Small and Wonderful Things . . .

 

"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny? It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. What you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard 

 A few of the small and wonderful things which bring untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.

 

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We had a weekend of beautiful weather and beautiful skies for the most part. Things are greening up.  Glenna's Daffodils are blooming. It was still a bit chilly, but when the sun shines, it doesn't matter to me. Just grateful for bright skies, singing birds and the evening chorus of peepers.

 

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So grateful that they were able to get Eileen's bleeding under control the other day. She's been having her "monthly" (as she calls it) for two weeks now.  I think she may need another course of the meds to really help things sort themselves out. I will talk to her CSS worker and get her to call her doctor, perhaps.

 

Cindy and I took a run up to Pelton's farm on Saturday morning before we went grocery shopping. Not only do they have chicken and eggs, grass fed ground beef and other locally produced organic goods, but they have the most beautiful baked products. I got a loaf of their brown bread, which is so, so, so good. Then on Sunday morning Cindy went back and got us each a loaf of their white bread. Made in small quantities and so fresh.  So delicious. I also picked up a package of their Raspberry Swirl Shortbread cookies and some butter tarts. Cindy got a loaf of their onion bread and we each had a slice of that with our supper last night and it was beautiful too. Their baked goods just fly off their small shelves. Quality and baked in small lots. It doesn't get much better and the prices are not too over the top.

Fresh bread and butter  . . .  its a good thing as Martha would say.

 

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Sunday night suppers with the family. Last night Cindy made Swiss Steak.  Eileen was thrilled. She has not had Swiss Steak in a long time. We enjoyed that with mashed potatoes and green beans and then we had strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert. The food was delicious, but the company was even better. I love my family very much. I am so grateful to be included.

 

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Sunday morning church. I love going to church on Sundays.  I don't always feel like getting dressed up and going out, but I always end up feeling blessed for doing so. Communing with the Saints, partaking of the sacrament, remembering and honoring the Savior in this special way. It's all good and always gets my week off to the perfect beginning.

 

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A sister who is not just family but who is also my best friend on earth. I am so blessed.  We often squabbled when we were teenagers, but we also got long very well despite the squabbles. We had each other's backs. I am so grateful for our close relationship and the love we have for each other. 

I am grateful for my brother also. I may not say it very often, but I am. He is a good, good man, who would do anything for anyone. A kind man.  I also love him very much.

Great siblings. The best gifts my parents ever gave to me.

 

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I am grateful for the time I've had to spend with our father since I returned to Canada.  I never thought I would ever see him again, so this has been a great blessing to me. I don't get to do a lot for him as majority of his care falls within my sister's remit, and to be honest I am not fit enough to do a lot, but when I am able to do something for him I am really happy to do it. And to spend time with him when I can. I notice he is getting a bit more confused. I suppose that is natural at his age. Yesterday at supper he was mistaking Eileen for Cindy and Cindy for me, etc. I also love him very much.

I have times when I miss England with all of my heart. I loved living there, but I am so grateful to be here with my family. If I could have both, well, that would be heaven on earth.

 

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I wish that I could. My gardening days are long gone now. I have many fond memories of growing things for my family off and on through the years. Corn, peas, beans, peppers, squash, pumpkins, carrots, broccoli, onions, potatoes, etc. I don't know how it works, but for some unknown reason food that you have grown yourself always tastes better. It's hard work, but its worth all of the back breaking labor.

It may be that we will have to go back and do things like they did in WW2. Every yard turned into a garden that produces food for people. There are far worse things.

I am filled with gratitude each and every day of my life and all that I invite into it. Perhaps you truly have to lose it all in order to really appreciate what you have. Faith, family, friends, pets, home, etc. Roses from ashes. Color me blessed.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*If happiness had a smell

it would be the windows 

open after a long winter.

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。*  

Sharing a delicious Chicken & Corn Chowder in the kitchen today. This is something I have been making for my family for eons. Simple, hearty and delicious.

I hope your week ahead is filled to overflowing with small and wonderful things. It's the little things in life which truly matter most.  Whatever your week brings to your table, don't forget!

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And I do too!