Time Alone and Time Together

Days Fourteen and Fifteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

 

Somehow while I was alone yesterday I forgot to post, so I'm combining again. 

In the midst of my chaotic situation, moving and unpacking, a bit of alone time was welcome to be able to steadily work through a mountain of boxes. Steve went directly to our other houses (yes, plural) yesterday after work, and will return tonight. When I'm alone I don't worry so much about meals and eat what I want when I want it. I'm grateful for some down time in the midst of the chaos.

On the other hand, this morning I attended a crafting activity at church which was totally delightful. I met women from three congregations, and found that there is a quilting group in the congregation that I attend. Hooray! The group is small, but meets once a month to work together on their own projects and to share skills and encouragement. I'm so thrilled! So many good women in this area. I'm thankful I went and spent time with them. 

Thrift Stores and Bartering

Day Thirteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

We just moved into a new place, this time it's a townhouse, a first for us. Downsizing has been challenging but a necessary step. I'm a saver, and a prepare for emergencies kind of person. I like to stock up so I don't have to go to the grocery store or Walmart so frequently, it's a way to avoid temptation. Well, trying to fit things into a place one third the size of our Victorian Mansion is definitely a challenge. 

Today I went to Salvation Army to drop off a load of "things that don't fit and I decided they aren't worth keeping"; and looked for a few things that I do need. I found one of them - a small cabinet for the main bathroom to store extra toilet paper and toiletries, as well as clean towels and washcloths. It was just $10 and in decent shape. I think it will work well for the purpose. I'm always thankful for those who donate their cast-offs instead of just trashing them. I enjoy finding bargains and treasures at thrift stores.

After work, Steve picked me up to go to Ames where he swapped an unneeded old IMac computer for a dorm fridge needed for his office. It went smoothly. The young man, a junior in college was getting a computer for his grandfather. He was happy, Steve was happy. No money was exchanged, but items were saved from the trash and will be put to good use. I'm thankful for everyone who is willing to barter goods and services. It's a win-win game.

All You Can Eat

 Day Twelve - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims left a populated area with shops and taverns and every amenity of that time and place. They arrived at the beginning of winter in a wilderness with no value added resources available, in other words no shops, no vendors or hawkers, in fact, no people except a few indigenous natives. I can hardly imagine what that must have been like. 

Pioneers from then on, in what became the United States, trekked into the wilderness, built homes, planted crops (often in the opposite order), and towns eventually grew up around them. But there was always movement westward to uninhabited areas and then hacking a life out of the new wilderness.

Today I went to two grocery stores, passing by dozens of restaurants, as well as other grocery stores. There is no want of food here. I can get just about anything I desire, many things shipped in from distant places. If I don't feel like cooking I can step into a restaurant and sit down to a nice meal cooked by someone else, and clean up by someone else. If I'm in a hurry I can order for pick-up, or even delivery. 

I feel so blessed to live in a time of such abundance. I'm thankful for all the farmers, ranchers, producers, pickers, processors, truckers, stockers, clerks and courtesy helpers; all working diligently to bring food to my table. If I had to grow my own I know I'd starve.

The YouTube Neighborhood

Day Eleven - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I am so, so thankful for people who share their skills and hobbies on YouTube. I have learned about a whole bunch of interesting things that I otherwise would never hear of. And the people are fun, creative, knowledgeable, crazy, and personable. For me it's like having a bunch of friends I can visit with each week.

I watch mudlarkers, magnet fishers, quilters, organizers and declutterers, linguists, musicians, litter-pickers, thrifters, actors, comedians, remodelers, builders, farmers, and lawnmowers, historical reenactors and seamstresses, mechanics, and a whole lot more. Some are quirky, some are traditional, all are interesting to me.

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps

Day Ten - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I married an active duty Marine (yes, it should always be capitalized!) and am grateful for the men and women who choose to serve in the military. It is not an easy life, but it is a good life. Four of our five children have served or are currently serving. All four services are represented in our family. But Dad is the longest serving, retiring after twenty-five and a half years of service. 

Today, 10 November 2025 is the Corps' 250th birthday, so Happy Birthday and Semper Fidelis!