November 11

I decided to try out this scarf pattern a few days ago, and this morning, I finished it.

I'm not huge on individual selfies because they're really not my speed, but I do like this one, both because I think I look okay, and because it's an accurate depiction of my new scarf. (Which is sparkly, if you can't tell. Gotta have some extra glitter this time of year. Actually, strike that last remark because any time calls for more glitter.)

So today I'm thankful that the pattern worked out for me. And I'm thankful for the many blessings I enjoy that make me smile every single day.

November 10

Since Veteran's Day is tomorrow, Larry was outside the Mother Ship bright and early this morning distributing poppies and hearty greetings to patrons.

It was chilly out, so at one point he came inside and settled into a chair across from me. I asked --as I've done numerous times before-- if I could get him a coffee or tea, and he --as he has many times before-- declined. (He's something of a regular on military-related holidays so our schtick is well-tested.)

After some chit-chat, he ambled toward the register to purchase his tea, but before he could get there, this woman stopped him and slipped him a gift card. He tried to decline, but she was insistent. A moment later, I approached the woman, handed her a dollar, and told her that I'd been trying to buy him a drink for years so I wanted to be part of her gesture. She initially tried to say no, but eventually accepted with a smile and said that she'd wanted to donate to Larry's cause but didn't have cash. (He collects for the American Legion.)

It was a lovely chain of events that put the better parts of humanity on display. So for that, I am grateful.

November 9

No big observations today; some days are like that, I've found. And that's just fine with me.

I had my usual Wednesday Starbucks date with Brady this morning: coffee for me, a cookies and cream cake pop for him. Ice water for both of us. And lots of chit-chat and a few giggles. 

So for another precious pre-school get-together with my always-growing baby, I am thankful.

November 8

Sometimes it's fun to just be silly.

So as Adam and I were leaving Cattlemens tonight after dinner, I darted over to a nearby statue inside the restaurant. I waved Adam over and took a selfie. Just because I could.

Yep, silliness is fun. And dinner out with my hunny is fun, too. So I am thankful.

November 7

There are many things that I appreciate about my friend Terry, but one of my favorites is her willingness to listen to and consider new perspectives.

For example, even though she wasn't raised with any exposure to religion, she's always receptive to what I say when I talk about my own faith and even asks questions sometimes. And she knows and appreciates that it's important to me.

So much so, in fact, that she stitched this sweet little box and gave it to me this morning at the Mother Ship. 

It was a lovely gesture from a lovely person. I am grateful for her and her good heart and for our friendship.

November 6

It was an eventful Sunday.

At church this morning, I had the honor of formally welcoming our new pastor to the pulpit. As I stood off to the side with the mic in my hand waiting to speak, I actually had no idea what to say, so I whispered a silent prayer to God asking for the words. And a sense of peace washed over me as I spoke, because I know He granted that request, just like He granted our sincere prayers for a new leader. (Just for the record, Abby was watching online from Wheaton and sent me this screenshot for posterity's sake.) 

Then following a quick pit-stop at home for lunch and wardrobe changes, we loaded into Adam's truck and set off for Brady's last baseball game of the season. At some point during the drive, we heard a series of clunks come from the undercarriage. We didn't think much of those ominous sounds until we turned into the parking lot at the ballfield a few minutes later and the front right tire made a horrible grinding noise. I got out and looked and saw that the wheel was bent inward. Adam wound up missing much of the game (which saw Brady double, walk, and homer as well as pitch a solid inning... but more on that later) as he called a tow truck and returned home to pick up my car. We're not sure what happened, but we're thankful that we didn't wind up stranded (and that we have AAA). As Adam mused, the truck stopped moving at just the perfect time, so I'm grateful for that. (Even if the threat of a potential repair bill does stink.)

Finally, after the game, we went to Brady's team party at Mountain Mike's (which is a pizza place, for those not familiar). We asked for and received access to Brady's stats for the season, and wow, they were incredible. The short version is that he batted a whopping .900 and was the only kid who pitched in every single game. His coach addressed each player with personal remarks, and when he got to Brady, he said he wanted 10% of his second contract when he makes it to MLB (because the second contract is always the better deal). Brady (like Isaac) has always been a great player and it's been amazing to see him shine like we've always known he could.

So yes, some small troubles aside, there was much to celebrate today. So I will go to bed with a very thankful heart.

November 5

When the latter months of the year roll around, I commonly lament the lack of Actual Fall in California (because it doesn't exist). 

I do, however, concede that there are some trees that have color-changing leaves, like this one that's in our yard. I was sitting in the family room this morning and spent quite a few minutes just gazing at those orange- and yellow-dappled branches.

The sight filled me with a sense of contentment. I may not have the full-blown Fall seasons of my childhood here, but at least I have this tree, right where I can see it.