Star light, star bright

When I was little I could not keep my nose out of the clouds. I was always looking up and I can read a star chart better than any road map. I had a great star watcher for a teacher. Sometime between then and now and the city lights I stopped looking up as much. On occasion at the beach or on random walks from the car I'd glance up but, like I said, city lights mask a lot. The new house is still city but in an area with more of a view for a good night sky. I was blessed tonight to look up and see Jupiter in close proximity to the moon (now is the time to see it with a telescope too btw).  I need to remind myself to slow down, look up, and take in the gifts all around us. 

Kind words of a stranger

My tennis partner and I both needed to reschedule our match today. We don't know the other team and have only corresponded through e-mail.  I tried to e-mail them early this morning hoping to give them a little more time to plan their day. I expected a simple response and a reschedule. I was pleasantly surprised and blessed by the thoughtful and caring response we both received. There are still good people out there. As I told a friend, my faith in humanity is restored. The kindness of strangers still exists. A kind word sure does go a long way. 

Yucky cold

So nose flusher is awesome...for my allergies. Somehow I have a cold so yesterday's blessing was the wonderful blue Tylenol that helped me sleep. Today's is the incredibly strong over the counter decongestant/antihistamine I got when we were in Italy. Little secret- Europeon over the counter is a whole different end of the spectrum from American over the counter. Half of one and I'm like a sponge. Hoping that means tomorrow I will be tennis ready!  

The Flusher

This piece if nasal relief is a HUGE blessing and will probably keep me from having this yuck turn to bronchitis. It's also a blessing I knew what box it was in!

No rain delay today

All day today I thought it's too cold to play our tennis match tonight, we will get rained out, I hope we get rained out, I need to rest. Well, turned out what I needed was to play. We ended up with a nice team that was a good challenge and got some good excercise. It was a blessing the rain cleared after all and now with the fresh air I'll sleep better. It was a perfect example of I don't always know what's best, God does, and I need to just sit back and relax. 

zoom zoom zoom

As I much as I fuss about traffic I really am blessed to have 4 wheels to get me where I need to be safely. The transporter has yet to be invented and I certainly couldn't walk to work on time so I need my car. Gas in lieu of paying for a cab still looks better in my pocket.  I saw a man on the side of the interstate today in the cold, I assume hitch-hiking, as I was driving home. It's a shame it's not safe to help people out like that anymore but it does give me a new appreciation for what I have. 

Saturday-Monday

I'm behind, I know. Let me explain. It certainly wasn't that there weren't blessings the last few days because there were, but they were bittersweet days for sure. 

As I posted Friday a very special person passed away last Thursday. A wonderful woman I've know since I was six. I always said I was lucky to have 3 grandmothers even though she wasn't a blood relative. I played with her grandchildren, spent as much time in their yard as my own, and either ran across the street or later on called her anytime I got something new.  So the weekend was kinda rough. I clean when I get upset (got that honestly from my Mawmaw) so all day Saturday was very productive in unpacking and cleaning.  We also needed to get ready for the round trip to VA on Sunday. This meant getting air in my tires (I'm getting to the blessing I swear).  I wanted to have the air put in and tires checked at an actual tire place, not just me at the gas station with some quarters and an air hose. Being new on this side of town I wasn't 100% sure where to go but knew we needed to go to Target. Well, right in the same parking lot was a tire place. It was busy and I figured it would cost some time and a little money. Nope!  There are still some nice places with nice people. This very nice guy, very busy guy, checked them for free, quickly too, and with a very sincere smile on his face. His kind attitude was truly a blessing that day. 

Despite my attempts to find things to clean and organize into the night in hopes of prolonging Saturday, Sunday came right on time like always. It was a rather easy trip travel wise. Whoever the genius is that decided turning 220 into a 4 lane was a good idea I commend you! We made it a little earlier than expected so we drove around some before heading to the funeral home.  The moment I never thought would actually happen was upon us and it was time to go in. The elegance and dignity of a true lady was still present during the viewing.  Afterwards we met my older cousin and my baby (not so much anymore) cousin for a bite to eat at my favorite restaurant before hitting the road again.  Their smiling faces were a blessing and a breathe of fresh air.  We don't get to see them much so it's important to take advantage of every chance we get.  My little cousin has the best laugh and  I don't know anyone who doesn't feel better after hearing a child laugh. 

During our time out of state yesterday a dear friend whom I later found was sick, came and took care of the babies. They love her and so do we. She is a blessing for us all!  

Now, I know this is a long one but I'm throwing in a 4th blessing anyway. Today was actually a little more emotional for me than yesterday but, I am blessed to know that God is watching over us all and that he brings his children home with Him. I can rest assured that there is peace in Heaven for those that have left this world.