September 30

I'm grateful Jo and John took us all on a short hike this afternoon. The view and the fall colors were spectacular, and the kids managed to get tons of energy worked out.

September 29

We finally traveled to my sister's to visit and stay in their new house on the hill. I'm grateful for how in control and together and gorgeous she is. She totally inspires me and I needed some inspiration this weekend. I'm also grateful for how gracious she was when I drank too much of her wine. Whatta great sis!

September 28

I'm grateful for sharp paper cutters. Especially the kind you can borrow. I'm also grateful that I managed to finally get these 100 CD inserts completed for Four Paws Rescue. It's a good tune, and you might recognize the model on the front as one of my own. If you get a chance, try and pick one up, either at the Farmers Market or the Moondog Ball (happening October 7).

September 27

I'm grateful my youngest daughter is so fond of school.

September 26

Princess Mint Black-chin has become more comfortable in her new home and has started to sing to the microwave, the vacuum cleaner, running water from the faucet and to the cold cereal as it is being poured into breakfast bowls in the morning. I'm grateful she sat still long enough this evening to let me get a close-up photograph to share.

September 25

Monday nights are choir nights, with the kids practicing with the Junior Choir at 5:00 p.m. and me attending Chancel Choir at 6:30. We get from 6:00 to 6:30 to eat dinner with our fellow choristers and bible study folks down in Westminster Hall. Last year we would sign up for days to host a full dinner for everyone and a donation of $2/meal was expected to help defray costs.

I'm grateful that we've switched over to potluck this year. Not only did I rarely have the change for that requested donation, but there was so much stress in working until 5:00 p.m. and then being responsible to feed 20+ people. Now I get to run to Albertsons and pick up whatever looks good.

September 24

I'm grateful for the chance to spend a lovely autumn afternoon in the company of my fellows, witnessing the kokanee salmon run at Porcupine Reservoir.