2022 Happy To Be Here

 Even on my days off I try to get up fairly early.  It took me a while to be productive, but my laundry made it into the wash before the rest of the house woke up and that was the goal.  Here are some happy things from this Christmas day: The stockings were overflowing this morning.  There were lots of treats all around.   We had a practical Christmas so things like clothing, closet rods, and kitchen items were happily given and received.  I got something that I didn't know what it was and they had to tell me.  It is a teflon liner for the stove top.  I'm the one who usually cleans the stove top and this should make the job a lot easier.  Yay! We had a big breakfast after presents.  I made the French toast with eggnog and French toast bread.   I heard from my best friend from high school, Bel & Folke, TF, Amy, and other family and friends with holiday wishes.   I finally made the time to do more setup of my n...

Things at work have slowed down so when voluntary time off was offered, I took it. I'm scheduled and still plan to work tonight. The part of me that likes a larger paycheck thinks I should have stayed at work. The part that finished Christmas shopping with Keziah this morning is very happy.  Other happy things from today: In the quiet before everyone else was awake I was able to weave.  I finished weaving on the award for fencing and I started the next one.   The weather outside is frightful. Winds are gusting such that the rain is sometimes horizontal. If this were snow, it would probably be a Blizzard. Gideon loves the rain and was very excited to just listen to it when he woke up this morning. Yesterday I finished watching The Santa Clause 3 . I don't think I had seen that one before. The Santa Clauses is new this year. It is a series and I watched the first two episodes today.   Keziah brought home my last two pieces of pottery.  They are finis...

Happy Winter Solstice! It is Thankful Wednesday. Work gave us food again, breakfast burritos. I'm thankful it was good and that I liked it. Other things I am thankful for: Being greeted by Gideon with a hug when I came home from work today.  I'm thankful for holly, jolly, Christmas movies. I finished watching The Santa Clause 2 after work.  I've finished the initial setup of the new laptop. I need to sit down with both laptops to get all the things I want onto the new one. This might not happen until Christmas.  Only three more work days left in my work week!  This is the last mandatory five day work week for me for a while.  I'm so very thankful for that. Solstice Sunset ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The House in the Cerulean Sea , by TJ Klune. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe

Working strange hours meant I did not get enough sleep last night. I woke up somewhere around three in the morning and couldn't fall back to sleep. The good news is that I should fall asleep easily once I've finished writing this. Other happy things from today: Keziah took me out for a mother-daughter breakfast for my birthday today. We ate and did some errands. It was nice to spend time with her.  In the afternoon my friend, Amy, and I went for a nice walk in the cold. The morning was sunny, but the winds picked up and flurries fell on our walk. It was a nice visit and the cold air was refreshing.  Bel called me to wish me a happy birthday and we got to talk for a little bit. So nice to hear from my youngest. They are in Maryland now and I don’t know when I’ll be able to see them again. Hopefully not too long.  The new laptop that Zed ordered for me arrived today! I have no time today to set it up, hopefully tomorrow after work. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful ...

Right after I parked my car to go to work I got a notification from the company. They were offering voluntary time off. I decided that I would go to work, since I was there already. I went in and saw that there was hardly any work to do and I (and some others) didn't have an assignment. So I put my name onto a list for voluntary time off. I got an assignment and ten minutes later they replaced me and I was out the door. Other happy things from today: I was able to sleep for about three hours before getting up again for the day.  While the family slept, I got some weaving done. I'm very close to having the first of three champion's pieces done.  Crossed fencing swords. When the family was up we made cream of wheat and toast and all had breakfast together.  Since I was home and had slept I was able to go to a craft gathering at Joann's with Keziah and see friends. I embroidered three letter D's to put onto favors.   I also finished putting the backing on ...

A weird thing happened at work today.  I was doing station reset which involves placing large bags onto shelves. While placing one on a top shelf I could see a shadow through the plastic-ish fabric that didn't belong there. Closer inspection revealed a package that someone had zipped between the layers of material of the bag. The package was from August! It has been hiding all this time! Weird, huh? Other happy things from today: One of the first things I do when I get home from work is take my steel toed work shoes off and put on the Adidas slides that TF got me. My back is aching today and this brought back a memory. My dad was a brick mason and wore heavy work boots. When I was little he paid me ten cents to take those boots off when he got home because his back hurt and he didn't want to bend over to do it himself. So, like my dad, my back hurts and changing shoes after work is a good thing. It is a happy memory.  I wonder how much Gideon would charge to take ...

