Gratitude

[ny biker]

They say that expressing gratitude is good for your health. Maybe we should start a thread to mention people, places and things we're grateful for. Big, small or in-between.

At this very minute, I'm listening to a free EP that the Foo Fighters released last November as a thank-you to their fans at the end of their Sonic Highways (broken leg) tour. The songs make me happy. And it was a free download. I am grateful for their expression of gratitude.

[Pax]

Great idea, NY!

I'm grateful for being able to see the ocean today and smell the salt air while I read my book.

[salsabike]

I am deeply grateful for this Oliver Sacks quote, which was in an essay published in the NY Times after he found out he had terminal cancer. I'm carting a copy around with me--that's how helpful I find it:

"My predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved; I have been given much and I have given something in return; I have read and traveled and thought and written. I have had an intercourse with the world, the special intercourse of writers and readers.
Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and an adventure."--Oliver Sacks.

For anyone who wants to see the whole essay, which he wrote after learning his nine-year cancer had become terminal. An inspiration right to the end and a man who made the world better. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/opinion/oliver-sacks-on-learning-he-has-terminal-cancer.html?_r=.

[VeganBikeChick]

I'm grateful for finding clinical placement this semester and not having to push back my graduation by a semester.

[rebeccaC]

I’m usually grateful I’ve joined the world for another day as I wake up and I’m grateful for a days unexpected moments of caring and connection.

And grateful for being able to ride today on an oxnard farm road.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1521/24261255922_54c5793f1e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CXTh8U)

I’ve liked Sachs since my first readings in college to ‘on the move..a life’ last summer….and I’m grateful for another quote from that n.y. times essay…” I have to live in the richest, deepest, most productive way I can.”

thinking I’m just a grateful kind of person :)

[OakLeaf]

I'm grateful I can run, and that I could still run back when my injuries kept me from doing almost anything else.

Grateful I have a reasonably current backup since my laptop hard drive crashed last night. Grateful that I'm on an even enough emotional keel ATM that it hasn't completely freaked me out, and that I have my tablet to get me through in the interim.

Lots of things, big and small - thank YOU for starting this thread.

[Aromig]

I'm grateful for an online community where I can learn about free downloads from my favorite band! I loved the note.

I'm rather grumpy about work lately, and I'm grateful for colleagues that can help me keep my spirits up. I'm thankful that I can call some of them friends as well as colleagues.

[rocknrollgirl]

I do a gratitude reflection every night as I get ready to sleep. It helps me keep things in perspective when work gets crazy.

Right now I am grateful that I teach the most amazing young adults, and that they think being a science nerd is cool.

[Crankin]

I am grateful for just about everything in my life. Not that it didn't take a large amount of hard work to get to where I am today, but sometimes even hard work doesn't change things.
I think I am mostly grateful that my sons turned out to be wonderful and unique human beings. They are on different paths, but so similar.

[OakLeaf]

Grateful today for sunshine and DH's guitar playing.

[ny biker]

Trying to flip the oncoming onslaught of snow into something positive, because I really could do without it! -- Today I am grateful that winter is only a temporary thing, and that some of you will finally have decent snow for skiing, fat biking, etc. Very grateful that my parents have someone to shovel the snow for them and that they're always so well prepared for storms and the power outages that often accompany them, and for my niece and nephews and their friends who make time to help out their grandparents when needed. And grateful to be related to good people even though the girls' weekend with the cousins will most likely be cancelled due to the snow this weekend.

[Catrin]

Grateful this evening for the soft squishiness of single-ply merino yarn as I work on a swatch for a hat I'm considering knitting. Thankful for a boss who is able to look past my shortcomings and give me a performance review that could not be better. Thankful for a church community in which I feel both welcome and a member of (first time in a long time). And last, but far from least, am VERY thankful to have a roof over my head, central heat, and able to live somewhere that I feel safe.

[ny biker]

Long list tonight. We had a "dusting" of snow this evening with temps just below freezing, and apparently the local DOTs didn't pre-treat the roads, leaving thousands of us trying to drive home from work on icy roads. I don't remember exactly when I left the office, but I think it took about 2.5 hours to make what is usually a 35-minute trip. So thank you to:

- the meteorologists I follow on Twitter and watch on local news, for telling me to be prepared for the tonight's snow.
- the firefighters, EMTs and police who are out there helping people in this mess -- and every mess.
- my 8th grade physics teacher, for teaching me what I needed to know about the laws of motion to be able to drive safely on slick roads, and especially how to get up the untreated hills.
- my friend who showed me, on the way home from a bike ride years ago, how to cut over from I-66 to Route 50 when 66 is jammed, and also pointed out that shopping center in between. I stopped at the grocery store there tonight to take a break and pick up the last few things I'll need to get me through the "crippling blizzard" this weekend.
- the people driving the trucks that treated Routes 50 and 7 inside the beltway.
- the driver of the car making the right on red at the intersection near my office, for pulling up far enough for me to not crash into you as I discovered to my horror that the roads in that area were utterly untreated and that my brakes were completely non-existent above 10 mph.
- to the service manager at the local Toyota dealer who has kept my car running well for more than 100k miles -- it's easier to remain calm under bad conditions when you know you can trust your car.

