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Ten Things of Thankful: Home, and Home Again

 

Mt. St. Helens, as seen from an airplane 

I love to travel, and I love to be home. This past week, I traveled home--to my parents' home, where so many memories of mine were made. Apparently I took the Utah snow to Oregon, because we ended up being pretty much snowbound most of the week, but the roads were good for the arrival and departure days, so that was appreciated. 

1. I'm thankful for my parents, and for their health. Yes, they are older than they used to be, but aren't we all? It was great to just be able to spend time together, talking, laughing, and reminiscing.

2. I'm thankful for shelter from the elements. My dad designed and built their unique home and we were dry and warm, even when the power went out for a while. 

3. I'm thankful for plants. My mom has a green thumb when it comes to houseplants. She knows their specific light requirements and carefully puts the plants in the best environment. My dad loves to root cuttings of outdoor plants in his indoor greenhouse, and it was nice to see little green leaves coming out. 

4. I'm thankful for animals. Nearly everyday, the neighborhood herd of deer munched their way across my parents' property. 

5. I'm thankful for snow. Big, fluffy flakes of snow are mesmerizing to watch fall, and I spent some time this past week just staring out the windows at my parents' home. I think they got more snow than we did at our house this past week. Speaking of Utah snow: yes, it's the end of February, and yes, having snow in the forecast is getting a little old, but I am so thankful for the moisture. I'll gladly take more snow now if it means that the plants will be a little less thirsty and the drought will be a lessened a bit more. Of course, talk is turning now to how Utah will handle the runoff when the snow starts melting, so hopefully the snow will melt slowly as spring and summer come, so we won't be dealing with massive flooding. However, for now I remain thankful for the moisture. 

6. I'm thankful for all of my children, but my youngest son deserves a shout-out for being our go-to airport chauffeur and dog- and house-sitter while John and I have been gone hither and yon the past couple of months. He drives us at all hours of the day/night and does so with a smile on his face. It's so nice not to have to worry about how things are at home, because we know he's taking care of everything. 

7. I'm thankful for sweet neighbors. My son told us that while we were gone, our neighbors came over to ask about us. They noticed our vehicles hadn't moved in a while and wanted to make sure we weren't sick with covid or something. It's nice to live in a place where neighbors look out for each other. 

8. As much as I have enjoyed being everywhere else, I'm thankful to be home now. 

9. I'm thankful for RootsTech, which is happening this week. In addition to the in-person event, there are also classes that will be held virtually--and it is FREE to attend virtually! So, if you have any interest in family history, check out RootsTech, which has classes for everyone, from the beginner to the professional family historian. 

10. I'm thankful for John. We are having so much fun together--whether we are traveling or home! 

What are you thankful for this week? Leave a comment below, and feel free to write your own post to link up with the Ten Things of Thankful Blog Hop!




Comments

  1. Carin DiazFebruary 26, 2023 at 5:02 PM

    You have very good neighbors and family, especially your Uber-son-pet-dog-watcher all in one.

    ReplyDelete
  2. messymimiFebruary 26, 2023 at 7:12 PM

    I'm thankful to read about your adventures and travels!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2023 at 9:52 AM

    Good to have neighbors who pay attention.
    (Having some issues linking), thank you for the reminder to link to the group
    How cool is this blogosphere? I 'know' your mom, i.e. about the house and the area and the deers and the the trees that shed branches at inopportune time. This, of course, because of her blog... but the 'crossover' between and among those of us who write in the 'sphere.
    We had snow, enough to almost cover the grass and by mid-afternoon Sunday...gone.
    Like that.
    Have a good week.

    ReplyDelete

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