Not quite 365 days of gratitude

This is the last of last year’s 365 days of gratitude post, being written this morning because last night I was having fun with friends and had neither the time nor inclination to write.

I didn’t quite get to 365 – this is only the 357th post, so there must have been a few days when for reasons now forgotten I didn’t write one.

I started these posts last New Year’s Day because 2017 had been an annus horriblis for reasons which weren’t mine to write about and I knew last year would also have more steep mountains to climb and deep valleys to traverse.

It did. But it also had love and support from, and fun with, family and friends; our daughter’s wedding; travel, and excitement as well as the ordinary days when it wasn’t hard to count my blessings.

In the last few weeks I’ve had several unexpected reminders that almost everyone has tough times for a whole variety of reasons.

But I’ve also had reminders of the inner resources and outside support that enable most of us to not only deal with the challenges but to make the most of life in spite of, and sometimes, because of them.

So here’s to 2019, may it be kind to you and yours.

 

 

 

365 days of gratitude

We joined several thousand people at the Kurow races today.

The dress code went from fully frocked-up flash to shorts and jandals summer casual.

My first and only bet was on a horse that finished towards the rear of the field but I was happy to consider the $20 it cost as the price of entertainment.

The crowd was good natured, entertainment was provided for children, and families were having fun.

It was a good, country race day and I’m grateful for the fun it provided.

 

 

365 days of gratitude

Our one year-old great-niece is visiting.

Her delight in new discoveries like bumping down the stairs on her bottom, climbing up a pipeworks slide her father made for her and throwing a ball for the dog is contagious and for that I”m grateful.

365 days of gratitude

Domestic duties don’t feature high on my list of favourite things to do but I do get pleasure from having done them.

Tonight I’m grateful for the satisfaction of jobs ticked off the domestic to-do list.

365 days of gratitude

A friend was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. The initial outlook was bleak but the prognosis is looking better now.

I phoned for a catch up with him and his wife yesterday and during the conversation we got on to Cucina, one of our favourite restaurants and decided to go together tonight.

Over delicious food, with the warm and efficient service we always get, we chatted, laughed and reminisced.

TOnight I’m grateful for good food, good company and good friends.

365 days of gratitude

Boxing Days is one of my favourites.

The rush and bustle in the lead up to Christmas is behind me; there’s enough food left over from yesterday to require little in the way of meal preparations and there’s at least one Christmas gift to read.

Today I’m grateful for a day of walking and reading.

365 days of gratitude

This has been a memorable Christmas Day in a very positive way.

It was celebrated with extended family, with more than enough food, singing and lots of laughter.

I left everyone for an hour this afternoon to officiate at a wedding. Only the couple and I knew it was going to happen until an hour before the service when the bride and groom told their parents and siblings who were all with them.

The simplicity and sincerity of the words they chose to make their commitment to each other, carried a powerful message to all of us there of the importance of family and the gift of love.

Today I’m grateful for celebrations of family and love.