ETA: Many thanks to whichever school teacher taught me how to read a map. Knowing multiple east-west routes and how to get between them when the one I was on jammed on got me home at least an hour earlier than I would have if I'd only known one way to get home.

[Pax]

Wow, NY, I'm so glad you're okay!

[Catrin]

Glad to hear you didn't crash and you are ok NY!

[Pax]

So grateful for the gorgeous sunny morning as I ran errands. Thankful and happy that we get to go home for a few days in February!

[Trek420]

So grateful that our long nightmare with our crazy neighbor seems over for now. More important we found and placed an offer on a house. The offer was accepted and now the oy's of escrow commence. I'm grateful that our new pad is also in an area we love. We'll have lots of cycling and biking to keep me healthy and for a long healthy life with my wife, whom I'm also grateful for.

[Pax]

Congratulations, Trek, very happy for you two.

[rebeccaC]

So grateful that our long nightmare with our crazy neighbor seems over for now. More important we found and placed an offer on a house. The offer was accepted and now the oy's of escrow commence. I'm grateful that our new pad is also in an area we love. We'll have lots of cycling and biking to keep me healthy and for a long healthy life with my wife, whom I'm also grateful for.

i'm liking this gratitute thread idea......:)

[Trek420]

Congratulations, Trek, very happy for you two.

Oh, and I'm grateful for TE. :)

[Pax]

I was just reading about the young actress who played Meadow Soprano in the Sopranos (I never watched the show so don't really know much about her) but she is now 33 years old and has been dealing with MS for 13 years, she can't really walk up and down stairs anymore and has difficulty walking at all. This really hit home with me, made me realize that my slightly annoying leg is really simply a bump in the road, I'm so grateful for being so healthy otherwise.

[Blueberry]

I'm grateful that our ice storm is (so far) has been a sleet storm. I'd rather snow, but sleet is much better than freezing rain. I'm thankful I have a warm house and plenty of food. I'm thankful my DH is home with me. I'm thankful my school cancelled classes, and that we have been provided with alternative methods to learn the information we need to know. I'm thankful to have a gas fireplace, gas hot water heater, and gas stove - so if we do lose power, we will still have some heat, warm water, and a way to make warm food.

[rebeccaC]

I’m grateful that I have just successfully planned a middle of feb work trip that will give me some days of free time in the desert to ride and do some hiking and photography!!!!!

these storm posts are making me miss an old stone house in eastern france and the few days of wood fires to heat the walls during the winter..….in thinking we should be able to post what we ‘would’ be grateful for…..i wanna be grateful for being able to build a stone house by the ocean in northern ca. :)

yeah...even when it's hard someone usually has it harder....especially with health
being grateful

[azfiddle]

What a nice, positive thread.
I'm grateful that I am approaching 60 years old and have very good health, a marriage that has survived for over thirty years despite challenges, two wonderful grown kids who are flourishing, each in their own way, 2 happy kitties.... well, the list could keep going.

And grateful to my homeowner's insurance for getting me a new bike!

[redrhodie]

I'm grateful for finding my first checkbook register, from 1990. I had just moved to New York City, and I literally had $92 in the bank. And that was it. There wasn't anything to fall back on. My mom was pretty poor, and my dad was pretty selfish. I guess I had nothing to lose. I look over the entries in that register, and I see how frugal I was, and how the balance slowly grew. I see payments made to Bloomingdales, my first credit card. I still have the thing I bought! It was a Dirt Devil Vacuum cleaner. It took me months to pay for. But I did. I know it must seem like a weird thing to be grateful for, but it makes me see how strong and lucky I am. How far I've come.

I've begun packing my apartment as I'm moving next week. I am grateful to have found a new place in a cool part of town with an extra room for only $100 more than I currently pay. I'm grateful my boyfriend's new job has given him benefits, which he hasn't had since 1998. I'm grateful for my new coworker who is just delightful, and my boss who is fair. And my cats who are so sweet and joyful. Things are great.

[Pax]

I am grateful to have finally gotten an interview for a professional job here in FL. It's just the first step, a phone interview, but it gives me hope.

[rebeccaC]

H have O only P positive E expectations

….and be grateful that you'll have a good interview!!!! :)

[Pax]

Definitely, Rebecca!

