Wine, a Man and a Song

Every day is a reason to be thankful.  As one of my seasoned colleagues used to say - I am vertical!!!
Back in July, I was prompted by our pastor's sermon to consider other reasons I might have an 'attitude of gratitude'.  So, the next day, I just started listing all the ordinary activities of the day - because all of them might be extraordinary somewhere else.  The freedom to run safely through the city streets.  Running water.  Plentiful food.  A loving Spousal Unit.  The freedom to wear clothing of my choice.  WINE!  Weather that allows me to go outside.  A shower.  Good friends.  Children that appreciate our parenting.  And that was before 10 am (except for the wine ...)
Upper left: Mother's Day card from Number 1 Daughter
Lower left: Flowers from Number 1 Son
Upper right: Wine in a paper cup is still sweet!
Lower right: a good shower is hard to beat

So, if your day seems like 'just another day' - take a look around - you might be surprised.

In the photo booth at a company holiday party - yes, this 
is the actual picture!
And, to add to the joy - let me say that today is the 26th anniversary of making a life-long commitment to my Spousal Unit - the best decision that I ever made.







To celebrate, we started the day with a special breakfast of mimosas and salmon with caper sauce on English muffins, next to the lake where we are building our new log house.  Does it get any better than that?






In the evening, we continued the celebration with a Greek dinner (Spousal Unit) and cheesecake (my contribution).


Handcrafted jewelry from Whitefish, Montana
At this point in our marriage, it is hard to generate gift ideas that are genuinely 'needed'.  So, we often buy each other gifts on the spur of the moment, with the footnote "this is for our anniversary." 
New fishing pole and reel - perfect size for hiking

Last week, we had the rare opportunity to enjoy the music of Susan Gibson at the Craggy Range in Whitefish, Montana.   I had heard a promotion for her gig on the radio, which mentioned she had penned the Dixie Chicks hit "Wide Open Spaces".  We were intrigued, and intrigue quickly turned to infatuation.  This woman is a talented singer/songwriter.  During her one and only break, we chatted with Susan, and during the course of the conversation, we mentioned our upcoming anniversary.  In her next set, she played "You Came Along" with a dedication to us.  How did she already know us so well?

You came along, a traveling salesman
You knocked on my door until I let you in
There was no telling I don’t want what you’re selling
But you insisted; I am happy again

I said I’m too busy; I’m too important
I don’t have time to be playing your games
You said ‘you don’t look that busy’
You said ‘day light is burning and wasting it is such a shame’

You came along and you had the remedy
Something to help me get over my blues
In sunshine and snake oil blue fades to yellow
I’m lucky that you came along

Spread out your trinkets, baubles and toys
Shiny and sparkling the pockets of little boys
And I never knew these were things that I needed
Up until you came along

You came along and all of my planning
It flew out the window; it migrated south
Just like the wind, you know when I can’t see you
I still feel you hanging around

Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week
Red Rover come over, we’ll play hide and seek
And I’m making promises that I’ve got to keep
Ever since you came along
Ever since you came along
Just because you came along
© 2008 For The Records

Linking to Thankful Thursday


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