I’m so tired! We spent the day at the flea market—way longer than planned because I bought a shelf unit for my craft booth that was an inch too big for the vehicle. And not even our car. We ran into a friend there and that dang piece of furniture wouldn’t fit in the back of her truck. So we decided we would go home with our small stuff and rent a bigger truck to go back and pick up my furniture and hers.

This was the only truck available in town on a Saturday afternoon.

And since we were forced into the monster U-haul, we decided to go through the flea market one more time and get whatever we passed up the first go-round. I had some pretty good luck. I found quite a few wooden trunks and garden furniture for my booth. Sadly, all the items Gwen passed up earlier were already sold by the time we returned. We decided the next time we go to this flea market, we’re going to just rent a truck at the beginning.

The shelf that started it all. It cost me $15.00, a U-haul, and a lot of extra hours in the sun. But I’m grateful for a fun day with Patrick and my friend.

It might be Friday the 13th, but I wasn’t scared. I took the day off work and had a great day. It was hot. It was sunny. I slept in and then sat on the deck with my coffee and magazines I hadn’t gotten to read yet. Then I got a lot done. Bought flowers, went through my storage unit, planned how to rearrange my craft room. Washed winter blankets. Worked in the yard. Im thankful it was a good day!

I’m thankful today for flowers, the heat, driving with the windows down, wiggly puppy butts, and licorice.

I got yesterday’s date wrong on my post, and no one told me. I’m taking that as an indication of how many followers I have reading daily. I’m pretty sure even Patrick has dropped off. Haha!

But It doesn’t bother me. I said at the outset that I’m doing this because I need to. The daily practice of looking for something positive in a world of negativity is good for me. It’s grounding. And helps feed hope.

Tonight I’m thankful for good friends and honest conversations. I met a friend after work and during the course of our two-hour chat, we learned new things about each other. Real connection is what keeps us going. We all need that, and I’m grateful for these moments.

This was the start of a yummy dinner to end the day. We are unseasonably warm this week—today it was 91 degrees on my way home from work! Still, Patrick fired up the flat-top grill and made smashed turkey burgers while I enjoyed my fruit beer. I’m thankful for his good cooking skills, the bit of early summer, and time out on the deck.

It was a very long day at work today, which extended into an after-work dinner. Our company’s leadership team came over Finland. We had some interesting conversations. We talked about issues in our groups. We had a company-wide lunch. I’m thankful for making work connections, even as I wonder how it will shake out.

I’m thankful today for all the moms in my life. And for my kids who made me a mom.

A productive day! Patrick and I both worked in the yard because it was a beautiful day. I got our boxwood hedge trimmed and the entire yard edged. We bought a few plants and Patrick mowed the backyard. I even got my outdoor chalkboard painted. (The chalk markers would not erase the Winter greeting Bree and Noah wrote on it.) It’s so relaxing to be outside again. I love having an active day.

Tonight we went to a retirement party for some of Patrick’s colleagues. We had a good meal and good conversation. And I got to see my friend Di in person! It’s been a long time. I’m thankful we got to chat “live” and grateful for her hugs.

I’m grateful that the rain has stopped and tomorrow should be sunny. And tonight has been for relaxation. It’s good to have some downtime.

I’m thankful for my sister Brenda, whose birthday is today. And for margaritas. And for Patrick who finished mowing the front lawn before that rain tonight.