I'm grateful today for getting to meet the wonderful OakLeaf and enjoying a lovely lunch with a newfound friend. Thanks, Oak!

[Aromig]

Reading this threat makes me smile. (so I'm grateful for TE).

Today I'm grateful that I have pretty good kids. My teenagers (13 and 15) actually seemed human this morning and we had a good start to the day.

I'm grateful that I got to start my day with spinning (reading the 1990 checkbook thread reminds me that I'd never be able to afford spinning classes or gym memberships in 1990) and I'm grateful for the reminder that I have life pretty good and I shouldn't take these things like spinning and gym memberships for granted. Thank you for the perspective!

[Crankin]

Red, it's so good to see you here!

[OakLeaf]

I'm grateful for the chance to finally meet Pax after a few missed opportunities. Good conversation, good food, nice patio - thank you, Pax!

And I'm grateful for a local organic farmer and the CSA share I picked up this afternoon, such beautiful vegetables and a leader in revitalizing local food in our area. Yum.

[rebeccaC]

“gratitude opens the door to….the compassion, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe”....pema

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1528/24056110364_e433ca5bbd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CDKRvw)

[emily_in_nc]

I am grateful for the end to the heavy rains in Florida and a sunny day today. And a short afternoon run among the puddles left behind. :-)

[Catrin]

I am very grateful that I can now hike at a normal pace - had a great hike today and we did 2.7 miles in 1 hour and 4 minutes. That isn't bad! My knee/quad is still VERY weak, not so thankful about that, but AM thankful for the loan of 2 hiking poles. Whatever it takes to get/keep me mobile! I did bring home more mud than anticipated, but a little bit of mud never hurt anyone.

[smilingcat]

I am grateful that my mother is in good spirit, good health and of sound mind. This is lot to ask when your mother is in her 80's. WOW!! Go mom!!

I am very grateful for having such a wonderful partner. She keeps me on an even keel.

[emily_in_nc]

I am very grateful that I can now hike at a normal pace - had a great hike today and we did 2.7 miles in 1 hour and 4 minutes. That isn't bad! My knee/quad is still VERY weak, not so thankful about that, but AM thankful for the loan of 2 hiking poles. Whatever it takes to get/keep me mobile! I did bring home more mud than anticipated, but a little bit of mud never hurt anyone.

So, did you find hiking with the two poles better than one, Catrin? I remember when this first came up, I encouraged you to go with two poles, as everything I'd read said that it was safer and better, and I've had great luck with mine over the years. Glad you're back to a good pace and enjoying it!

[emily_in_nc]

I am grateful that my mother is in good spirit, good health and of sound mind. This is lot to ask when your mother is in her 80's. WOW!! Go mom!!

Mine too! I feel very lucky, especially since DH's mom is suffering from severe dementia. She is about 5 years older than my mother, but was already having bad memory problems at my mom's age (81). The contrast between the two of them is astonishing to me, and I am so glad to still have a mother who remembers the past, remembers who I am, and whom I can still laugh and talk with about anything under the sun. This too shall pass, and I can't even imagine that, but I am very grateful for however long we have this way.

[Catrin]

So, did you find hiking with the two poles better than one, Catrin? I remember when this first came up, I encouraged you to go with two poles, as everything I'd read said that it was safer and better, and I've had great luck with mine over the years. Glad you're back to a good pace and enjoying it!

Yes Emily, the two seems to provide more stability and balances things out. I also find the molded cork handles to be much kinder to my arthitic hands over the larger round hiking staff. That being said, I've been resistant as I'm trying to build quad strength and two sticks makes that more difficult - but since they do provide more stability and confidence on the trail...well, it seems prudent. Thanks for speaking up when I initially asked about them! I've been borrowing a set from a friend at church, but will be getting my own from REI soon.

[Crankin]

I have the cork on my poles, too and I like them. I mostly use them for snow shoeing, where sometimes you are really using those poles! Hopefully, I will get to use them this winter...
I am grateful my DH knows how to do so many trades. My friends are astonished that a Jewish professional guy can do plumbing, electrical work, paint, and fix bikes. He is grumbling about the condo work, but we are almost done and he does feel good about his accomplishments.

[Aromig]

shockingly I found a nice pair of cork-handled telescoping poles at Walmart one year. You might check that out before going to REI, depending on how long you think you'll use them. I LOVE REI and buy anything I expect to keep for a long time from REI but they can get pretty pricey.

[OakLeaf]

I'm beyond grateful for my continued good health.

[Pax]

I'm grateful to have been offered a second interview for a job in social services. It's amazing how much our self worth can be tied up in our "employability".

