November 10th: Today I Am Thankful for Patriotism

 I got to sing "The Star Spangled Banner", see lots of red, white, and blue, hear children singing "You're a Grand Old Flag", and honor our veterans today at school. I feel a sense of patriotism when school employee veterans bring in the flag, when a local veteran that is 94 gets up to speak about World War 2, and when we play a slideshow of all the veterans in our community.

 A group of young students handed out roses to all the veterans. A few got to keep one for themselves.

 I felt proud to wear the red, white, and blue today.

November 9th: I Am Thankful for My Camera

The last few days I have been working on organizing, reorganzing, and backing up my photos from my computer. I have also continued to build a photo album online. As I am organizing and looking back at the hundreds of photos I have taken I am thankful for my camera. I don't have a real fancy dancy camera, but right now it suits me fine. Here are a few of my favorites from the last years' photo albums.

November 8: I Am Thankful for Quiet Time

Yesterday after an inspirational church service I had chores I wanted to get done before the week-end was over. I always set my goal to honor the sabbath, but sometimes weather or time dictate what needs to get done first.

 After some indoor and outdoor chores I grabbed the camera and found just the right light to capture some leaf pictures. Then the sky clouded over, the rain poured down, and JEJ built a fire in the gazebo.

 I was done for the day. I bundled up a bit, grabbed a cold drink, and enjoyed some quiet time with JEJ and our furry family. It sure helped prepare me for greeting Monday head-on today!

November 7th: I Am Thankful for Communion

"Each time you drink this cup, remember me. What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and your actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt." 1 Corinthians 11:26 The Message
 I love Communion Sunday at Garden Valley Church. Today Communion was especially moving. Pastor Shane proceeded this with a sermon on the question "What is Communion?" The point that resonated  with me was him emphasizing that "communion is sharing our faith." As our very full church sat shoulder to shoulder today singing "Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees" and Shane raising his small communion glass in honor of Jesus, it was sharing of the faith. I am thankful for communion.

November 6th: I Am Thankful for Bouquets

Bouquets of flowers always cheer me up. I feel most fortunate when I have flowers I can arrange from my own garden. When I can't I try to find some that will add color and beauty to my surroundings. There is something about a mixture of blossoms, scents, and colors that bring the sunshine in on a cloudy day. I am thankful I have figured out how much flowers help my well-being. I am also thankful I have flowers available to create bouquets.  Here are some of my favorite bouquets from the last year. The one at the top is from today... the flowers  had to be purchased!

November 5th: I Am Thankful for The Absence of Jack Frost

 What a treat to come home November 5th and find cat mint blooming, new buds on roses, and many alyssum plants filling the walk with a fragrant aroma. It creates a nice contrast to have blooming flowers next to golden leaves that have already turned.

I have flower boxes still blooming away and the ground is soft enough to plant bulbs. Thanks Jack Frost for being late this year!