Thursday Things

I've been wracking my brain about what I could possibly post here that would get me out of the funk I am in lately. Today I've been reminded of the importance of gratitude, even and especially in dark times. So, instead of writing about it, I'll add some photos of what I'm grateful for today.

road trips with stunning views

carefree, laughing children and happy pets

tasty, wholesome, homemade

yellow flowers!

autumn and its changing colors

words to pray when I am faltering (thanks to Lectio365 app)

rainbows and incredible sun breaking through (no filter!)

I hope you are all keeping in mind that there is still so much good in the world. 

~gratefulness in the autumn season~

Although September is my favorite month of the year, October isn't too bad either, especially the first few weeks. As long as there isn't any snow, it gets my vote. It's the time of year when mornings are crisp, grass is still green, leaves are starting to change color, and the skies are mesmerizing.  I am reminded what a beautiful area I live in. 

 I've started walking more regularly again, usually in the morning. I haven't been able to do too much lately due to a lower back injury that has taken some time to heal.  Just twisted the wrong way, I think, and OH. MY! I felt like an invalid.  I  vowed to get outside and walk regularly once I felt better. 

 Getting older means things don't seem to heal up as quickly as they used to. I mean, it's been over a month and I'm finally feeling close to normal! I'm able to lift, squat, do gentle yoga, and walk up and down stairs, even run again. By run, I mean walk/run a couple minutes here and there. I haven't actually RUN for a while, although I have a hankering (could be fleeting) to perhaps work up to a 5 km run again. 

Do you make vows with yourself, too? IF this, that, or the other, THEN I'll blah blah blah. 

I am regularly grateful for my health.  I certainly don't want to take it for granted. As the song says, you don't know what you've got till it's gone. 

Do you love October where you live? 

Good for the Soul

What better way to spend an hour or two on a beautiful Sunday afternoon than out in nature? 

To leave the city, even if it's only for an hour or two. 

To feel the crunch of the leaves and twigs as I hike up the winding path up to the top. 

To reach the top of Gibraltar Rock, getting a bird's eye view of this beautiful lake and surrounding hills.

To be reminded of the gift of life -- to feel my heart pumping and hear my heavy breathing. 

 To stop and watch for signs of life. 

To be alone -- no other humans around except for me and the one I love.  

To watch my little dog romp about and be such a trooper, even though his little legs have to work double time to climb this winding path. 

To say thanks, God, for the beauty you have created for us to enjoy and for the healing touch of your creation. 

When I'm not working...

Finally! I have finished knitting the pair of socks which took me over a year (they were mostly sitting in my knitting basket, biding their time). Funny how letting things be sometimes is the best idea when one is frustrated. I was able to fix my mistake without pulling my hair out or frogging the entire sock, AND I combined two very thin blue fingering weight yarns to knit matching toes for these socks. Yes, this meant I had to undo the first sock's toe and use the new yarns, but the color combination looks just fine to me.  These are thicker, comfy socks and will be great for cooler days. 

Almost done, but running out of yarn! 

Done and pleased with the results

 And now the knitting bug has been biting again.. small projects are my favorite right now. Something I can pick up easily when I'm watching a program on Netflix or on my CTVgo App. And a welcome change from the fingers tap-tap-tapping on the keyboard.

A new pair of socks forming here (these have cotton in them, so they'll be good for warmer weather). I've given myself plenty of time to finish them! Actually, things are moving along quite quickly. I had this yarn in my stash, so I thought it best to use this up before I buy more.

ONline sock yarn - love the color!

The Prince is not pleased with his new cardigan. He just sits and sulks when I put it on him. Hope he gets over that! When temperatures get even cooler, maybe he will welcome it. But I doubt it. 

Target Practice

Yesterday my husband and I played disc golf for the first time. I'm not sure why we haven't tried out that sport sooner, because it sure was a lot of fun!

Enzo guarding the discs. Note how obscured the targets are..they are in there somewhere!

Preparing to throw. Note the heavenly rays of blessing streaming down ;)  

Enjoying the surprises along the way -
a carving of a bear, a beehive, and an eagle, from a tree stump

The big picture

Stopping to enjoy the view

 At first it took us some time to determine where each target was located. A lot of trees and brush obscured our vision at times. If we didn't keep a good eye on where our discs landed, we could have easily lost them. It took us a lot more throws than the 'par' suggested. And it probably took us more time than we figured it would.  But, ultimately, we did find each disc and we hit every one of our targets, with persistence, dialogue, and the help of  a few friendly young disc golfers who were happy to share technique and point us in the right direction.  

Our adventures in life are a little like disc golfing, don't you think? It's not a solo adventure and sometimes it seems we might be way off course. But with our goals on the prize, and with a healthy community around us who can walk with us and point us in the right direction, we are able to succeed. It just might sometimes take longer than we had initially anticipated! And it can be frustrating, especially when we compare ourselves to others or we only see the mistakes we seem to be making. 

Let us trust the One who has set the course and walks with us each step of the way. He is faithful to finish the work He has begun in us. 

God is with us all the way, and cheering us on.