[rebeccaC]

and i'm grateful you got a second interview too :).....h..o..p..e works

[Crankin]

I know I always tell people that you can't wrap up your whole identity in your work, but I am very guilty of this. I remember when I first moved back to MA, sitting at my kitchen table, when some ad came on TV about teachers. I didn't have a job yet, and I just put my head down and cried. And, it did not work out so well for me when I tried to quit working a few years ago. Tell me a little more about the job.

[emily_in_nc]

That's great, Pax. Crossing fingers and toes for you!

[Pax]

Thanks everyone!

Crankin - it's a work release program for current felons in a step down unit, they are in the last two years of their sentences. I would be overseeing 28 men, teaching them how to get jobs, write resumes, interview, and then follow up while they're working.

[Catrin]

Thanks everyone!

Crankin - it's a work release program for current felons in a step down unit, they are in the last two years of their sentences. I would be overseeing 28 men, teaching them how to get jobs, write resumes, interview, and then follow up while they're working.

This is excellent, congratulations!

[Crankin]

That sounds really interesting, Pax. Good luck!

[OakLeaf]

Pax, that's great! Good luck!!!

[Pax]

It would be nice to make a difference in someone's life again, it's been a while.

[rebeccaC]

it's a work release program for current felons in a step down unit, they are in the last two years of their sentences. I would be overseeing 28 men, teaching them how to get jobs, write resumes, interview, and then follow up while they're working.

The identity from the uniqueness of our personality, our character and what we value is to me more important in defining us and our self worth than the job we have. Now that job description also sounds like it could help in those areas in a positive way…..hoping you’re hired and find out it does.
...and i'd be grateful for that happening for you!!!!!

[salsabike]

Pax, that is hugely important work! I did a report a few years ago for a non-profit on programs across the country that focus on helping ex-inmates aim for living wage work. That is really awesome.

[Aromig]

I would be overseeing 28 men, teaching them how to get jobs, write resumes, interview, and then follow up while they're working.

This sounds like you can really make a difference! I have a family member that had been repeatedly incarcerated - mostly for minor drinking offenses (public intoxication, fighting, etc.) but it happened enough he was considered a habitual offender. After several years, I think it was clear that he thought jail was easier and he had no idea how to transition to real life, and getting a job and meaningful employment was obviously harder to do. I wonder how much recidivism rates are linked to the fact that felons don't know how to transition back to normal life. What meaningful work! Good luck with your second interview.

[Pax]

Average recidivism rates in the US are 65-75% in the first 3-5 years, this program has a 6% rate, so it appears to be very successful. In the past I've developed these programs for agencies where I've worked, if they are done well, they can make a huge difference.

[emily_in_nc]

Average recidivism rates in the US are 65-75% in the first 3-5 years, this program has a 6% rate, so it appears to be very successful. In the past I've developed these programs for agencies where I've worked, if they are done well, they can make a huge difference.

Sounds like you are a great fit for the job. Really hoping for you! Definitely important, meaningful work.

[ny biker]

I am grateful that the sun came out for a little while this afternoon. Also that the impending super-cold weather is expected to last less than a week, and that it's not expected to be beyond-ridiculous-cold like we had last winter.

[Pax]

I'm grateful that the door seems to be cracking open for me here in Florida. Got an academic library interview, I'm so excited to get an interview in my field.

[emily_in_nc]

Awesome, Pax!

[OakLeaf]

Yay Pax!

[Catrin]

Very good to read this Pax!

I am grateful that the days are getting a little longer!

[Pax]

I am grateful that the days are getting a little longer!
Ditto this! The sun hit me in the eye as it was setting today and I realized it was in a whole new place in the patio door.

[emily_in_nc]

Me too! I am grateful that perhaps winter is mostly behind us here in Florida. And that the wind has died down after the past few days of bluster.

[Pax]

Me too! I am grateful that perhaps winter is mostly behind us here in Florida. And that the wind has died down after the past few days of bluster.

Good lord, yes. My poor honey felt like she was going to blown off the bridge on her run/walk yesterday, not sure how Oak is managing it since she runs the higher bridge!

So grateful for the sunshine and the nice bag girl at the grocery store, she is always so pleasant.

[OakLeaf]

not sure how Oak is managing it since she runs the higher bridge!

Ha! There's a particular way I wind my visor around my wrist in a figure-8 at the bottom of the bridge, so I can carry it effortlessly and then put it back on when I'm past the danger of it blowing off. :D

I'm grateful for my allergy shots. I can watch those huge clouds of cedar pollen blow down the alley and still function as a human being.

[rebeccaC]

I’m grateful for the moments of happiness that allow me to soak in the beauty of life…...

[ny biker]

I am thankful that the sun is shining and taking the edge off this very cold day.

One month to Daylight Saving Time.

