50 Things We’re Grateful For: Bloggers Unite!

My friend Dawn Quyle Landau  invited me to join in this “blog party,” where we write what we’re grateful for. The rules required we set a timer for 10 minutes and then write, and were allowed a little time for adding links and photos. I’m honored to be included.

Here’s my 50 Things I’m grateful for:

1. for my parents who are still active, fun to be with, and filled with wisdom. I know each day is a gift. 
2. for my husband of 34 years. We’ve always done a lot of activities together and keep finding new things we both enjoy. 
3. for my three children: I admire their devotion and discipline to what they believe in and am grateful to part of their journeys.
4.  for my siblings: we speak the same language
5. for my grandchildren seeing the world through their eyes and hoping to see as much of their futures as I can
6. for my education
7. for my health and the health of my family
8. for the gifts of the senses
9. for my friends – those of long standing and those I’ve met more recently
10. for reading, books, libraries and librarians
11. for knitting
12. for cycling that allows me to see places and get exercise
13. for yoga that keeps me flexible to ride my bike
14. for nature and the changing of seasons
15. for President Obama and all he’s done for the country
16. for democracy and a free press and the right to vote
17. for sunrises and sunsets
18. for blogging and my blog friends
19. for writing and creating books
20. for my years as a news paper reporter
21. for being a teacher and always learning from my students
22. for computers as I type quickly on my Macbook Pro
23. for foods of all types
24. for baking and cooking and eating
25. for theater:  seeing plays and writing them
26. for movies and television
27. for art and museums
28. for music: from rock to classical
29. for live concerts- mostly classical—hearing a symphony is transformative
30. for travel and experiencing the world
31. for living near New York City and being able to take advantage of so much it offers
32. for a diverse population
33. for the US Constitution
34. for being able to drive- getting my license at age 16 meant freedom
35. for newspapers and magazines
36. for my clothes – especially scarves
37. for my funky earrings and bracelets
38. for mentors
39. for our lake house and lake swimming
40. for growing up with grandparents and feeling special to them
41. for fresh air
42. for strong coffee
43. for herbal tea
44. for chocolate, especially dark with nuts
45. for ice cream- the answer to all ills
46. for lobster and other seafood
47. for blueberry pie
48. for cheese
49. for fruit, especially fall apples and fresh cider
50. for pets: dogs I’ve had and still miss, especially Willy