Enjoying the Day

I have had some chores to do today, but for the most part, I have been able to sit back and enjoy the day.   I bought a lot of stuff to cook on the grill, and sat out to watch it cook, make sure a wayward cat did not try to get on the hot grill (some came around and sniffed) and in general enjoy the outside.   The weather started out grey, but became sunny, and remained cool.  I put on a light jacket when I was sitting in the shade.

I had planned to cook and then package some of the meat to freeze. I did not realize I did not have much foil, and I like to wrap the meat in foil before I put it in a bag.   Oh well, I decided not to get to the store today, and I can get there tomorrow on my way home from a meeting, and work on this one night during the week.

A few years ago, I was visiting my brother.  He was raised Roman Catholic, but eventually converted to being a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He made the comment to me that he really tries to keep Sunday, and not do any commercial activities. He might golf on Sunday, but mostly does home or family things. We grew up in a part of the world where most stores were closed on Sunday, although movie theaters, bowling alleys, restaurants and the like were open. So, this is not really a totally foreign idea.

At the time I mentally scoffed at the idea. But, as time goes by, I have begun to adopt that practice more and more.  I still go to a concert, kayak, visit with friends, go to the library.  And, I do occasionally do commercial things, but have really decreased my Sunday commercialism. 

In addition to groceries, gasoline and the library, my other semi-regular weekend activity is to go to the craft store. I prefer Hobby Lobby http://www.hobbylobby.com/ to Michael's http://www.michaels.com/, Jo-Ann http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp, or Hancock http://www.hancockfabrics.com/.  It used to irritate me the Hobby Lobby is not open on Sunday.  Now, I do not even think about it.  If I am going to the craft stores, I am going on Saturday. No matter which one.

I appreciate having access to stores on Sunday, but Hobby Lobby is an example of a chain that can survive and be closed on Sunday.  So, while I like knowing I can have access to stores on Sunday, more and more, I do not access them.

Where Does Your Gratitude Lay?

Where does your gratitude lay?  I am so thankful. There are so many things for which I am grateful:  I have a good job, with really fine co-workers, supervisors, and a meaningful mission.

I have a home. I have people who care about me: family, friends, colleagues.

I have a relatively safe environment in which to live.

I have pets who offer me companionship and pleasure.

I have a variety of social and interest activities in which I engage.

I enjoy learning. 

I have relatively good health, although my age has slowed me down some.

I live in a country in which my well being and safety is protected as well as can be. The threat of revolt, uprising, violence is minimal at this time.

I live in an age in which technology has improved our lives, made our lives safer, and opened up the world to us. 

I have faith that God is good, takes good care of me and my fellow man, and blesses me in my daily life.

Where Would You Like to be On Christmas?

Of course, most if not all of us would like to be with our families on Christmas...But that creates a new question:  who are our families?  The people we interact with every day.  The blood relatives who are miles and miles from where we live? Our family of origin? Our extended families? 

Who knows.  I want to be home on Christmas.  My definition of home has changed over the years.  I now define home as my residence which I share with my two cats.  So, if you invite me elsewhere, I do not want to be there.

It is not that I do not care about you and yours, but I want to be at ease, comfortable, and without stress. 

I have relatives who are deployed for military reasons.  And other relatives who are out of country for professional reasons.  I hope they are able to enjoy the holidays.  But, ultimately, I hope they are all happy, healthy, safe, and feeling connected for the holidays.

Staying Connected

When I moved to Texas in 1977, I rarely made long distance phone calls, due to the expense.  They were saved for special occasions or holidays.  Night and weekend rates made them less expensive, but letters were a big part of staying connected.  And, I love to send cards.

Then cell phones and emails came into being.  Cell phones were great.  I had a plan for unlimited calling that made calls to the East and, especially, my parents possible.  I called more and more often...

Emails also made unlimited access possible.

Recently, I have commented several times that I am so glad the my stepdaughter asked me to join Facebook, because she posted family activities and pictures.  I have been able to not only keep up with her family, but many of my nieces and other family members post regularly on Facebook.

One of my nieces told me today that she was very glad that we can stay connected on Facebook.  It made me feel very special and close to her...That is very special to me.

Today is a holiday, I am very grateful at the multiple media that allow me to stay connected to my friends and family.  

Family Reunions

As I was growing up, I recall that we went to several family functions over the years.  These were usually precipitated by a wedding, funeral, baptism or anniversary...They were generally interesting,sometimes fun, and loud, noisy, and involving food, alcoholic drinks for the adults, lots of music and lots of people.

When I moved to Texas, I learned that many, many families in this part of the world have family reunions.  Major family reunions.  I was amazed about these family reunions.  They could involve more than 100 people, even almost 300 people...Wow!

These family reunions may be held at hotels, church camps, summer camps, resorts, retreats, camping facilities. 

I was amazed at how well organized these reunions are:  There might be annuals or facebooks, with pictures of last year's reunion, or pictures of those folks expected to attend. Or, the reunion might produce a photo/memory book of the reunion.

The reunion might use the staff of the facility they are using for providing meals, housekeeping, so the participants are free to socialize.  They may have organized activities: games, dances, bingo, contests.

Some of the reunions will have things like hats, T shirts, tote bags to identify the participants and commemorate the event...

That is wonderful!

Passion

I used to be passionate about stuff, but find I am no longer passionate.  I used to be passionate about NASCAR, and about birdwatching.  Now I just enjoy them... casually. 

I do not know why I feel so little depth of emotion these days. But I have been like this for some time... I just can not get excited about much.

I love my cats dearly, and my family and friends, but just do not have much depth of interest in other things.  I still watch baseball, NASCAR, go birdwatching and kayaking.  I am reading a lot. I still like to knit, and have a crewel and cross stitch project, as well as a couple of knitting projects pending. 

But no passion.   Hmmmmmmmmm.