June 17

One of the most awkward moments of my life was when this young lady's mother (at that time, the wife of my boss) told me that her 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, asked at dinner if I would be their mother, should my boss' wife die.

What do you say to that? "Um, I don't think that's in my job description?"

I'm grateful that her mother did not leave this world for the Great Beyond and that I was able to witness the beautiful, grown-up Sarah marry her sweetheart, Bob, this evening.

June 16

Tonight I'm grateful for sunburn relief gel. It was just what their poor little cheeks needed.

June 15

We made the reservations yesterday, but it didn't matter. When we arrived this evening for our anniversary dinner, the doors were locked. Peering through the glass, we could see the tables were made up, but a sign on the door announced the restaurant permanently closed by management.

Whatta bummer.

I'm grateful that Le Nonne is still in business, and that they accepted the refugees from Painted Table with open arms. I'm also grateful that I did NOT purchase those incredible 2 for 1 voucher certificates that Painted Table was selling in April.

June 14

I started entering data for my company's accountant as a side venture when my son was a baby. When he'd pay me for my labors, he'd always ask me, "So does this money go toward diapers?" Back then, I was happy it did, but looked forward to the day it wouldn't.

This week when he paid me, he asked, "I guess this money doesn't go toward diapers anymore, what do you do with it instead?"

I'm grateful that every once in awhile I get this bit of mad money. I was able to take some of it (what was leftover after paying the kids their allowance, of course) and purchase a polarizing filter to play with. Of course, my first efforts with this filter were hopeless, and I offer up my Reject as proof. But hey, I'll figure it out eventually.

June 13

I'm grateful that a free hour appeared in my day. I was able to head over to the nearby river trail, enjoy the beauty of the blooming wildflowers, and watch half-grown robin chicks learn to fly.

June 12

Twelve years went by quickly! I'm grateful for the years Hart and I have been together. May we go on to share many, many more.
(Original photo by Mitch Mascaro)

June 11

This evening, I'm grateful that Hart has a keen outdoor stovetop setup. I think his homemade brew is wonderful, but I've never been partial to the smell of hops or the heat generated by all the steam. And I'm looking forward to about a month from now, when this particular batch of stout will be ready to test.