All I want to do is sleep. I worked, came home, ate, did some dishes, and wove a little. All I really wanted most of this time was sleep.  Weaving was my happy place today. Also: Some gift certificates I ordered came in the mail today. My grandson, Gideon, comes to me when Keziah, his mom, isn’t home for things. Today that was an itchy ear. The other day he had a sore thumb. Sometimes it is a joke, but usually his dad gets the jokes. Sleep time for me. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The Raven King , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe

Knowing that I would probably feel better if I went outside, in the freezing cold, even for just a little bit, is not always enough to motivate me. Once I got the motivation, I didn't feel any better after shoveling half the driveway. There was one highlight though, footprints, probably from birds, in the snow. Other happy things from today: Group hugs with Gideon and Keziah. Gideon and I went out shopping together. He is a very helpful young man in the store. He was also very thoughtful as he chose Christmas gifts for some family members. He loves to fidget and found a cool gyroscope in the car. Shopping with my grandson helped to lift my mood, just in time for me to need to get some sleep. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The Raven King , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Only one more night to work this week. Other happy things from today: There is a place called Wrap City that is a small local franchise in New Hampshire. I’ve been to the location in Londonderry, NH but there seems to be eight in all. They have uniquely named wrap sandwiches. Wrap City supplied the sandwiches for work tonight. Unfortunately, I am a picky eater and I couldn't easily figure out what was in the wraps. I didn’t get one, but I did get some of the chips they make there, they were delicious! Yesterday and today I watched the movie, A Christmas Prince . This movie had a huge lie as part of the story line that marred it some for me. Since I have been watching all these Christmas romances, I've decided that I am a sucker for romance. I'll watch the sequel to this movie, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding , next. My daughter Keziah’s van was getting a flat tire fixed today so she was home when I got home from work. She took me out for a Dairy Queen Blizzar...

Thursday is laundry day. I also have Sundays because of my weird schedule and lack of work clothes and masks. One of the first things I do on Thursday is my laundry. I'm happy to say that laundry got done and I can go to sleep soon. Other happy things for today: A gift I ordered arrived today. We are having a practical Christmas so I got something for the family to use in the house. It was heavy and came in a big box so I wrapped it. I'm happy that I got to the box before the family saw it and that I got it wrapped up before anyone saw it. Keziah has been out and about every afternoon when I get home from work so I haven;t seen her since Monday. Today she came home before I went to bed. Hugs from my daughter make me happy. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The Raven King , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy thin...

My grandson, Gideon, has been trying to learn magic tricks with cards. He struggles with the slight of hand, and knows it. I admire that he is trying. He also tries to invent new card games. Other happy things from today: My friend, Amy, had a craft afternoon at her house today for just a few people. Most of us had weaving projects. I didn't get as much done as I wanted, but made some good progress on my loom. It was also good to spend time with friends.  Later, at home the family had leftovers from Thanksgiving, including pie for dessert. The pies are almost gone and I have enjoyed them while we've had them.  We also watched a movie together. Spider-Man: No Way Home was a really good movie that Keziah and I had seen, but Gideon and Zed had not. There was laughter in the beginning of the movie and tears at the end. I like that we watch things together and often discuss them after. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations ...

Happy Thanksgiving!! It was a work day (night?) for me. Because of the holiday, I only had to work until 8:45 this morning instead of 11:50. For some reason, I don't have to work the extra day of Friday this week.  They changed my schedule.  Other things that I am happy for today are: They served us breakfast burritos at work today. Every so often they bring in some outside food for the employees. Being a picky eater, I don't always choose to partake. Today I did and chose an egg, cheese, and potato burrito. It was pretty good.  Hearing from family and friends is always a happy occurrence.  I'm happy to say that my youngest is doing fine today, we texted.  My oldest is also fine, we had a quick call when I couldn't find the cinnamon. In the afternoon, after a short nap, I visited my friend, Amy and her son for a Thanksgiving meal- vegan style. I don't care for mushrooms, so I skipped the turkey substitute, the rest was delicious. I like the vegan green...

