Challenges and Joys

My grandchildren used to play a game before bedtime called Roses and Thorns.  In the game, they were to talk about the good and bad things in their days.  It was a good chance for their parents or grandparents to talk with them about the joys and challenges in life. 


My challenges lately have been:

• Adjusting to Van Hook and it's remoteness after a winter in Fargo
• Yeah for Amazon
• Yeah for new, well-stocked grocery stores in New Town and Stanley
• Adjusting to a different routine and a different house/kitchen
• Tolerating the cold and sometimes windy weather which make walking outside difficult
• More severe aching than usual probably due to the weather
• Getting off track with my commitment to healthier lifestyle during a several day Birthday celebration

My Joys have been:

• A cozy supper at a new place with friends I hadn't seen much this winter
• Warm tea and/or a hot bath after a chilly walk outside
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Good Movies
• Good Books
• Much needed rain and my mud boots
• Some delicious new recipes
• Having the time and energy to cook and clean up
• Quiet visits with a neighbor and my sister and brother in law

I read an excellent article about being able to tell the difference and react accordingly to a lump in the oatmeal or a lump in the breast.  My challenges this week were definitely a lump in the oatmeal.  This day is a new day and I will focus on the positive and continue with this commitment to a more healthy lifestyle.