Ten Things of Thankful: Weekend Road Trips

Yellow lab Drexel, wearing his booties, walks on a leash down a sidewalk

After months of almost always working 6-day weeks, John has taken time off the past two weekends and we've made some great road trips. Last weekend we witnessed the culmination of years of hard work by our oldest son, as we watched him graduate from his medical residency program. I'm so proud of him, not only because he achieved his goal, but also because he has a compassionate soul. Although he will be joining a private practice, he will also be regularly showing up at soup kitchens to provide medical care to those who are living on the streets. That street medicine program is one that he enjoyed participating in during his residency and he is so excited to continue. 

1. I'm thankful we could celebrate with our son and that some of our other children could also attend the festivities. I love spending time with my family.

Although we have been very fortunate to have competent, reliable dog sitters for Drexel, I've felt bad for the hours that he is alone between visits. Between the ridiculous summer heat in the high desert of California and the fact that there are several more upcoming times that would require Drexel to be alone for hours at a time, we decided to take Drexel back to Utah to stay with our son in our home until John's job is done and we return to Utah. We made the drive from California to Utah on the 4th of July. We left early in the morning to attempt to beat the heat. The big thermometer in Baker read 91 degrees at 7:30 in the morning when we drove by, so I'm very glad we got an early start.

2. I'm thankful that our son and his girlfriend are willing to help us watch our house and Drexel while we are gone. That has made this experience so much easier.

3. I'm thankful the drive to (and from) Utah was uneventful and comfortable.

Although I've been home to Utah a couple of times since moving to California, this was John's first trip back. It was so nice to have him there with me. The evening of the 4th, we sat outside in our backyard and watched the various fireworks that were going off all across the valley. 

4. I'm thankful for the freedoms we have in this country.

5. I'm thankful to be able to view the celebrations from the comfort of our own backyard.

Friday morning, I took Drexel on an early-morning walk with my neighborhood friend.  During that walk, we observed a hot air balloon festival in the distance. I always love catching up with her and look forward to getting back to our regular walking routine when John and I return to Utah for good.

6. I'm thankful for my friend.

After the walk, I was able to take care of a few errands. 

7. I'm thankful most of those tasks could be completed with phone calls and emails, and that the other one was quickly completed in person.

Friday afternoon, John and I took our son and daughter and visited with John's parents for a while. We had a nice time together, enjoying each other's company and a tasty homemade pie that John's dad made.

8. I'm thankful for family.

Both Friday and Saturday, John and I spent some time in our backyard, observing the growth of the plants we have put in, and pulling the weeds that we didn't. John also checked on the sprinkler system and made a couple of fixes. 

9. I'm thankful to see the trees and flowers growing. The peach tree is loaded with peaches this year, the raspberries and producing well, and even the volunteer cherry tree next to the driveway is giving a bumper crop for the first time. 

Red ripe cherries grow in clusters on a tree

Saturday night, we went to the Saratoga Springs Temple. We had attended the open house, but this was our first time worshipping there. It is a beautiful temple. 

10. I'm thankful for the temple and being able to attend with John.

This morning, we left Utah about 4 a.m. to beat the heat and the traffic. Our plan worked, and we were able to arrive back to our rented house in California this afternoon. We've enjoyed our weekend road trips. I can't say I'm ready to get back to the California summer, but I am thankful for a swamp cooler and a pleasant house here, and time passes quickly, so the double-digit temperatures will return again soon.

How was your week? What are you thankful for?