It's thankful Wednesday! It is the day before Thanksgiving, the official day of the year for people to be thankful. Isn't it great that we have a day just to show thanks? Here are some things I am thankful for today and always: Family. I love my family, even the relatives that I don't get along well with. The immediate family that I live with though, they are awesome. We look out for each other.  I miss my youngest who is away.  Friends. I am blessed with many friends, some that are chosen family. I see or talk with some much more than others, but they are all special and hold a place in my heart.   Pets. They are an extension of the family. They comfort us, entertain us, and need us. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: Blue Lily, Lily Blue , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

It was a busy day filled with family and friends... and I should have taken more pictures. Here are some happy things from today: Cousins on my dad's side of the family had a small get together this morning. It was really nice to see them for a little while. It had been over a year since we had seen some people. Since we were in the area at this point, we also visited the cemetery where my parents are buried. Today was my mom’s birthday. Next up we had a baby shower to go to. There were games, my favorite was trying to figure out which children's book title that emojis described. There are some that I hadn’t heard of, but it was fun. The parents-to-be got a pile of wonderful gifts and everyone seemed to have a great time. After the shower Keziah, Zed and Gideon had another small party to go to. I went for a walk at the mall with my friend, Amy who was also at the baby shower.   ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurtur...

Yesterday I got the official word that mandatory extended time is starting next week. I will be working four or five days a week until Christmas. Suddenly, this is my last weekend to get things done. I'm not sure if this will change how I blog or not. Here are some happy things: At work they play music loudly and there is machinery making noise. This makes it hard for me to hear what goes on around me. What I saw though were some other employees laughing over something. Sometimes you don't have to be part of something for it to make you happy too, sometimes you just need to witness it.   Rather than the normal movies or shows we tend to watch, tonight was comedy sketch night. Zed and Keziah found shorts from shows like Saturday Night Live to end the evening with a laugh.  Keziah got her hair cut today and got some new gnome frames for her glasses. I had her take some selfies for the blog.  So cute! ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditati...

It is Thankful Wednesday! Here are a few thankful things: Today I am thankful for leftovers. Leftovers take so much of the brain work out of eating. This is especially useful when I am very tired from working all night. Today the leftover was pasta.  I am thankful for online gift registries. Keziah and I were able to order gifts for an upcoming baby shower without being together by browsing the gift registry at the same time and talking on the phone.  I am also grateful that that part of the task is done and I don't have to think about it anymore. One person I am eternally grateful for is my son-in-law, Zed (he let me take a picture of him working). I am thankful to him for letting me live with him, Keziah, and Gideon. He is a wonderful husband for Keziah and father for Gideon. He puts love and a sense of humor into all our lives. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Boryse...

The first snowfall is expected late tonight, just in time for me to go to work. It is supposed to turn into rain before the precipitation is over. I’m not ready. I’m going to do my best to enjoy what I can of this winter, but it will be hard this year. Some happy things from today: Overhearing Gideon, my grandson, practice German I was reminded to practice Spanish.  It is day 1420 on DuoLingo for me! Last week I put an application in for a different position at the company where I work. One of the managers came up to me and told me that the application looked good and she seemed excited for me to have applied. It was thoughtful and kind for her to have done this, I appreciate it. I have the faintest of memories that crept in about milkweed. I think I remember spray painting the empty pods gold with my mom and making Christmas decorations out of them? ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year...

Gideon is happy to be home. Today, watching his happy things made me happy. He opened the back door to watch and hear the rain falling better. He snuggled under many blankets on the comfy coach to get cozy. He snuggled up with the cat, Winston, (and Winston let him) for a few minutes. He came in from taking out the trash and was in love with the smell of fall. It is wonderful to see these joyful things viewed from the eyes of a child. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The Dream Thieves , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Keziah, Zed, and Gideon are home! I picked them up at the airport and we all went out for dinner once we got close to home so Zed’s mom could join us. It sounds like they had a lovely time in Texas. They got to go to the Austin Celtic Festival, a book fair, and a craft thrift type store. One of the interesting things that Keziah started doing with her father involved trying to make some kind of printing press like one from the middle ages. She might go back to work on that more by herself in a few months.  It sounds like they all had a good time. Having a full house again is my happy thing for the day. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The Dream Thieves , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Studying my prerequisite class hasn’t been going as swiftly as I would like. That said, I did move forward today with it and didn’t just let it slide. I’m learning about arrays right now. I hope that if (when?) I get into this class the format will be more engaging. Other than being happy that I have moved forward I am also happy for: Having Zed’s mother around now. With the rest of the family away, it is nice to have someone else in the house too. We both work weird hours so don’t see each other often, but it is still good to not be here completely alone.   The Norway maple tree in the yard still has many leaves and some of the inner leaves are even still green. ☮ Currently reading: Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year , Joan Borysenko. Currently listening to: The Dream Thieves , by Maggie Stiefvater. Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.