Last Week of October Faves

 

WOW! It's already November 1st!! We are still having a beautiful Autumn here in eastern New York State and I'm very thankful for that. I'm also thankful for special blessings the last week brought to me.  Join in with those of us who link up at Susanne's site to share our FIVE FAVE blessings. 

Dave getting the kayaks onto his car

Moreau Lake in Autumn

Moreau Lake State Park...so empty....
so beautiful even in Autumn.....

• BOATS are BACK:   This is a blessing because the weather was so nice! We knew we wouldn't use the kayaks once the lake water got very cold which it finally is after a few nights down in the low 30s, so we went last Saturday morning to pick them up and bring them home. After we got the boats on the car, we popped into the sub place near the state park to eat lunch and talk. After getting the boats home, Dave wrapped them up in new tarps and added new straps this year to keep the tarps on (Why did it take us 20 years to figure this out??) and then we did some yard work before totally relaxing with books and movies the rest of the day. I'm so thankful for getting these things done. 
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images courtesy of W*lgreens

• PAIN MEDS:  This past Monday morning, I had a difficult tooth  extraction. I was disappointed the fractured tooth couldn't be saved via root canal and the pain was intense. I have a high threshold for pain but when it comes to my teeth.....I so don't. This oral surgery took much longer than my dentist anticipated but he got it all (3 separate pieces...a mess....) and told me to take 3 Motrin with 1 tylenol until the pain subsides. Well, by Wednesday it hadn't subsided much although I was able to wean myself down to 2 motrin vs 3. I can't imagine what these drugs are doing to my liver. But I'm thankful he's called to check on me, I'm thankful for OTC meds that work and for the antibiotic he gave me as a preventative while I heal.  This is my 3rd extraction and by far worse than the other 2 so I'm very thankful we have access to good meds when needed. I am also thankful for a good prescription plan. When I got to the window, the girl said because it was only $.68 and a previous customer didn't want his change, she put it in for me! What a nice surprise. 

Resting in sunshine and warm temps 

• REST:  I'm thankful for the chance to rest after oral surgery and to just sit in the warm autumn sunshine, reflecting on the Scriptures and writing in my devotional journal. 

• SPECIAL SMALL GROUP:  Tuesday evenings, from 6:45-8:30 pm, I host and lead a women's Bible study/book group.  Small groups are vital in our church because we have about 2500 people who come to our Latham campus between the 2 services.  So to really connect, those of us who are covenant members, really encourage people to join a small group or take the course to lead one. I took the course back in 2009 and I've been leading almost every year since. I'm thankful I get to do this. This year there are 8 of us reading the book posted on my sidebar by Joyce Meyer. It's excellent and we are learning a lot from each other as well as from Joyce and the Scriptures she uses. We decided to have a more casual night for our last October meeting (We still have 2 mtgs in November and 2 in January before the study ends) and so everyone brought special desserts or light snacks and I provided the paper products/reusable cups and drinks. I also made pumpkin squares which I neglected to take a photo of. The cookies purchased above were bought from a fave bakery by one of the women and she set these 2 aside for Dave. Along with just eating good food and chatting, we also each took a turn to share our testimony of how/when we first accepted Jesus as Savior. It was a special time of testimonies and I'm so thankful each woman participated in this. I always give them the option (in years past, some women have passed) but this year everyone wanted to share! I'm so thankful that we all know Christ and that we all had a chance to hear the diversity in our testimonies. 

Dave and I on the Gilman Lake trail
photo courtesy of Cheryl A Blask
used with permission

me walking the shore of Gilman Lake
southern Adirondacks
photo courtesy of Cheryl A Blask
used with permission

• TEXTS/PHONE CALLS/EMAILS:  I was so thankful when my closest friends, a couple of blogging friends,  and one of my sisters, and a cousin,  texted, called or emailed to see how I was doing after the oral surgery. My childhood and longest time friend Cheryl B sent me some pics she had taken on our road trip in early October when Dave joined us. She's a wonderful photographer and makes calendars for people. I have one of hers up in my kitchen on the bulletin board. Hearing from loved ones always makes me say "Thank You, God". 

That basically wraps up the blessings from the week.  I mean there's alot more but those make the top 5 I think.  I hope you all have a wonderful start to November!!  Don't forget to make your voice heard and VOTE on Tuesday if you haven't already done so. Dave and I plan on getting there early in the morning like at 6!!