself right at home and is behaving so nicely, which is surprising for a cat that has no idea about things in a house. He is used to being submissive to the more dominant feral male outside, so has not bothered our four furkids at all. They were very cautious at first, but are going about their normal routines tonite as he naps peacefully on the cushion in the rocking chair. He is a snuggler and has been on my lap much of the day, even belly up for rubs, which is amazing considering how much trust it requires. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about him being out in the cold any longer. I am thankful that Papa Bear understands. I am thankful that I was able to find a low-cost neuter clinic and he has an appointment first thing in the morning. He isn't going to love the carrier, the car ride, or the experience, but it's definitely best for him and he will be able to recover inside, and potentially stay as an inside cat if he wants to. :-)
I am thankful for the fun time that Papa Bear and I had in San Angelo this past weekend. We ended up leaving home on Friday night so that we would be able to have all of Saturday and Saturday night to enjoy there, returning home on Sunday afternoon. We ate good food, spent a wonderful couple hours at nearby Lake Nasworthy in the beautiful sixty degree weather... seeing deer, wild turkeys, and John finding some live mistletoe! :-) Saturday night we drove through their Christmas lights display along the banks of the Concho River. It was so pretty with all the displays being reflected in the calm water of the river. We were so thankful for the perfect weather and the time shared!
I am thankful that both of my kids had good Christmases with their partners, were appreciative of the gifts they received, and called to visit with us and brighten our Christmas Day! I am thankful that everyone was well for Christmas, since flu, colds and bronchitis have been making the rounds. I am thankful that both of my sisters had good Christmas gatherings with their families too. Lots of happy memories made, a nice way to wrap up the year.
I am thankful that some of my friends who really struggle with Christmas have made it through recent weeks and even managed to have some fun times with friends and share a little in the spirit. That's what we do in life, we make the best of things and try to stay focused on the good.
This coming Saturday marks the 8th anniversary of my father's death. I miss him, but I am thankful that he passed quickly and without suffering. That was a blessing, as he was so opposed to ending his life in a nursing home. As it was he never reached that level of need. God is merciful and loving.
Always and above all, I am thankful for my Papa Bear, the one who makes everything good and fun, takes care of us and the house and the cars, loves our furkids as much as I do, and is so kind and caring. This week we celebrated out tenth Christmas together... he is one of the answered prayers/miracles in my life.
Blessings to you in the final days of this year... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
I am delighted to report that Smoky, one of our outside feral boys who has been with us since last June, finally got brave enough (and chilly enough) this morning to come into the house and discover how warm and cozy it is inside. He has made himself right at home and is behaving so nicely, which is surprising for a cat that has no idea about things in a house. He is used to being submissive to the more dominant feral male outside, so has not bothered our four furkids at all. They were very cautious at first, but are going about their normal routines tonite as he naps peacefully on the cushion in the rocking chair. He is a snuggler and has been on my lap much of the day, even belly up for rubs, which is amazing considering how much trust it requires. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about him being out in the cold any longer. I am thankful that Papa Bear understands. I am thankful that I was able to find a low-cost neuter clinic and he has an appointment first thing in the morning. He isn't going to love the carrier, the car ride, or the experience, but it's definitely best for him and he will be able to recover inside, and potentially stay as an inside cat if he wants to. :-)
I am thankful for the fun time that Papa Bear and I had in San Angelo this past weekend. We ended up leaving home on Friday night so that we would be able to have all of Saturday and Saturday night to enjoy there, returning home on Sunday afternoon. We ate good food, spent a wonderful couple hours at nearby Lake Nasworthy in the beautiful sixty degree weather... seeing deer, wild turkeys, and John finding some live mistletoe! :-) Saturday night we drove through their Christmas lights display along the banks of the Concho River. It was so pretty with all the displays being reflected in the calm water of the river. We were so thankful for the perfect weather and the time shared!
I am thankful that both of my kids had good Christmases with their partners, were appreciative of the gifts they received, and called to visit with us and brighten our Christmas Day! I am thankful that everyone was well for Christmas, since flu, colds and bronchitis have been making the rounds. I am thankful that both of my sisters had good Christmas gatherings with their families too. Lots of happy memories made, a nice way to wrap up the year.
I am thankful that some of my friends who really struggle with Christmas have made it through recent weeks and even managed to have some fun times with friends and share a little in the spirit. That's what we do in life, we make the best of things and try to stay focused on the good.
This coming Saturday marks the 8th anniversary of my father's death. I miss him, but I am thankful that he passed quickly and without suffering. That was a blessing, as he was so opposed to ending his life in a nursing home. As it was he never reached that level of need. God is merciful and loving.
Always and above all, I am thankful for my Papa Bear, the one who makes everything good and fun, takes care of us and the house and the cars, loves our furkids as much as I do, and is so kind and caring. This week we celebrated out tenth Christmas together... he is one of the answered prayers/miracles in my life.
Blessings to you in the final days of this year... Look for reasons to be thankful in your life, and remember to be a blessing to someone else!
* Descriptions of the included photos are being provided for those who may be unable to view the illustrations.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It’s wonderful that you and your whole family had good times to share.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your thankfuls. I am so happy about Smoky. Sorry I didn't get to do the fill-ins this week, I will be back to doing them Saturday. XO
ReplyDeleteThe holidays can be difficult for so many people for so many reasons. I find this week in between Christmas and New Year's to be one filled with all sorts of emotion and disarray. I'm ready to get back to a routine.
ReplyDeleteGood to read your list! It's been a long while since I poked around in these parts.
Hope your holidays were peaceful and the year ahead brings lovely things!
I'm glad you and your family had a nice Christmas. I struggle this time of year too. You'll be in my thoughts this Saturday. It's hard losing those we love at any time, but Christmas time brings an added pain I feel. It sounds like your husband is a huge.blessing in your life, which is nice to hear :)
DeleteMerry Christmas and glad the cat can come in out of the cold. It is record level frigid here lately and I feel bad having my dog out for even a little while.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely weekend away. Christmas lights reflecting on the water sounds divine.
I'm late in commenting, but wish you a happy New Year!
ReplyDelete