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Ten Things of Thankful: Winding Up to the End of 2025

 

A bright yellow sun sets in an orange sky above mountains and a lake

I missed posting last week, though I had a rough draft written on my phone:

1. airport lounges

2. visiting musicians at PDX

3. everyone OK in small plane (an incident at our destination closed the airport for several hours, delaying our arrival home)

4. son picked us up hours later than expected

5. oldest grandchild is now a teenager!

6. oldest son and his wife were able to come for Thanksgiving weekend, as well as youngest son and his girlfriend, and youngest daughter

7. days spent visiting the aquarium, a museum, and a stained glass display

8. snow that waited to fall until after oldest son and his wife were headed home

9. the beginning of the Christmas season

10. John

Now on to this past week:

I'm thankful for: 

1. a haircut. I'm on a twice-a-year schedule, but by the time the next appointment rolls around, I'm definitely ready! (That's probably a sign that I should make try 3 times a year, but let's not get ridiculous.)

2. Tuesday morning classic movies at a local theater. We've started taking youngest daughter on these fun little outings. This past week was A Christmas Story. 

3. cleaning and de-cluttering. I know it's not springtime, but it's never too early to begin spring cleaning! It feels good to let go of excess items. 

4. honest people. We donated most of our usable clutter, but I did put a few items on Facebook Marketplace. I hadn't done that before, and most of the responses I got were respectful and the transactions went smoothly. I did, however, come across a scammer, but I didn't fall victim. The last message I received from that person was, "I hate liars." Oh the irony! 

5. peace even in uncertainty. Vague statements like that always put others on alert--I'm looking at you, Mom! Although I can't go into detail, let me assure you we are healthy and well; just in limbo a bit, but hopeful that things will work out in the end. Faith in Christ gives us confidence.

6. time. One thing that our uncertainly grants is time to prepare. I feel like we are standing in that yellow wood where two roads diverge, but it is not yet time to take a step. We can use this time to prepare, and even though the different paths require different preparations, no effort that we take now will be wasted. This time of limbo is frustrating, but also a blessing.

7. Christmas parties. 'Tis the season. Neither John nor I are "party people," and (at the risk of sounding terribly socially awkward or curmudgeonly old) we have to give ourselves a little pep talk before big social gatherings. "OK! Let's put on our party faces! We can do this! This will be fun!" Our church had its Christmas party on Friday night, and we had a nice time. We sat at a table with a few other couples and enjoyed good food and conversation. We do actually enjoy the company of others, especially when we can visit in smaller groups like we did on Friday. 

8. friends. Last night, we were invited by friends to go see the comedian Nate Bargatze perform in Salt Lake City. We went out to dinner first at a new-to-us Japanese restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised to find vegetarian sukiyaki on the menu. It was so good! The comedy was definitely funny, and it was really nice to spend time with our friends. 

9. Drexel and our grandchildren. Our dog is beloved by everyone. One of our granddaughters asked us this week, "Are you going to come pick me up to take me to your house soon? I really want to see Drexel!" Hopefully she wants to see Grandma and Grandpa, too, but we can't fault her for loving our dog. 

10. John. It's so nice to travel through life together. 

Well, that's a wrap for the past two weeks! What are you thankful for today/this week/fortnight/month/year/decade/lifetime? Drop a comment, and if you're so inclined, join in the Ten Things of Thankful blog hop! 


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Comments

  1. messymimiDecember 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM

    It sounds like you've had a lovely and busy time. As for the uncertainty, I am praying all is well, and all will be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frewin55December 7, 2025 at 4:56 PM

    A twofer! What a lovely list(s) and now Christmas is on the horizon - present buying, wrapping and family get togethers - have a good week ahead...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiDecember 7, 2025 at 7:28 PM

      Thank you! It definitely is a busy time of year.

      Delete
  3. CaiDecember 7, 2025 at 6:08 PM

    Never too late to update us. We get to read a double list. Sometimes social interactions require some delicate balancing acts. Generally, if we keep quiet on the sensitive topics, they'll pass.

    May you have a good week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiDecember 7, 2025 at 7:31 PM

      Oh, it's not the topics (although I tend to avoid politics). It's just the noise and the mental energy of being "on", if that makes sense. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete

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