Today I’m thankful for the kindness and generosity of friends and family.

I’m thankful today for ethics, massages, quick soup, good friends, and wine.

I’m thankful for this meal today and for the man who made it.

I continued the slow down trend by not leaving the house today. That is very much NOT me, as I typically need a change of scenery. Instead, I focused on some of the crafts I’ve left sitting undone in the basement. Patrick built a fire and I painted by it. I was thankful to have the day off of work since it snowed most of the day. And in a small nod to King Day of Service, Patrick and I shoveled our neighbor’s drive…

We started re-watching Downton Abbey. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something calming about that show. For all the splendor and wealth it portrays, it seems homey and simple. Maybe it’s that they don’t seem rushed. There’s very little running. Literally. There’s no social media and constant news feeds, and dinner is the highlight of the day. It makes me want to slow down too. And dress better. It’s nice to have a reminder, no makes where it comes from, to step back a little and slow things down.

It was a low key day which included breakfast at a diner, antique shopping, a wedding reception with the fullest wine glasses EVER and lounging in front of the tv with the dogs. I’m thankful for slow-moving Saturdays.

It’s Friday!! And it’s a long weekend! That should be enough to be thankful for. However, today I’m also grateful that even though I didn’t feel well this morning, I felt better as the day went on. The flu has been going around (again!) and I really don’t want it. Even though I got a flu shot this season, I got one version of it already this year. Once was enough.

I got out of work early today! I’m thankful for that, even though it was because of a potential ice storm.

I’m thankful today for easy meetings and a good workout. For quick dinners and responsive family members. And for funny people who make it easy to laugh.

Today I picked up a friend from work who hasn’t been able to drive for over a month. She suffered a fracture in her knee over a freak accident with Christmas lights. Normally her husband drives her to and from work, but his work schedule changed this week. As I watched her hobble along on her crutches in the miserable winter weather, I couldn’t help feeling grateful that I’m currently in good health. After all, it was a simple trip that caused my friend’s distress. We are all just a moment away from a life changing event. I’m thankful today to have avoided most physical mishaps thus far.