Saturday, May 26, 2018

Ten Things of Thankful

Many are away enjoying a little vacation time with their families because on Monday many who work outside the home get a day off. May they stay safe as they travel and enjoy their activities.

I'm linking my Ten Things of Thankful to Josie Two Shoes' blog hop as usual. I so appreciate the time she puts in to keeping this blog hop functioning through her encouraging words. The interesting thing is to see is how different we all are, but still the same in that we express thanks for the things we notice, hear, and experience. Through that expression, our eyes seem to be opened more to this world around us and the people in it.


 

1.  I am thankful for those who gave their lives while serving in active duty in the military. I am also grateful for those who suffered the rest of their lives from injuries and flashbacks as a result of their service in the military. They paid a huge price for their service.

2. Rhododendron, azalea and peony gardens. My husband and I were able to explore a very old rhododendron and azalea garden last weekend. In all the years we have lived in the state, this garden was a new one to us. The same day we visited a peony garden which I have been to before, but my husband had not. I never tire of seeing beautiful flowers.


Beautiful fuchsia pink peony petals with salmon and watermelon pink center stamens

Graveled pathway that takes visitors under and through large rhododendrons and azaleas 

3. Sharing the work. There was an opportunity to get together with some friends this week to do some weeding for someone who is not able to keep up with all the weed pulling. I was thankful that I was able to assist in small ways and let others who were more agile do what I could not. I love the camaraderie that is there when people work together to help someone.

4. A good report after my yearly appointment with my dermatologist this week!

5. Free strawberries. A friend and her family picked strawberries today for a non-profit organization that connects with local farmers and backyard growers so that food doesn't go to waste. Half of what is picked is given to an organization that distributes the food to those in need and the other half is taken home by the pickers. Their family picked a lot of berries, so she let it be known that if anyone wanted some of the berries to contact her. I was able to bring home some to eat fresh and had enough to share. These berries are so delicious! I'm thankful for the generosity of others.

6. A list of favorite restaurants at the coast. A friend put out a request on Facebook for people's favorite restaurants at the coast. She had a fantastic response, so thanks to her inquiry I also now have a long list of places to try when we get over that way again. We have had kind of had a tradition of eating at the same places, so it will be fun to try some of the recommendations of others.

7. Old-time piano music. It is as much fun to listen to as to watch.




8. Being able to identify weeds. This week as my husband and I were trying to identify a plant, I found a great resource for identifying weeds in our area. I like it because it shows the plants in their various stages of growth. 

9. Food carts. There is a place that is growing in popularity where  many food carts are doing business. The last time I had stopped there the number of food carts was about three or maybe four. Now the number has tripled or more. No matter what your food tastes are, you are bound to find something that you like. There are plenty of tables in the shade that makes it quite enjoyable to eat there when the weather heats up. About seven of us met there this week to enjoy lunch and visiting together.

10. Going to the temple. A friend offered me a ride to the temple this week. It was nice to be able to ride up with someone and to be able to take someone else too who had never been there. It is so peaceful inside the temple and the grounds around the temple are especially beautiful this time of year when so many flowers are in bloom. A Visitor's Center is there too where people can ask questions and learn more. 

Portland Oregon Temple


8 comments:

  1. hey, thanks for that Weed Guide link. It lets us put a name on the plant.* Pretty darn impressive photography! (And I like the links within the descriptions for further reference,

    *we have very... liberal views on weeds. Your guide put a name on one of the plants that showed up out of nowhere, a Canadian thistle... very prehistoric and aggressive in appearance but the oddest blue flowers. (I mowed around it). We also are fond of wild grasses.
    The invasive growth plants are less welcome as part of what they (appear) to do is kill and replace the resident lawn.

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    1. We have a liberal view of native plants (some of which might be considered weeds) that invite butterflies and hummingbirds.
      The Canadian thistle can be a real pain, literally. If you let them go to seed, you will have many generations of them.
      I have been enjoying experimenting with my camera.

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  2. Flowers are wonderful, i never get tired of them, either. Unfortunately, i cannot grow things to save my life. Right now i am cat sitting and plant watering for some friends on vacation, and he tried to show me how to weed, too. He needs to just be glad if the plants don’t commit suicide under my care!

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    1. Your comment made me laugh. I imagine it might have caused you to smirk a little when you were given instructions about weeding.

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  3. We spent hours yesterday culling garden centers for just the right annuals for our pots. I can't wait to share photos next week. There is much balance in your post this week. Caring, sharing and enjoying. Have a great week.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed my TTOT. It really did feel like a fairly balanced week for me. Can't wait to see your photos next week.

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  4. An eclectic, beautiful, helpful TToT this week, Pat.
    The pictures are great as always. Love the garden path pic in particular. Both the peony picture and the picture of the Temple would look fabulous as a wall poster.
    Fresh, hand picked strawberries. Nothing like them! Rarely have I tasted a strawberry from the grocery store or market that tasted like the ones freshly picked. A co-worked went strawberry picking this weekend. My fingers are crossed she brings some in to work tomorrow :D
    Big congrats on the clear report from your Derm. Excellent.
    Small gestures. They go a long way :)
    Fun music. It does make you smile!

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    1. Thanks.
      I've been considering making some greeting cards using some of my photos. The one of the temple was downloaded from the church site which you can find by clicking the link.
      Oh, I hope your co-worker does share some fresh strawberries with you. The only way I could possibly pick strawberries any more would be if they were planted in fairly high raised bed planters.

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