[rebeccaC]

I’m grateful to be able to work in the high desert for the next 8 days and also get some good riding and hiking in.

desert riding/hiking always gives me a feeling of the freeing 
of my mind and my soul’s detoxification within its quiet peace and beauty

[emily_in_nc]

I am grateful that our outing today in our motorhome went smoothly (stopped at Lowes for a couple things and filled up at a gas station, exercised the generator and other systems, plus the tires, after sitting in the campground for a month). I feel more confident in DH's driving this beast once we hit the road to head north next month!

[Aromig]

I'm grateful for the smile that a Kentucky Lawmaker gave me when I read about her proposed bill to "protect family values." I'm only sad that the sarcasm will likely go right over the head of the people to whom it is directed.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-lawmaker-protests-anti-abortion-advocates-with-viagra-bill/

[OakLeaf]

I'm grateful for the advice and support of my TE sisters, and my own awareness of my state of recovery, in deciding to take it easy last week. Feeling much better.

Grateful for the great horned owl hooting outside my window yesterday morning. Such a gentle sound from such a powerful bird.

[Pax]

You make me smile, Oak.


I'm grateful for finally feeling a little bit at home here in FL, feeling hope about the future, and just being happy in general these days.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm grateful for finally feeling a little bit at home here in FL, feeling hope about the future, and just being happy in general these days.

Happiness is good. :-)

I too am grateful for feeling much happier than I have in months. Mexico was a fun place to visit, maybe even a good place to live one day, but not in Playa del Carmen and not now. Just happy to be living in our motorhome, in Florida, getting lots of good bike rides in, cooking fun food, and planning/doing projects, which we thrive on.

[ny biker]

I'm grateful that the heavy rain that will fall here tomorrow is not snow and ice.

Also grateful for the great deal I got on the 6-cd set of Leonard Bernstein conducting all nine of Beethhoven's symphonies plus some overtures and concertos.

[rebeccaC]

Enjoy the listening!!!!

Btw…Furtwangler, Vienna Philharmonic, Beethoven Symphony No 3……vinyl, tubed amplifier, speakers with amplified bass…..takes me to a mountain top and I see a new continent :)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1630/25207009136_e422169ae9.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EpsvBN)

and thank you for making me think about listening to it :).....i'm happy to be home this morning

[Crankin]

NY, your comment reminded me that I guess I should be grateful to my mom for making me sit and watch every single one of those Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts in the early 60s. No one in my family was musical (though my dad did have a short lived avocation as a drummer with Geoge Wein, the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival) and I never went to Symphony Hall in Boston, as a kid. But, watching those shows got me interested in classical music. Years later, when I moved to Miami in HS, one of my teachers used to take a bunch of us to see the Miami Philharmonic Orchestra monthly. We got cheap student seats, I would get dressed up (granny dresses!) and enjoy the teeny bit of culture in that cultural desert, in 1970-71.

[OakLeaf]

I don't suppose Doug Burris was one of your teachers, Crankin?? Not sure when he started in Miami. He just passed away. I didn't know him, but a friend of mine here had been a colleague and remained friends with him.

I'm partial to von Karajan, myself. But I'm just grateful for Beethoven. And Liszt.

[Crankin]

No, he wasn't. After spending the last 8 weeks of 10th grade at a public school of 4,000 kids, I went to a teeny private school, where I had 10 kids in my graduating class. It wasn't the most selective school (too late to apply to that one, and besides could you see me at "The Everglades School for Girls?"), but we had great teachers. Most were going to grad school at night.

[OakLeaf]

"Everglades School for Girls" :D :D ... "and Wayward Alligators"

[Crankin]

Ha, ha. It's now Everglades-Ransom School, which was the matching, selective boys' school. The kid who lived down the street from me in Newton, moved to Miami (same area) just a few months before I did. Obviously, his parents knew the deadline for applying, because he went to Ransom. My issue with the public school, besides the sheer size and racist students, was the fact when I went to register for classes, they did not put me in the appropriate levels. I knew what I was in at Newton South was pretty much like their advanced or honors levels, but no, they put me in basic college prep, and it was for morons. The only class that I belonged in that level for was math. It was a very quick lesson in the differing quality of education from state to state.

[Blueberry]

I'm thankful that the storms didn't cause damage to my home or my immediate area, and that the threat of severe weather is past. I'm also thankful that I can no stress about my final on Friday - I need a 32 to pass the block (pass-fail curriculum). So - I can focus on learning, and then start packing for Portland. I'm also thankful that DH and I are finally headed on a vacation together.

[rebeccaC]

+3 on your being okay NY

I’m grateful for Apple customer service and AppleCare. I dropped off my 2 year old macbook pro at the apple store when i got back at 8:30 tuesday night because some horizontal and vertical lines were on the screen (thinking I caused it too). I got an email that they replaced the screen and just fedex’ed it overnight first morning delivery back to me from the repair facility in Texas….2 1/2 day turnaround with no cost for anything.

