After the Storm Faves

 

It's Friday!

Time to unwind and enjoy the weekend and time to share FIVE of my FAVE blessings from the past week with other bloggers who look for the things to be grateful for.  We link up at our host's site, Susanne from Living to Tell the Story.

• SAFE FROM THE STORM! Some of you asked about last Friday's storm that arrived in New England and New York State.  Well, in my part of NY (eastern/Capital Region), we only received 2 inches of snow.  But....we received a LOT of ice.  A LOT.  My car was literally stuck in the ice all day Friday and most of last Saturday.  Dave managed to get it out Sunday morning.  I'm most thankful that Claire was safe driving to and from her job at *bucks and that my oldest daughter was allowed to work from her apartment. I'm also thankful that the sunshine and warmer temps after this storm, melted most of the ice in the driveway away!

• HEAT!  I'm thankful for the convenience of gas heat.  Just turn the thermostat up or down depending on the outdoor temps and heat begins to pour through the vents in every room. It's something I never want to take for granted. I'm also glad we don't have to chop down trees to heat our home.   

• FRIENDSHIP:  Tuesday morning I received a text message from my good friend D.  We met a few years ago when she joined my small group Bible study group.  We hit it off right away (fellow hiker, power walking, biker and kayaker!) and have been good friends ever since.  She wanted to know if I was available to chat about something personal she was going through.  I made arrangements to have her over before dinner and although I cannot reveal what we discussed, I learned we have more in common than I thought AND I was able to encourage her, which I give God all the glory for. (She told me she appreciated me taking the time).  Friendship.  Something I don't want to take for granted and it's even better when you're united in Christ. I'm so thankful for my friends I get to do life with!

Crisp and Cold

• RIESLING!  I love Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling.  It's from the Finger Lakes/Winery region of the southern part of New York State.  It's my fave  white wine and this week we opened a bottle after getting it nice and chilled and had it with dinner.  It was so refreshing. I'm thankful for good food and wine. 

the left side of our backyard

time to walk/run

Blue skies, finally!!

Cherry Hill Farm in our neighborhood
Vermont mountains in the distance

Almost twilight

• WARM WALK!  Yesterday got up to the mid-40s F.  After work, I changed into my workout clothes and hit the pavement after filling the bird feeder with fresh seed.  Oh my goodness. It had been two weeks since I had a good power walk outside in temps over 30.  It just felt so good that I ended up doing a very brisk walk for 1.4 miles.  I just loved the fresh air.  If I had had more time, I would have walked for 2.5 miles.  I just had to get chores done and dinner on the table, you know? As you can see, we still don't have much snow. This is the most we've had all winter and now with the warmer temps, it's all turning to slush. I'm thankful for the sun being out, blue skies, and a good walk. 

That wraps up my week.  It's been a busy one at work and even here at home.

I'm looking forward to tonight as Dave, Claire, and I are heading to a new-to-us Moroccan restaurant followed by attending the musical "Rent" which is touring in our area.  Since this is their final tour, we decided to splurge on tickets.  We are super stoked as I've always wanted to see this musical version of Puccini's opera La Boheme. (it's a "loose" version but still!! the music is phenomenal). 

HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!