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Ten Things of Thankful: Birthdays and Glowing Skies Edition

 

13 year old yellow lab, Drexel, looks into the camera

It's been quite the eventful week, so let's dive right into the list!

1. Granddaughter #5 (aka grandchild #7) was born on Sunday afternoon. I haven't met her in person yet, but from what I can tell from the photos I've received, she's adorable. I'm thankful for grandchildren.

2. Drexel turned 13 years old on Tuesday. That is in human years, so he is more a sweet old gentleman than an energetic teen. I'm thankful for Drexel.

3. Tuesday was also Veteran's Day here in the United States, which was a chance to remember those who served our country--including both of my grandfathers, who served in World War II. One grandpa was in the Navy in the Pacific, and the other served in the Army stateside as an Army postal worker. I'm thankful for veterans.

My dad's dad, in his Navy uniform


My mom's dad, making his rounds on his mail carrier bicycle.

4. Also Tuesday, I was able to cross something off my bucket list: seeing the Northern lights with my own eyes, without the help of a camera. I had heard about the solar flare, and that there was a chance the aurora borealis would be overhead in Utah that night, so John and I drove away from the city lights and were rewarded for our effort. It was so cool to see the colors, and the photos only enhanced what was visible to our eyes. I'm thankful for the beautiful skies.

The dancing red lights of the aurora borealis at Jordanelle State Park near Park City, Utah

5. Wednesday I did a responsible, grown-up thing, and got my annual flu shot. I'm thankful for good health.

6. Also Wednesday, I picked up clothing donations from a local store, which I then sorted through and made available to foster families. I'm thankful that there are many ways to help others, and that something that is easy for me to do can make a difference.

7. Thursday I had an appointment with the optometrist. As I suspected, my prescription has changed. I'm thankful for glasses, and I'm really looking forward to my new ones being ready for pick-up.

8. Every year, a local used bookstore has a reading challenge with, I think, 40 different book categories. Readers who complete the challenge earn a gift certificate to the store. Every year, I start off with a bang, then life gets in the way and although I read, I don't complete the challenge. This year, I'm 1-1/2 books away from completing the challenge. I think I'm going to make it! I'm thankful for books. 

9. Last night, John and I had a double date with our son and his girlfriend. We went to a nearby escape room and thanks to the fact that 4 heads are better than 2, we escaped with 26 minutes to spare! I'm thankful for fun times spent with loved ones. 

10. Today, we (John, me, our son, and his girlfriend) spent time raking leaves and cleaning up the yard. Later today, John and I are going to a wedding reception for our friends' daughter, then we're off to the Brigham Young University football game. I'm thankful for John. Whether working or playing, we enjoy our time together. 

How has your week gone? What are you thankful for? Feel free to leave a comment and/or link up your own blog post! 


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Comments

  1. CaiNovember 15, 2025 at 6:10 PM

    Congratulations on the birth of a new grand-daughter. Good work on reading 38 1/2 books in a year. I used to donate bags of clothing directly to one woman but then the receiver called me to say there was only one good piece in the large bag. It was her method of telling me. I stopped donating directly, and now give to my neighborhood's recycling collector.

    I'm glad you had a nice week. May you enjoy another good week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiNovember 16, 2025 at 11:54 AM

      Thank you. I'm sorry that the recipient of your clothing didn't appreciate your efforts, but I'm glad you found a place that does. Hope you have a good week, too!

      Delete
  2. messymimiNovember 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM

    Hooray for a new grandbaby! Your list is a delight as always, and please give Drexel some scritches from me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Frewin55November 16, 2025 at 6:08 AM

    Congratulations on the new grandbaby - We want photos! We want photos!
    #4 has given me Gratitude Envy! It rained most of the night here and when the skies finally did clear at 5 in the morning it was to late/early for me to dress and drive off in search of the light and I had work next day - so still on the bucket list...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiNovember 16, 2025 at 12:06 PM

      Thank you! I used to post more photos of my grandchildren, but now I err on the side of way too cautious on public platforms, so I'm generally choosing not to post photos of them.
      I hope you get to see the aurora borealis sometime!

      Delete
  4. MiskyNovember 16, 2025 at 12:16 PM

    I love your list, bringing out the best of your week. I had to look up 'escape room' — I didn't know what that meant. A game?! Many years ago, I saw the aurora borealis during a flight that took the northern (arc) route, and at the same time comet Hale–Bopp was blazing through the sky. It was something I will never forget. Hope you week is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiNovember 16, 2025 at 12:48 PM

      Yes, an escape room is an activity where the players are put into a themed room and given a set time (generally an hour) to "escape." (They aren't actually locked in.) There are different clues and puzzles to figure out, but they usually take some "thinking outside the box" to solve them.
      An aurora borealis with a comet, too? WOW! We did see a bright shooting star during our northern lights viewing and thought that was lucky, but a comet must have been absolutely stunning!

      Delete
  5. clarkNovember 16, 2025 at 4:41 PM

    HB, Drexel!!
    He's looking good.
    I've heard of but never did an escape room thing, sounds interesting.
    I've been reading about the unusual extent of the Northern Lights in how far to the south they have been this past week. We've been in near constant clouds and rain and such, so now luck over here in the East.

    and thank you for being an original Hostae to this bloghop all these years. appreciate it

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lisa TomeyNovember 18, 2025 at 9:46 AM

    Congratulations on your new grandchild!

    ReplyDelete

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