[OakLeaf]

I am SOOOOOOO thankful to the CVS employee who picked up the bag containing my drivers license, debit cards and a couple of other important things that I accidentally dropped there, and even looked up the phone number I had on file there (unfortunately for me, a number that I don't often check the messages on). She said she couldn't accept a reward, maybe I'll send some flowers. PHEW!!!!

[Pax]

That is great, Oak!!!

I left my phone in the stacks a couple of nights ago, thankfully a student found it and turned it in, some wonderful folks in this world.

[Trek420]

I am so thankful that our realtor's crew has done a remodel of our old condo. It'll be on the market next week. We fully expect some good offers and hope for a smooth close.

I am thankful for our new home and that Knott was able to find such a nice spot for us to land.

[rebeccaC]

I am so thankful that our realtor's crew has done a remodel of our old condo. It'll be on the market next week. We fully expect some good offers and hope for a smooth close.

I am thankful for our new home and that Knott was able to find such a nice spot for us to land.

glad all the neighbor drama can be in the past now....and may your neighbors always be pleasant human beings from now on :) quick sale at asking ftw

[Trek420]

glad all the neighbor drama can be in the past now....and may your neighbors always be pleasant human beings from now on :) quick sale at asking ftw

Asking? Heh, heh. We are going to have a bidding war; ground floor, end unit, with own garden space and bike parking, on the Burke Gilman (watch the trail from the kitchen), walk and bike to anything including Seattles two new light rail stations, a country cottage feel in the big city, walk to Magnussen park, Beaches and trails, Children's Hospital, Seattle's best neighborhood eateries ... It's gonna be fun. We bought low and expect to do fairly well.

If you know a cyclist, kayaker or runner in Seattle who is looking ....and I don't think crazy neighbor lady will bother them.

[emily_in_nc]

That's awesome. Living in NC most of my adult life, bidding wars for real estate are pretty much unheard of. If we get 10% below asking, we're happy. Sad, right!? Lucky you!

[Trek420]

That's awesome. Living in NC most of my adult life, bidding wars for real estate are pretty much unheard of. If we get 10% below asking, we're happy. Sad, right!? Lucky you!

I'm thankfull for our realtor. He is very smart. I think he'll find that sweet spot and price it right. Too low and folks wonder "what's wrong with it?". Too high and they don't look. Juuuust right and it gets interest. That's what we're hoping for.

[VeganBikeChick]

Asking? Heh, heh. We are going to have a bidding war; ground floor, end unit, with own garden space and bike parking, on the Burke Gilman (watch the trail from the kitchen), walk and bike to anything including Seattles two new light rail stations, a country cottage feel in the big city, walk to Magnussen park, Beaches and trails, Children's Hospital, Seattle's best neighborhood eateries ... It's gonna be fun. We bought low and expect to do fairly well.

If you know a cyclist, kayaker or runner in Seattle who is looking ....and I don't think crazy neighbor lady will bother them.

Sounds like a dream. I work at Childrens. If only I was looking to buy...

[rebeccaC]

trek.....you're right of course...quick escrow after a great bidding war ftw :)....enjoy the new condo!!!!

i'm grateful for my best best friend coming for a five day stay in a week.....and a great SPA day, music clubbing, good food and conversations and a good bike ride!!!!!!!:):):)

[Trek420]

Sounds like a dream. I work at Childrens. If only I was looking to buy...

Well, if you know anybody. There goes the anonymity of the internets. :rolleyes:

[smilingcat]

I took 17 dozen eggs to a local food pantry today. This was the first time when I was there at noon. Normally, we go there near closing time and only people milling about are those with some sort of addiction, mental illness or mentally challenged. But today, the people waiting were neatly dressed moms on lunch break with their child(ren) in tow. It really is sad to see that the people are having hard time in meeting their basic need and have to look for assistance.

The 17 dozen eggs will be divided into 34 half dozen. I hope the people who receive our fresh eggs will find some comfort.

I'm grateful for having the means to provide some assistance to those in need. This was one of our goals when we started our farm.

peace to all,

[OakLeaf]

Thank you, Smilingcat.

I'm grateful for the chance to ride my motorcycle to the chiropractor today - another really helpful treatment - a nice lunch with Pax - and the feel of cold fresh gas in the tank against my leg on a warm day. :)

[Pax]

So great seeing you, Oak!!

I'm grateful that I've turned some sort of corner in life. I'm so happy and content, life just makes me smile. I love the feel of the water on my skin when I swim, the feel of the sun on my face and sand on my feet at the beach, love sitting with my honey and just chatting and relaxing. I think my heart is responding to being where it needs to be at this exact moment in time.

