Oh, what a beautiful day

I mentioned in a past post that The Beast's days on the deck were pretty much numbered.

Why?

Because thanks to a case of constipation of the brain I inadvertently left this poor helpless creature out on my deck from lunchtime until the next morning. For those of you not familiar with my Beast this means she went without food and drink for almost 24 hours!

Unconscionable.

But, with the exception of one ugly snowy week we've had unbelievable, unseasonably beautiful weather this fall and The Beast needs and desires to partake of it.

On my deck.

And who am I to refuse?

When I get home at lunch time or in the evening, she charges for the door and in her own rude way lets me know that she needs to go out.

Sucker that I am, I open the door and out she goes.

The first picture is bath time.

The last picture is the look of disdain that I get when I ask if she's ready to come in.

Claire at Little Miss Sew and Sew (the first blog I ever encountered, thus changing my life) has informed us that this month is Gratitude Month.

Do any of us realize how lucky we are?

Probably not.

But I often think about how lucky I am. I really do.

Here's just a small example.

As I was leaving for lunch today, I noticed that one of my co-workers had three, very pretty, pink roses on her desk. Apparently her boyfriend (my nephew, no less!) had sent them to her as an apology.

Not for the first time, I might add.

Very nice I'm sure but there's something slightly bittersweet about getting flowers after a fight. Because let's face it; if there hadn't been a fight there would be no flowers and you know what? I'd rather not have the fight.

Back in the bad old days, I, for one, only got flowers after giving birth, or for some sporadic anniversary and you know what?

That's a hell of a lot of work to go through for some stupid flowers.

So you know what's really nice?

Getting flowers for no reason other than "I haven't given you flowers in a while and I thought you might like them."

That's what Hans does every now and then.

And I think it's the nicest thing in the world! And I think I'm the most fortunate woman in the world! And I know Hans is the most wonderful man in the world and for that I'm very grateful. Among so many other countless things!!

I went and sold my only vase at a garage sale but if all else fails an antique thermos will fit the bill!

Don't you love my Harvest Gold stove?

It goes well with my shag carpet!