The end to a long weekend

It's been a busy couple of days.  The rehearsal yesterday afternoon ended up being more of a fun chat with a new friend, as only the other woman involved in the reading showed up. The three guys spaced out, read the date wrong and didn't get the e-mail. I'm not surprised; I've been a bit of a space cadet myself.

Saturday evening the Crazy Canasta Chicks met, with a new member. Even if she weren't delightful, witty and a great fit for the group, we would probably keep her, as she brought a tray of chocolates =) As usual, we all were at a place where we really needed the stress relief, and we probably did just as much laughing as playing. Like a good hostess, I made sure my team lost, even if it was unintentional.

This afternoon, I had the privilege of having lunch and spending some time with friends who have three small, energetic, funny little girls. A mutual friend of ours also came, and it was so very sweet to see that one of the twins - at twenty months - has a crush on him, and wants to sit with him whenever he is around. He would take a drink of his coffee, and she would raise her water glass at the same time - over and over. Little cutie. They are all cuties, and their daddy had better practice his intimidating looks before they start dating. And the food....

Joy is a fan of Nigella Lawson, and is an excellent cook and baker. Chorizo, chicken, potatoes and onion seasoned with orange zest/juice and roasted - awesome. One of the great benefits of being a guest is being sent home with goodies - pumpkin muffins that will be breakfast in the coming days, plus cookies and one of the peanut butter squares that were dessert (um, that one barely made it home). Thank you, Joy!

Mr. T is now devoid of meat, the meat divided, weighed and frozen while his carcass boiled away. Still cooling, but then it, too, will be frozen for a week or two - until I feel like facing turkey again. Lots of soup and casseroles in my future.

Now to relax for an hour before getting things ready for work. I've been staying up much too late (average bedtime since Tuesday night: 11:10) and morning comes early.

While it's always good to take a day or two to give thanks for our blessings, it's in the little, day to day things that we see the depth of love in God's provision for us. A chance to get to know a new friend or two, a car that runs reliably, the comfort of a windproof home, a full refrigerator and a full heart. We will never understand this side of eternity all of the things for which we should be grateful, but we can certainly start with becoming more aware of the day to day blessings we often let slip by without thought.

So tonight, I'm simply grateful for a container of M & Ms, Once Upon a Time, and you all, gentle readers.