Vacation.

We're leaving Sunday for Florida. Each winter we spend two weeks at the end of the winter and two weeks mid fall in Florida. I don't want to live there. Actually twenty years ago I did live there for all of two years. But my family and friends are here and leaving them is unthinkable. My friend Deb got us hooked up to a time share thing and we're spending three nights in a resort. Now, call me hick but I have never in all my 50 years been to a resort. Neither has DH. So we're like two little kids eagerly anticipating the unknown.

After three nights there, we're going to visit my dad then hop on down to visit Dave's sister and her family. They are remarkable. They open their home to all us snowbirds and make us feel so welcome. Out of the whole trip I look forward to laughing and spending time with them the most. And when it's time to go home, I will miss their family the most.

Dave and I talked the other night about our favorite Florida moment. We agreed it's when we step out of the airport in Tampa and the air is warm and humid and did I say WARM? It's all about contrasts, I guess.

Dave is the easiest person I've ever vacationed with. He is so laid back and enjoys all things new, always ready to travel someplace different or try new foods.
This year I want to take him to Lithia Springs, a place I used to take my kids swimming. It's so cool cause you can see where fresh water and salt water meet. I mean there is a specific line where the streams separate. That always amazed me. Last year we went to see the Manatees at the power plant in Apollo Beach. They are so interesting. Dave doesn't seem to mind my off-the-beaten-track excursions. (WHO goes to a power plant on vacation?)

I'll take lots of pics and post some here over the next few weeks. I already know we'll have a great time because we're going together. I can't wait to visit the HSN warehouse and go nuts over their gaudy jewelry....and he'll go with me and only sigh a few times. (my patient, dear hubby...) I'm so thankful for this time to be together and make memories with my DH. He'll get a much needed break from carrying the mail every day and I'll get time alone with him. It's a win-win....

Oh, and we're taking our laptops so I'll probably post sometime from Florida. I know, it's only Florida, but vacation is still wonderful, even if we were only going to Ohio. (I live less than thirty miles from the PA-Ohio border) Time to relax and enjoy the days and forget the cares of home for awhile......Have a good week and the next time I write it should be from Florida...and hopefully about 40 degrees warmer...

Embroidery and such...

Three weeks ago I got my new embroidery machine. Oh my. It does everything but tie my shoes. Now if I can just figure out how to get it to do it's thing. I made monogrammed towels for mom and for a wedding shower present. I sewed dresses for my neices. (or is it nieces, I can never remember) I'm in heaven. Seriously, I have thanked God for a hubby who understands my creative bend and need to do these things. I crochet all winter and I think I'll be using my embroidery machine in warmer weather.



All of this brings me to the real message I want to share here. Did you ever stop to thank God for the not-so-obvious gifts? Lately I have been thanking Him more and more for my wonderful husband. For my precious family. For the few, amazing, priceless friends I have. Seems like no matter what storms occur in my life, this attitude of graditude remains. No rains can wash it away. No ice and snow can shake it. God is right here. Amazing. He loves me. Really amazing. I don't have to worry about those little mosquitoes that keep swarming around. He's my protector. Thankfulness. It's impossible to live this life without thanking Him for it's many blessings...well impossible for me.



So stop and say thanks. Here's my partial list.

Little things like the wonderful aroma of coffee in the morning.

The lilt of a song on the radio in the car that lifts my heart.

My favorite sneakers, comfy and snug, they make me feel secure when I take a walk.

The softness of my dog's fur.

The strength of my husband's broad shoulders.

Giggles from Nathan. (grandchild)

Lots and lots of phone calls from Mindie (daughter) and my mom.

Love from Deb...and feeling it each day in so many ways.

Books that make me think...my study Bible is my all time favorite.

New revelations as I study the Bible. I'm in awe that God is speaking to me!!

Full cupboards and fridge.

Checkbook with a balance, sometimes small but still in the black.

Air. Today smelled so good...like spring is coming.

Warm welcoming home. How Good is God that He provides this for me? Awesome and amazing.

There is so much more. But all I know (in my little world) is that I could choose so many negative things to dwell upon...so many people who could steal my joy. But instead, I choose this day to be happy...and to lean on the One who takes such good care of me...



Have a wonderful day, friends, and rejoice in the blessings of the day....they are many!!