Ten Things of Thankful

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Cotoneaster bush with red berries

1. Weather forecasts

To know what the winter weather may have in store for us makes it easier to know how much preparation we might need to do before it actually hits.

2. Winter preparations

Since we live at a slightly higher elevation than some people in the area and have a well supplying the water we need, that requires some preparation that is not required of those living in the city. During some of that preparation I was doing one day this week, I discovered a very small opening in the pump house that explained why we had seen and trapped a couple of mice in there this summer. With a little caulking I was able block the entrance. I also discovered the light bulb we sometimes need to turn on in the pump house during freezing weather needed replacing,  so I was able to check my supply of light bulbs of that wattage while I was at it. Before the first anticipated freeze I’ll store the garden hoses and turn off the water supply to the outside faucets and drain those lines.

3. Concern and honesty shown by others

A young man who has a company that does lawn care and exterior care comes frequently to take care of things we are unable to do. He was scheduled to come this week, but notified us the evening before to let us know that a family member/employee had become very sick with the flu that night. Since he had been working with him all day the previous day and was not sure but what the individual had COVID rather than the flu and wouldn’t know until  he got tested he wanted to ask us if we would prefer if didn’t come this week.  We appreciated his honesty and concern for our well being, and decided to not have him come this week.

4. Cotoneaster berries

This time of year the cotoneaster berries turn bright red. Since we enjoy seeing the birds that come to our property, I am glad there is something for them to eat. I am also thankful that this is one plant the deer do not eat.

5. Homemade stews and soups

With the change of the weather, I am enjoying making and eating more stews and soups which I know are healthier for us than some of store-bought brands which have more salt in them. The homemade versions have almost no salt because I use no-salt seasonings instead.

6. Vacuums

A few years ago we received a gift of a robot vacuum which was a great gift, because pushing an upright vacuum around increased the pain I was experiencing at the time. When I am not in the midst of a flare up, by using the upright vacuum I am able to get the job done faster. I am thankful that I was able to use the upright vacuum this week, and not cause any aggravation to my body in the process of cleaning the house. (IMHO If one has a lot of wide open spaces in the home, it is easier for the robot to complete the job quicker, since it doesn't get confused by chair legs, etc., otherwise the robot kind of needs a sitter to make sure it is doing what it is supposed to be doing.)

7. Advancements in required dental hygienist supplies

A younger dental hygienist cleaned my teeth this week. I was impressed that she was wearing what I learned are called dental loupes with a light. (Physicians often wear something similar when doing surgical procedures. With the light shining on the targeted area, the loupes provide the magnification needed to see to perform the surgery.) She explained that all the students studying to become dental hygienists now are required to get this kind of equipment. I will say that I don’t think my teeth have ever been so thoroughly cleaned and polished, nor as gently cleaned.

8. Rays of sunshine

With the changing seasons, the streams of light coming into our home strike certain areas that kind of remain in the shadows other times of the year. However, with those areas being revealed by the light, I can no longer ignore the fact that the cobwebs probably have existed even when they were not as easily seen, but now my target is visible and they can't escape.

9. Bananas

This is the one kind of fruit that is always in our fruit basket and I am not sure I have ever given thanks for this great source of potassium. 😀

10. Vic,  family and friends

Dyanne of Backsies Is What There Is Not
is the host of the blog hop
Ten Things of Thankful

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