Gratitude Friday list...

PUPPIES!!!

1. for continued great health! Exactly a year ago today, I was suffering from optic neuritis and was blind in my left eye. It took about 2 months for my vision to be restored and a few doses of heavy IV steroids. I had some damage to my optic nerve, but I'm hoping that it wasn't permanent. I'll find out on the 10th when I go back in for a re-check. This year I am feeling great and no problems with the MS!

2. for the five puppies that arrived in my house last night. Jen came home for a visit and brought the puppies, Melody, and her kitten. We have laughed so much with them. One of the puppies is mine and we've named him Dieter (pronounced "DEE- ter") Five little waggy tails are such cuties!

3. for the three wonderful days of teaching after my whirlwind trip from San Jose to Dallas. It was wonderful to be back at my old school to teach for two days. What an awesome staff to work with. It was like coming back home times two!

4. for my Spokane friend Lisa who went shopping at Walmart with me last night, despite the fact she was getting ready to leave the next morning on a 2 week trip. We enjoyed a Starbucks drink together, laughed and talked, picked up her two girls from their evening outings.....I'm going to miss her while she's gone!

5. for the continued beauty of the Inland NW in the fall. The leaves just getting prettier and prettier. I need to go to a few favorite places here and take pictures before it's too late! Of course, there's always the nice long walks in the crunchy leaves, staying snuggled up warm and having a good chat along the way! I'm going to have to plan one of those walks for this weekend. Time to find a friend to walk with~

Klaus the kitty and coffee

This morning, Klaus (our newest member of the family) climbed up on the computer desk next to my coffee cup! He is so funny!! Here's hoping some of his energy will go into catching mice that have taken up residence in our house.

Back in Spokane!

Back in Spokane and at home after 12 days of being away. Strange to wake up in my own bed! :)

Here's a picture of Lisa and I having a cup of coffee on her new front porch in the Ft Worth area. We had our priorities right. Get things unpacked out of the vehicles, find the coffee pot and coffee grinder ("I don't know where it is...I didn't pack it!" Found the grinder tucked away in the camper, coffee pot and coffee beans were in my car.) and get that coffee brewing so we could enjoy our first cup together at the new house! Cheers!!

Vegas....Gratitude Friday

1. Safe travels from San Jose to Las Vegas.
2. Great books on CD to listen to while traveling.
3. soft bed and pillows to sleep on at the Mariott!
4. Starbucks no matter where we travel.
5. rest areas that are open! (ever try to find a friendly bush in the desert?! Crum!)

Princess Weekend in San Francisco!

I felt like a princess all weekend!! Chocolates on my pillow and my bed turned down each night, the softest pillows and most comfortable bed ever, tons of relaxation time, Starbucks all the time and time spent with Ian and Lisa! I have been blessed!!! I can't wait to post pictures for everyone to see.

Nike Theme for the Weekend

Lisa and her name on the wall

San Fran behind me!

Ian at Alcatraz

Pier 39 and the Sea Lions

The beginning of the Wharf

Ian and I at his dorm

Lisa's birthday lunch bunch!

Gratitude Friday!

1. the warm sunny weather in San Jose!
2. friends who continually make me laugh!
3. San Francisco beauty!
4. Ian...I haven't seen him since June and it's great to spend time with him!
5. naps! I have been on the go for the last two weeks and being a tad stressed, I have needed the naps.
   

Very sunny San Jose!

I'm in San Jose with my friends John and Lisa! It's 85 degrees here, a pleasant change from the cold temps in Spokane. We're going to San Francisco on Friday for the weekend -- Lisa is participating in the Nike Half Marathon and Team in Training. Ian lives in San Fran so it'll be fun to spend time with him!!! After the weekend, we're driving from San Jose to Dallas to move the Skiers to their new house. I love driving so I volunteered (after being roped into the project!) to help them move their vehicles. It's a 1700 mile drive, 3 days total. I can't wait to see a different part of the county! Stay tuned for great photos! Happy Wednesday, everyone!