VALENTINES WEEK FAVES

 

As of 2:30 pm today I will begin a week of WINTER BREAK from teaching.  Finally!!  The past month has been rather difficult for our students and I know we all need this break. 

But for now, let's pause in our busy work days and share FIVE of our FAVE blessings from the past week.  I like to share things that made me stop and say "Thank You, God" because honestly...anything good in our lives comes from God.  We are to be thankful to Him for all of our blessings, whether big or small. Come on over to our host's site to learn more about this meme.  Just click on the name of her blog: Living to Tell the Story.

Ann Lee Pond from the bridge on the main trail
Saturday 11 Feb

Winter woods in Ann Lee Pond Nature Preserve

Ice has melted on the eastern side of pond
near the wetlands

Late afternoon sunshine at Ann Lee Pond

• LATE AFTERNOON HIKE: On Saturday, after a morning of cooking and baking and an early afternoon of errands and house cleaning, I headed over to this hiking preserve because our area of New York State was having a very spring-like day.  Dave was in Boston for the day so I had loads of time to hike and enjoy the woods. I ended up just hiking the 1.2 mile main loop trail due to much mud and some nasty blowdown.  But although there were 6 cars in the lot, I only ran into 2 other hikers.  I'm thankful for time in the sun and time to do an easy, quick hike. 

Individual chicken pot pies

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

my youngest (Claire) and my oldest (Courtney)

• FAMILY VALENTINES DINNER: On Sunday, late afternoon, both of our daughters arrived to have a Family Valentines Dinner I created for everyone.  For Claire, our vegan, I made vegan chicken pot pies and for the rest of us, we had the regular recipe with real chicken.  I also served steamed beets and broccoli and for dessert, I made their fave holiday cookies:  Chocolate Shortbread using the heart cookie cutters.  I gave them each a bag with their fave candy, a book for each daughter ( a tradition I've done since they were 3 and in which my dad did for me and my sisters) and I also included a cute Valentine gnome.  They loved the gifts! We had fun chatting and  eating good food.   I'm thankful for the love of my two daughters and husband. 

• GOOD REPORT:  On Tuesday I had to have a repeat Mammogram. That has only happened once before with me, about 20 years or so ago.  Praise God....everything is fine according to the radiologist who read the ultrasound report.  I don't need another one until 2025.  (I choose to go every other year).  I smiled and said "Thank You, God".....I find it nerve wracking waiting around for that repeat exam!  I'm also thankful for good health insurance.

Wrapper from the Gin and Tonic Soap

• GIN AND TONIC SOAP!  In my Christmas stocking this past December, Claire gifted me with this beautifully scented bar of soap that she bought at a local shop in Vermont when we were there back in October. I've been saving it for when the pump soap in our guest bathroom (half bath) was gone. I just opened up the soap this past week and loved the wrapper so much that I took a pic of it.  It's so pretty and the soap is so creamy and wonderful smelling. I'm thankful for my youngest girl and her gift. 

the ice is melting fast

The Erie Canal parallel to the hiking path 

Late afternoon Sunshine!

• AFTER WORK WALKS:  On Monday afternoon, the weather was so warm and mild (it felt like late March), that I headed to this nature preserve after my laser therapy appointment as my chiropractor is only about 4 miles from there.  I did a mile walk along the canal path.......and it was glorious. I also walked after work in my neighborhood on Wednesday late afternoon, and the temp was 63 degrees!!  I was in heaven. It looked and smelled like Spring.  But I know it's getting  colder today and tomorrow and the rest of February  will be more normal with temps in the 30s. I'm thankful for outdoor time after work. 

That wraps up five of my fave blessings from the week.

What made you grateful this week??

Do share!

HAPPY WEEKEND!