Day 8: Bargain Market

My life has been much happier since Grocery Outlet came to town. I mean, I have been shopping at G.O. for thirty years, and made a habit of popping in to check out the bargains every time I would pass one in another town, but to have one so close has totally changed my shopping habits. Their everyday prices are better than the outrageously-priced supermarkets, but their clearance is a steal. I hardly ever go to the full-price stores any more. 

Gourmet chocolate and deli meats, top-brand dairy, high-quality anti-aging moisturizer, and so much more. They stock lots of gluten-free, dairy-free and organic products, but you never know what you will find. It's like a treasure hunt at each visit. 

G.O. is the GO-to place for me.

A few months ago, I was invited to an event at the (then) newly-moved and -renovated Beaverton Grocery Outlet. It's a pretty swanky place, as far as G.O.'s go, but they are all clean and well-organized.

You can laugh at me if you want, but I am very thankful for our locally-owned Grocery Outlet bargain markets, where everyone can be a winner!
And no, they didn't pay me to do this.
I just love them that much!

Day 7: A good man

I was hoping (against all hope) that this morning I could have posted how thankful I was for our new president.

But, alas, it is not to be. 

Just more of the same old news.

However, as the day has worn on, I decided that I am still grateful for the campaign of Mitt Romney and for his goodness. And for the shining example of womanhood that his wife, Anne, has been to everyone who would open their eyes and see. 

I don't understand why so many people prefer to vote for more debt and bigger government and the pernicious lies and values that are perpetuated by the political left, but I am grateful that those who understand freedom will not just lie down and give up the fight.

I am thankful for facebook friends who, after the initial despondency, are posting such comments as these:

 Today I am grateful for this great country that we live in and although in a bit of denial still from last night's results, I am determined to pray and work for unity with my fellow citizens. 

 Today I am very grateful to live in this great country. I may be disappointed in the election results, but I still love living here, and wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world.

Do you all see the good that is happening? Because of bitter disappointment last night, we are expressing a renewed commitment and testimony to hold even more strongly to that which we know are the ONLY things upon which we can depend --- God. His gospel. His prophet. Hold to the iron rod. This is good! I'm choosing to be encouraged! Thank you all. 

I am grateful this morning that I have a knowledge and understanding of the plan of our GOD. That the acceptance of drugs, the destruction of marriage and family and the condoning of taking another life in the name of "womens rights" and all of the other evil that men accept as good in the world will one day be rectified by HIM!!!

Perhaps a bacon, egg and cheese burrito will make it all feel better.

Well, maybe not so much that last one, although I could have used one, but I am loving the way people are finding a positive side to our great disappointment. 

And we are disappointed that this will not be our new first family, aren't we?

They are so easy on the eyes, and so shiny bright.

I hope that the Romneys will continue to be a force for good in the political arena.

I am thankful for their sacrifice of time and privacy as they attempted to win the presidency for Mitt.

God Bless America.

Day 6: Flowers

I measure the flow of the seasons by the flowers in my garden. 

The first one to show its head in mid-winter is the lowly snowdrop, which has a spreading habit like no other!

Violas and pansies are at their best through the Oregon winters, which rarely get cold enough to do them in. They may freeze solid at times, but next time the sun shines they will be right there, bobbing their little heads in the breeze.

Then the crocuses and daffodils cover the ground with their splashes of colour.

Hyacinths and tulips and all the myriads of varieties of bulbs have a place in my heart.

Summer flowers in pots and flowerbeds keep me happy for months. 

Some are full of memories, like the gladiolus that reminds of my Dad.

Some I will never see again, like this flower on Kangaroo Island.

And, of course, let us not neglect to remember the little people who love to help care for flowers.

These are my favourite flowers of all.

Today I am thankful for the abundance of flowers in my life.

Day 5: Forests and trees

Jeff and I have walked in forests all around the world, but in Oregon more than anywhere else. 

We love the Oregon forests and all of the damp, lush, things that grow under the canopy. 

Today I am thankful for the trees of the world and all of the wonders that can be found in a forest.

Day 4: Chocolate cake. (Am I being superficial?)

I've been trying to eat more healthily lately, going through a lot of lentils and beans and soaked porridge. I shall have to do a blog post on soaking grains and nuts, if I ever get to feeling successful.

But, the point is, while I feel better when I eat this way, my mind lingers often on this chocolate cake that I made for Dolly's farewell lunch.

So, I shall make it tomorrow for Bethany's birthday dinner.

And I shall spend all day being thankful for chocolate cake.

Day 3: The littlest angel

We had Madelyn all to ourselves today, as Bethany spent the night at our house and left her here with us while she continued on her weekend of Time Out for Women. It was the first time that we have had extended time alone with her. 

This little angel came into our lives ten months ago and completely stole our hearts. She has such a tender personality and commands our attention with only a smile or a gesture. 

Today, I spent all day being thankful that Madelyn is a part of my life. 

And I think I got over that "Bethany having a fifth child" thing.

In case you were wondering.

Thankful Day 2: Ode to my firstborn

Day 2 happened to fall on Bethany's birthday. 

When Bethany was born, 32 years ago, I felt like my world was complete. We were as poor as church mice in worldly terms, but I was enraptured with my baby and would spend all day holding her and trying out the few, mostly hand-me-down, outfits that I had been given. She slept through the night from about three weeks old, usually in my bed because Jeff was working the night shift. She was a calm little thing and people often commented that she looked like a Gerber baby (and I had no idea what that meant, but assumed it was complimentary) or Winston Churchill. I didn't mind the Winnie thing, because I admire him.

Nowadays, it's hard to find a photo of Bethany without one of her babies in her arms, but I stole this one from her facebook album.

Bethany continually impresses me with her tenacity, creativity, and her desire to do what is right. She is a delight to her Dad and me and has given us five lovely grandchildren. 

Day 2 was spent being thankful for Bethany, even as I spent most of it caring for her children so that she could have a Time Out!