Today I’m thankful for bumming around with Patrick, even though he looks like a complete crabby pants in this picture. Typical. It was rainy and blah, so we found a new town to check out and had a nice lunch and got back in time for the sun to show itself.

Yay!! Soooo glad for the weekend! Sorry, I had to say it because it’s true. But I’m also thankful for dinner with Ann and an extra glass of afterwards. It was even nice enough to sit on the deck for a bit. And, I’m thankful for my friend Gwen who spent some of her time off this afternoon picking up an old wooden trunk I bought over the phone after thinking about it all night. Finally, I’m thankful for chatting with my kids, family, and friends throughout the day. It’s nice to be connected.

I’m thankful for a slower day at work, barn sales with a friend after work, popcorn dinner, a mowed yard and my brother-in-law Jim whose birthday is today.

I love celebrating and tonight I had another birthday dinner after work. It was low key and fun. We had good food and good conversation. It was a great Wednesday evening with friends.

I’m also thankful for these lovely flowers Patrick sent as a late substitute for no Easter basket this year. Even though I said it wasn’t necessary, I love them.

I’m thankful today for late afternoon sunshine, a little bit of freshly mown grass, surviving a day at work without my cell phone, and a decent night’s sleep.

I’m thankful for sitting in my backyard with the dogs underneath this canopy of new spring leaves.

We were invited to a surprise birthday party today for a friend. The hostess used an Alice in Wonderland theme which was super cute. Since I’m awful with taking pictures, I got none except for the tv still for the soundtrack they were playing. I loved the flowers and figured I might want to try to paint them someday.

I’m grateful we were able to celebrate with our friend who we don’t get together with nearly enough. She’s my tallest friend, but that’s not what makes her stand out. She is also incredibly kind, creative and forthright. I hope she enjoyed her party.

It was like the weather had an identity crisis today. I drove through rain, sleet, hail, snow and sunshine. It was crazy, but I’m thankful I made it back from my overnight trip safely, even though I’m TIRED. I’m also thankful for my pups and Patrick, who smoked a brisket while I was gone. The house smelled amazing.

Tonight I joined some girlfriends for a night out to a delicious dinner and a play. I’m thankful for the good food, the fun, and the culture.

I’m thankful today for laughter, painted nails, a clean car, and my mom.