Tuesday, February 09, 2016

Things for which I'm thankful

1.  I finally used my common sense and started getting outside and going for a walk in spite of knees that are worn out.  I walk slowly.  I walk less often.  Yes, my knees might be a little more achy the day after, but they get over it.  It's so wonderful to be able to get out there in nature again.  The lesson is this:  Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself because you can't do things as often or in the same manner you once did; just do what you can, when you can.  You might surprise yourself.

2.  My knees.  Yes, they remind me often of their presence, but I have learned that when I'm having a "bad knee day", the best thing I can do is remember what good and faithful servants they have been to me for seventy-one years (I do take a Tylenol, of course).  I remember the fields and hills I wandered in Taylor County, Iowa, and Harrison County, Missouri, when I was a child and know these knees have served me well.  Not to mention the jobs I've worked where I was on my feet walking, day after day:  National Bellas Hess, Whitaker Cable, Beckner's Orchard, Kohl's Distribution Center.  I had sit-down jobs too, through the years, but I always preferred working on my feet, standing and walking!  
And then there was all the walking I did for exercise almost every day from 1980 right up to 2014.  I loved every minute of it. 

3.  The ease of obtaining wonderful books to read at no cost.  As a non-driver, I am especially thankful for the way I can check out library books while sitting at home in my easy chair.  Not only that, I have ways of finding out which books I will likely enjoy before I check them out.  I often check the New York Times Best Seller page online to see what others are reading, and this helps a lot.  I frequently look at the lists from previous years, since a good book is timeless. 
On the same topic, I'm thankful for devices that, when I'm reading, allow me to find the definition of a word simply by holding my finger on it; or to change the size of the print, when necessary, for my aging eyes.  
By the way, at present I'm reading an outstanding book, "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd.  

4.  All the wonders of the Internet.  There's no need to list the ways in which I'm thankful for the World Wide Web.  

5.  That the oldest grandson bought this property, releasing us from a lot of concerns and cares.
  
6.  For the little girl we've been babysitting for over two years.  It has been an ideal situation for a couple of old folks.  It's mostly four-day weeks, so we have three-day weekends free to make plans.  If we want to go off someplace for a week, Cora's mother is only too happy to take her to Iowa for a visit with Grandma and all the other relatives up there; if we want a vacation, we just have to say the word.  Not to mention what a ray of sunshine that little girl is, especially during the cold, gray, shut-in days of winter that used to drag on endlessly.  

OK, I know it isn't Thanksgiving.  But today I am feeling so grateful for all I have, I just couldn't hold it in a minute longer.  I could go on, but then everybody would get bored and stop reading.  

Keep on the sunny side, folks.  It makes life so much easier.


6 comments:

  1. I am with you on that we should be thankful every day. I do Thank God every day that I have another day, that my children and grandchildren are ok. The list could go on and on. I too have crabby knees but enjoy my time on the treadmill most days :-) It's too cold and icy to walk outside here in Northern MN but I cannot wait til the Spring thaw starts and I can get out walking on the dirt road again. Thanks for a good reminder post for me! Wendy.
    P.S. Did you get the fence pieces you ordered for you Little People barn set? I am nosy you know..ha ha!

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  2. It's been a while since I have checked in around here... I am sorry to hear you are having problems with your knees, but very appreciative of your positive outlook. What a good reminder! Take care of yourself.

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  3. Yes Wendy, I bought four fence pieces. I also bought a cute pig pen with a wallow and pond and apple tree and it came with one fence piece.

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  4. The Internet truly does bring the world to our door. I never fully realized it until I moved here to the wilderness. It's amazing.

    As a lifelong pessimist, it's always good for me to be reminded to focus on the positive.

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  5. Being thankful is for every day and so I love this post! Life (and our bodies) do change and adapting is the way that we stay happy. Invention of Wings is one of my favorite books. I had to read it for Book Club and loved every minute of it. Such a beautifully written book.

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  6. Loved seeing your thankful list. I add to mine every day.

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