Thursday, November 17, 2016

Thanksgiving Should Be Every Day

 
                                        This lovely tree stands across the street and has looked inviting all season. I watch it from  my living room window and am grateful for its beauty, its standing strong in wind and rain.

Another week has passed and autumn is beginning to draw to a close. Today the wind blew furiously taking down a great number of leaves to tumble into gutters, roll across yards, and race down the streets. A friend took me for a short ride while the weather was still warm and before all the trees were stripped. Here and there stood trees in lovely colors that appeared quite late this year.

The week for me was one of tests, appointments, frustrations, family upheaval, and well just life I guess. If it could be broken or ruined, it was done here. I did manage to help DH move things on the deck so he could seal the floor boards before winter. In years past, I have gotten things off the deck, sealed it and moved things back myself. When DH retired, we worked as a team. Alas this year cancer and age have altered both of us. We no longer moved things off but basically moved from one side to another and sealed the empty side. It took two days but it is now done.
 
 
An editor wrote that she wanted to use a story of mine. I submitted the story a year ago this month! Now she wants the first line changed and quickly so she can use in January. I am glad to hear all this and tried to handle that first thing this morning. Lots of things went wrong like all my contacts are gone from Outlook!!!! Like I sent the email and forgot to attached the changes! I bet she thinks I am an idiot, but it is really chemo brain. DH just said tonight that it not like me to forget so much. It is hard to be in my body right now!

 One of the things I did this week was have barium CAT scans. I get the results Monday. The nurse feels that more chemo will be called for and that might put a dent in Christmas. But with the extra chemo free week right now, I should be able to have a decent Thanksgiving before more things to face. Right now, I am just thankful to be here for another Thanksgiving!

 


As I have said before, I have just good and decent friends. One showed his photography last week at an art show. When I bragged on his lovely red fox, he brought me a framed smaller version. I am really enjoying this perky fox sitting on the library table to greet me each morning. The colors are just right for these autumn days.
As my world and the world in general continue to deal with stress and distress, I hope you all can find plenty to be thankful for these days. I just have to believe there is a purpose and some end result that is worth the abundant madness that is around. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving week ahead…and get those jackets out as cold is a coming!


This tree stands in front of an abandoned house around the corner from us. Its shape is perfect! Every year we have watched and been thankful for the grandeur of this tree. This year the color came late and weak. Finally now it is giving a good last hurrah! The leaves in the top are thin but with sunshine and limbs reaching high in the sky, we forgive this year's imperfection...just grateful it still stands!

8 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
And a brighter year to follow.

BECKY said...

What gorgeous trees, Claudia. I, too, find happiness in just looking at all the beautiful fall colors. When I walked Charlie today, I was in shorts and short sleeves, and mentioned to a neighbor that I don't feel very "Thanksgiving-y" when it's so warm outside. But, as you said, the cold is coming, especially Saturday and Sunday. I want cold weather! And even flurries would be nice! :-)
I'm sorry you're going through so much, but also happy you'll feel well at Thanksgiving....and yes, every day should be a thanksgiving day!

pat couch laster said...

Your barely-bright-but-bright-enough demeanor puts some of us healthy ones to shame. You are one strong woman, Claudia, and I'm thankful for you and your talents, and for your sharing yourself with us. The Couch families will gather next week and, as usual, sing in 8-part harmony,"Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." It will be a tiny way to remember to be thankful at all times and in all circumstances--like you have done here. Love, PL

Linda O'Connell said...

I am so happy you have had a few good days to get out and enjoy the fall colors. I love that fox painting! Oh my, that tree is gorgeous. I knew a woman in college who was in her 70s, much than the rest of us. She said, "I am taking in as much as I can for the days when I am infirm. I will then travel in my mind." What a good philosophy.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Claudia--Fall is my favorite season. The beautiful trees you shared with us is going to make me take a picture of a gorgeous red tree right up the block.

Enjoy!

Mevely317 said...

Absolutely! Your header needs engraved on the back of my eyeballs. :)

That last image is stunning ... thank you for sharing it!

Susan said...

That was a lovely post, Claudia. And yes, we should be VERY grateful for every precious minute of life. You are a wonder and an inspiration. Keep up your strong spirit and attitude of gratitude. You are one of life's shining lights. Susan

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Love this post Claudia, and I'm so, so happy you are well enough to blog. You always say something that touches me and makes me think. The photos are terrific. That tree is amazing! Autumn is my favorite season. :)