Ten Things of Thankful

What a day this has been! There have been hundreds of thousands of young people, some accompanied by their parents, and teachers and leaders who participated in March for Our Lives all over the United States. Those of us who have lived long enough, and/or have read from the history books and the publications or talked to participants and survivors of previous conflicts and marches, can't help but feel the tension and the desire for change. 

It is important to do those things that bring a feeling of hope, and peace into our lives even in the midst of turmoil and even anger seen in the world around us, and maybe especially during those times. For this reason I participate in the Ten Things of Thankful blog hop each week and link my post to Josie Two Shoes site where you can read of ways others are expressing their gratitude.

I am thankful for seasons, and especially for spring, which is a reminder of the hope of new growth and new beginnings.

Five daffodils blooming in front of a wire fence

Blue hyacinths 

A pink and white English daisy in bloom

Oregon grape blossoms looking very much like clusters of small yellow grapes adorned with holly like leaves against a blue sky above a freshly plowed field

Even though we have had some sunny days this Spring, we have also experienced heavy downpours of rain and hail and even woke up one morning to snow that had fallen over night. Spring is full of surprises. 

The snow on top of our car and on the windows didn't melt until noon.

All through the years that we have lived in this area we have enjoyed the drive through a wooded area where fir trees lined the hilly road. When it snowed, it was especially beautiful. With the coming of spring and summer, the growth of ferns, salmon berries, and some patches of  trilliums decorated the woods. Wild columbines in oranges and yellows, wild purple irises and rambling fuchsia colored sweet peas climbing over undergrowth creeping near the edge of the road also brought color into an otherwise green world. I am thankful that I have felt that appreciation for this area, for now there are new plans for this wooded area unknown to me. Perhaps it was long overdue to harvest what started out as a Christmas tree farm. Maybe there are other plans for the land. It could be that there are new owners of the property. I don't know. Time will tell.

The hill on the left side of the road has been mostly cleared of the fir trees. That hillside hasn't seen the light of day for many years, and has been the abode of many deer seeking shelter. The right side of the road is still lined with oaks and fir trees in front of homes.

I'm thankful for homemade chicken soup. I do not fear variations of traditional recipes, so I varied it a little. We liked it, and it is a good thing, because we will be eating it for several days.

Do you ever use something without ever taking the time to learn all there is to know about it? Today I was looking at the little keyboard I use with my iPad and decided to check out the purpose of the tiny row of keys at the top. There are several I will be using frequently now. Once again I am thankful for discovery and new knowledge, even though it may be a small thing.

Do you know someone who lives alone? Maybe you are that one living alone. The other day someone who lives by herself, mentioned how much she appreciated having a hug from her son and how it isn't often she gets hugs. I found myself thinking about that and knowing how much I would miss those hugs from my husband if he were not here. Those in nursing homes thrive from the power of touch from their loved ones and friends. I have found that lightly rubbing my Mom's arm or her back as I visit with her in the nursing  home is one way to show love to her, especially when it is difficult to communicate with her otherwise because of the Alzheimer's. I'm thankful for hugs to give and to receive.