Random Act of Gratitude #145: A Meteorological Gift

We've been having chillier and drizzlier weather lately, but today we had the gift of a near-perfect autumn day. The sun was shining, at work we had our lunch outside in a conservation area, and it was just a smashing day to be in the great outdoors enjoying everything about the weather. Even at night, I was able to spend some time visiting out on the porch in the cool, but by no means cold, evening.

Aaaah. Small blessings.

Random Act of Gratitude #144: So Long, Farewell

There's been an old air conditioner on my back deck for a ridiculously long time. It wasn't mine. Long story.

Suffice it to say that a certain friend of mine who is quite the "get things done" type came and took it away.

See? I'm grateful. Thanks, Jesse!

Random Act of Gratitude #143: Workplace Community

I know I've said it before, but I like the community in which I work. The staff is like family (even my bratty sister whom I love and adore) and those who come with their ACTUAL families make for a great place to spend one's workday. (Well, most of the time anyway. There are those days ... Haha!) Really, though, one could do a lot worse. I work hard, but I believe in what I'm doing and I'm glad I'm doing it there. Lots of people can't say that, so it would be wrong if I didn't appreciate it.

Random Act of Gratitude #143: Tin Roof Sundae Ice Cream

Tasty, though rare in Canada.

Sometimes it's the little things for which one should be thankful.

(How funny that we never think to just make it ourselves.)

Random Act of Gratitude #142: Family Reunion of the Miniature Variety

A couple of weeks ago, my entire Canadian family got together with four members of my Old Country family, for the closest thing to a family reunion we've ever had, as far as I am aware.

Today I met up with two aunt/uncle sets, one from here and one from England. It was lovely to sit down to lunch, to chat, and laugh, and generally give them cause to think I'm nuts. I do have quite the fantastic extended family, though there aren't many of them I know. (I've got to stay in good with the Brits so I can stay with them if I ever get over there. Haha!)

Random Act of Gratitude #141: The Porch

My porch isn't anything impressive unto itself. It's not in great shape, it features no porch swing or impressive architecture. It doesn't wrap around the building and have room for a lovely jam session with a down-home junk band. There's no lazy beagle slumbering under my seat, or a shotgun propped up against the doorjamb.

But I love me my porch.

It's my favourite place to sit and read in fine weather or when the rain's falling (so long as the wind isn't blowing too sideways). But even this isn't the best, best thing about my porch.

My porch is a place for gathering. This year, more than ever, it's been a place to sit with friends, to chat about anything and nothing, to laugh more uproariously than the neighbours can understand, and to generally spend time in the presence of good people. Three distinct visits were had on my porch today alone.

I like my humble little porch. That's all there is to it.

Random Act of Gratitude #140: Johnny McModem's Handiwork

My modem has not been operational for about a week now and -- surprise, surprise -- this was due, in part at least, to chuckleheaded work on the part of the Internet Service Provider with which I deal. I managed to keep myself connected at least part time through a neighbour's wireless signal when it was available, but finally I'm back up and running, thanks to the arrival of a tech guy (dubbed Johnny McModem) who resolved the blunders of the desk jockeys who had come before him. Thanks, Johnny!