Gratitude for Water

 I have been reading many posts this month about gratitude. About two weeks ago when I turned on the faucet we didn't have water. In this era of modern communication, I quickly learned the reason. A water main had broken and was already being repaired. Several hours later we had water flowing from the faucet, but for those hours when we didn't it was apparent that we take water for granted. I'm grateful that whenever I turn on the faucet or flush the toilet that we have water!

On another day we ventured to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get updated driver's licenses with our new address. It's a very busy place but the system they've devised works very well. As we arrived we were directed to seating, socially distanced. We noticed a woman sanitizing each station when a patron was finished with their transaction. When we left the building by another door, patrons were waiting in line outdoors since there were no available seats. We left with temporary paper licenses and in a few weeks should receive our official ID/driver's license through the mail with our new address. I'm thankful that both Ray and I still capable of driving!

We typically don't eat out but ventured out to Arni's, a local restaurant, on Veteran's Day. They offered a free entrée to veterans but Ray paid for my meal. Every other table was "off limits" assuring all customers are socially distanced. We were seated in the far corner and enjoyed our afternoon out without having to cook at home. I'm grateful that we can occasionally break from routine.

The small quilt knotting group at church has been working diligently most of the year and finished three quilts. Pictured are two of the more colorful quilt tops put together with small pieces of fabric. I'm not sure I would have patience to piece together this many strips, but I'm grateful that someone else does.

Now that we have been having cold and blustery days and don't feel like running outdoors, I'm grateful for the opportunity to run or walk indoors. Thanks to our Silver Sneakers membership we have visited the Gathering Place several times in the last month. When there is snow and ice on the ground, we'll be able to exercise indoors without the fear of slipping or falling.

To everyone who reads this, may you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Nothing Could be More Beautiful than Last Week

Last Monday morning was cold so we walked indoors at the Gathering Place but today we might have set a record for highs in the 70s. It's been a beautiful week of above-average temperatures but in a few more days we'll be back to average. 

On Tuesday we returned to Johnson County Park and walked in a different area. Ray climbed in a lookout but doesn't plan to do that again; however, it made for a good photoshoot. 

         Was this used for a hunting blind? We don't know.

We discovered the POW chapel built by Italian prisoners of war in the early 40s. In the 80s the chapel was restored and is well cared for.

The POW Chapel

With the weather being so beautiful, we drove to Franklin twice last week to the Greenway Trail. We noticed kids on the playground equipment and guys playing disc golf. I ran through a cemetery as part of my workout.

We had an unusual, unexpected, and unplanned experience when we stopped at Kroger for a few grocery items. (A few days before that we had a questionable item on our Visa charge.) When Ray scanned our card, it was not authorized. He tried another card and it didn't work either. About then, the man in line behind us, said he would pay for our items and wouldn't give us his name so we could repay him later. We need to plan to pay this forward!!! (Visa has removed the "hold" on our card after talking to them following our embarrassing stop at the grocery store.)

Hoosiers are proud of the IU football team defeating Michigan for the first time in more than 20 years! Their record is 3-0. Today, the Colts lost their momentum in the second half and lost to Baltimore. They are now 5 and 3 for the season. 

Only Two Months Until 2021

In 61 days we'll turn the calendar for a New Year. Before that, we have the presidential election in two days. We're not sure how to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas in 2020. Lots of things to consider in the coming days.

It was fun waking up this morning to daylight and sunshine as we turned back the clocks last night for the end of Daylight Saving Time. We were prepared with a few small pieces of wrapped candy for Trick or Treaters to knock on our door, but that didn't materialize. However, there's no candy left! Who finished it? I'll let you guess.

I spent several hours at the Greenwood Library last week. They have an Epson scanner which I used to digitize slides from the 60s and 70s. I felt like I was time-traveling and reliving travels and events that I haven't thought about in a long time. I still have to sort through them and hope to share them with family members.

Yesterday Ray and I drove to Johnson County Park, about 30 minutes south, where we hiked through the woods. The trails were wide and easy to follow but there were forks and we had to choose which way to turn. Fortunately, I had my iPad and the GPS feature was a big help to keep us oriented. Otherwise, I think we might have felt like we were lost. 

There was a big fire pit in front of the bench

We have no idea what these buildings are used for. Any ideas?

I'm listening to the Colts vs Detroit as I compose this post. I'm planning to move to the TV and watch the second half in a few minutes. Today we are having very windy conditions, but later this week, I'm looking forward to some afternoons in the 60s. I hope you all have a very beautiful and sunshiny week!