Older and grateful



I'm one day into the next year of my life and I actually feel younger today than I did two days ago. That of course is due to the fact that I am well again after shaking the chest cold that I didn't want to have(who ever does want them?).

 

Birthdays like the New Year and Christmas and any of those significant marks on the calendar make me stop and think and contemplate whether I'm doing things right or wrong and if I should make any changes. At the moment I think I'm travelling along in the right direction but I can always make improvements I guess. I want to be kinder not just to everyone in general but to myself and my family as well, more generous. I want to be less negative. Sometimes I get dejected and despondent and have a why bother attitude and I'd like to shake my feelings of low self esteem which causes self doubt to creep in. I am my toughest critic and I never put expectations on anyone else like I do on myself. Then there are of course the old faithful ideals to eat better, exercise more etc.

 

I had a lovely day yesterday for my birthday. Tim was home from work as a surprise which was really nice. I like my own company just fine but it is nice to feel special. I'm grateful for my family and the older I get the more apparent that is to me.



 

 I'm grateful also for the greenery and bugs that are plentiful in the yard because the ducks are very entertaining when they don't know which way to turn or what to nibble first.

 I'm grateful for the asparagus as it kicks into high gear. I like it when we get to the stage that it HAS to be eaten everyday.

And the broad beans are just ready for the kitchen. Tonight we are having bruschetta with asparagus and broad beans and a little goat cheese. Simple.  Satisfying and delicious. All it involves is toasting the bread while the asparagus and broad beans sauté with some spring onion then mix through the goat cheese and place on the bread. Doesn't get much easier.

Yesterday afternoon I had a big surprise. Hope brought me home a birthday gift from school. A very pretty gift from 'N' and 'M' (Hope's friend and her mum who read the blog) . Hi!

The tea towel is just perfect (and the chocolate delicious) and I felt really special to know that these lovely ladies were thinking of me. A perfect gift. That's just how a gift should work too in my opinion. Thanks so much ladies. I hope to see you next week.

What's your idea of the perfect gift?

Tracy