[Catrin]

It makes me grateful to be able to read all of your wonderful stories!

[smilingcat]

It was a perfect spring day. Warm, sunny for a change and no wind. But I'm really tired now :D.

Hot long shower and curry for dinner.

[Catrin]

Thankful to still be able to workout, even if not quite how I would like. There is something very comforting about beating the storms home from work, doing a kb session and showering before dinner and a planned evening of curling up with a good book. The only problem is which one!

[rebeccaC]

Thankful to still be able to workout, even if not quite how I would like. There is something very comforting about beating the storms home from work, doing a kb session and showering before dinner and a planned evening of curling up with a good book. The only problem is which one!

ending curled up with a good book sounds wonderful......and of course with hot chocolate :)

[salsabike]

It makes me grateful to be able to read all of your wonderful stories!

Exactly!

[Catrin]

ending curled up with a good book sounds wonderful......and of course with hot chocolate :)
I DID, but my version of hot chocolate. Strong peppermint tea with 100% cacao and cream. Even unsweetened the peppermint tea offsets the cacao enough that sugar isn't required at all, though sometimes I add a bit of honey.

The Kraken Rum variant is awesome but I don't often do that so it stays special :cool:

[ny biker]

I'm grateful that last night's flat tire was not a catastrophic failure and that I was able to finish my bike ride.

[OakLeaf]

I'm grateful DH just handed me a cookie from the batch that he baked. :) <3

[Trek420]

I am grateful that the hummingbirds have found our feeder. I have a feeling they are pretty grateful too.

[VeganBikeChick]

I'm grateful I got to spend the weekend in solitude away from my mystery neighbor who blasts his surround sound every night (mystery as in I can't locate which neighbor in the building it is)

[OakLeaf]

I'm grateful beyond words that the wild honeybees in our woodlot made it through another winter. The swarm first moved late in the season a year ago, so late that even disregarding varroa mites and colony collapse disorder, experienced local beekeepers told us they had pretty much zero chance of building enough honey stores to survive the winter. And yet ... here they still are, blanketing our dandelions, creeping Charlie and weeping cherry blossoms. I finally found which tree their hive is in, just now, and watched them flying in and out. So peaceful.

[ny biker]

Nice, Oak. I'm grateful that the Target near my office sells honey from a local source, and at the same price as their store brand honey. That's a double-miracle in my book. I would be willing to pay more!

[OakLeaf]

18008

I'm grateful for the opportunity to run on Monday. For the beautiful weather we're having today. For the birds freshly in their breeding plumage, so clean and bright.

[Catrin]

Grateful to still be about to get out into the woods and hike. Very thankful to be able to see all of the trees in bud and to listen to the quiet breeze in the trees.

[emily_in_nc]

After spending a couple of days with my in-laws (she with severe dementia and he with a smidge of dementia plus lots of physical problems), I am grateful that my mother is sound of mind, and mostly sound of body (just some arthritis).

[OakLeaf]

I'm grateful for lots of things today. A few -

For the new PT, and for the chance meeting with the runner who gave me his name.

For the eastern phoebes who've chosen to nest under our eave again this year. The nest is right where I can lie on the couch and watch the chicks with my binoculars. They're 12 days old today and just starting to pay attention to their surroundings.

For the Baltimore orioles who are visiting my feeder this year, which they never have before. Such a bright splash of color.

For finally starting to come out the other side of this cold>sinus infection>just enough bronchitis to scour my lungs out a little.

For a beautiful sunny day.

[ny biker]

I was going to post in the April rides thread, just to catch up for the record, to note some good bike rides from the last couple of weeks of that month. But instead I'll just sum them up here -- I'm grateful that I've found good cycling friends to ride with.

[OakLeaf]

Thanks to the moderators for cleaning up yesterday's spam attack!

[Crankin]

I think that was the worst I've seen here!

So, we have an offer on our house. We lowered the price a lot (3 times) and the offer is less than the price, but we accepted... we replied with we accept, but no contingencies and that inspection is purely for their information. They accepted the terms. We have fast tracked the process, with inspection on Wednesday, hope to have the P and S on Friday. Of course there are absolutely no structural or safety issues with the house, but we know the inspector will say the water heater and furnace should be replaced. They are working well, recently inspected, but are nearing their natural end. We will not pay for that.
The buyers story kind of resonated with us, perhaps on purpose, but it is not a lie. They are renting in West Concord, young family, with 3 elementary aged kids. The amount they offered is the limit of what they can afford, and they are pre-approved. Our neighborhood sends kids to the elementary school in West Concord, as it is the closest in miles, but on the other side of the highway that divides my town. They do not want to change schools. So, they are limited in money and geographic area. They kind of reminded us of ourselves when we moved here... of course we lived in a cheaper rent town for 6 years, but the story resonated with us. Right now what's selling in our town is one 1.5 million or above, or less than 450K, which means it's either a condo or an older ranch, which will be torn down for a new home. Our home is in neither of these categories. So, we are taking the $ and running. We have never seen a home as an investment, and we only made a big profit on the last home we sold. Just want the process to be done with.

