What am I thankful for this week?
- Health — yes, I’m pretty close to 100%. I even went swimming the other day.
- Swimming — I think swimming is one of the best exercise out there. The only downside is that you have to get wet.
- Birthdays — Am I thankful for birthdays? Really? I struggle with my birthday, not because of the number ticking up, but because it’s too much attention. Okay, so, if no one remembered my birthday that would bother me, too. In the meantime, I have to smile and seem flattered that people remembered. Last year, I was traveling on my birthday. I think I need to plan to do that every year.
- Cinnamon rolls — I treated myself to one from Schneider’s Bakery on my birthday. I think they have 3000+ calories, but they are delicious.
- Frederick Buechner — Ten years ago, when my brother passed away and we cleaned out his apartment, I found a box full of books by Frederick Buechner. I wrote about it in a post called Vultures. The other day I started reading The Yellow Leaves which is a collection of his essays. I find myself copying bits into my journal, like these words he wrote describing an encounter with FDR — “… even the mightiest amoung us can’t stand on our own. Unless we have someone to hold us, our flimsy legs buckle.”
- Brian Doyle — I’m reading a collection of his essays called Reading in Bed. It’s filled with Brian Doyle’s brilliant wit and pithy practical writing advice, like this today: “The first great editor I worked for gave me a gnomic speech about how we do not use the word hopefully to begin a sentence here… then I worked for a genius editor whose driving theme was say something real, write true things, cut to the chase. More advice I have not forgotten (hopefully).”
- Sunshine — finally. Glorious. Much appreciated
- Pens — I love good pens, so a package of new colored pens was the perfect birthday gift.
- Bird/squirrel feeders — cheap entertainment.
- Cats — They are interesting creatures who allow us to love them. They deign to permit us to give them attention. Of late, one of my cats follows me into the bathroom in the middle of the night. You may pet me now, she says.
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
I enjoyed your thankful list! I may have laughed out loud about the cinnamon roll having 3000 calories – you may be right!
Happy Birthday ! So very thankful for you.
Hehe! I knew something was up with Mochi when she followed me into the bathroom. I discovered her water bowl was empty! Your gratitude list is perfect!!