[Catrin]

Sounds like it's good I didn't visit the site over the last couple days :eek: We have a GREAT admin team!

Congratulations Crankin - may it work out to the benefit of everyone!

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations, Crankin!

Hope everything goes smoothly with the sale and you can move forward quickly. Sounds like it will all be fine.

[OakLeaf]

Congratulations, Crankin! Glad you're seeing the light at the end of that tunnel.

[Crankin]

We are moving ahead with the home sale... inspection went well, our agent was there, and we monitored it on the video camera we have outside the house. We also have audio on it, so when we heard something, we texted our agent, and she brought up the correct answer! They saw the camera (we heard them say "Oh, he might be watching us"), but they had no idea about the audio. Anyway, they want a few of the things we have left there, in the garage, so we are selling them to the buyers at a low cost, except for the power washer, we will give to our son. We will sign the P&S Friday as planned. These people are super excited, they renting an apartment with 3 kids, so they are eager.
Grateful to be done with this, almost.

[Pax]

Happy for you, Crankin!


I'm grateful to be loved by a profoundly wonderful woman. I want to try and get the asthma under control before I throw in the towel, but today she says (while watching me gasp) "I will leave today, lets get in the car and go now". So supportive and loving, I am so lucky!

[Crankin]

Purchase and Sale is signed!
It was difficult, right up to the end. Our radon test came out .6 over the acceptable level. Most of you probably do not know what this is, but let's just say, it's another way for people to make $. Radon is everywhere in New England, in the air, etc., from all of the granite. The companies that do the testing scare the crap out of people. Anyway, as I said, the buyers really need to move, so we gave them some money to put a mitigation system in, or not. We aren't glowing, and we lived there for 11 years. When we sold our last house, the test came out 10 points over the limit, so we had to spend 2K to get the system put in.
Had a nice Mexican dinner to celebrate, including copious amounts of sangria.

[OakLeaf]

Congrats, Crankin!

[emily_in_nc]

Yay, Crankin! It is hard to sell a house these days, with all the protections built-in for the buyers. I dread buying one at some point in part because I don't want to have to sell it. Buying is easy-peasy compared to selling. Glad all is going to work out for you, and the sangria sounds like a perfect celebration!

[ny biker]

I am grateful for Team Estrogen!!! To have a place to buy the clothes I need for activities that bring me joy, a place that recognized women as athletes who were worthy of quality products that fit our different shapes and sizes... thank you to Susan and Jeff and everyone who has worked there over the past 18 years!!

[Catrin]

I am grateful for still being able to be as active as I am. Also very thankful for my job which I enjoy so much, belonging to a wonderful church community in which I (finally) fit, the friends in my life, and those hobbies that keep my interest. My body may appear to be falling apart but I'm many things to be thankful for - including Tea Estrogen and this forum!

[rebeccaC]

I am grateful for still being able to be as active as I am. Also very thankful for my job which I enjoy so much, belonging to a wonderful church community in which I (finally) fit, the friends in my life, and those hobbies that keep my interest. My body may appear to be falling apart but I'm many things to be thankful for - including Tea Estrogen and this forum!
.....:)

[salsabike]

I am grateful for still being able to be as active as I am. Also very thankful for my job which I enjoy so much, belonging to a wonderful church community in which I (finally) fit, the friends in my life, and those hobbies that keep my interest. My body may appear to be falling apart but I'm many things to be thankful for - including Tea Estrogen and this forum!


.....:)

Exactly, to you both :)

[rebeccaC]

grateful that a i work for a wonderful woman who gives everyone pre-Christmas to after New Years off to spend time with families (not that i won't do some work while gone though...cuz i want to, well and actually need to :) )...and very very grateful that we have now finished making the arrangements to spend the holidays with Alex's family in London and then mine in Gordes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ny biker]

Sounds wonderful!

I am grateful to have a family that I enjoy spending time with.

[ny biker]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

[emily_in_nc]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Thanks, NY! Same to you -- and everyone who is still hanging around here. :)

[Freelifestyle]

Yeah! Happy Thanksgiving to all! We all have many things to be grateful for. Let us enjoy the blessings we have with our family and friends.

[rebeccaC]

grateful bicycling is helping my mood....:)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/39763423254_685f678d00_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23zKWp1)

[Trek420]

Grateful for a new city park opened up near our home that is an awesome place to hike and ride.