Early Morning Thoughts in November

These little "Thanksgiving people" have sat on my shelf for many years. They were painted by me the first year I started painting. So they are probably about 35 yrs old. I made the little quilt that they are resting on too. Those were busy, busy years for me. I had started painting classes and I found that I enjoyed painting and doing crafts and the bug bit me. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was supplying three shops, selling out of my home, doing big and small craft shows, and doing a big home show, at my house in the fall. Those were fun but busy times. I was very organized.....I had to be. I could go on and on about my life back then, but today I'll just show you these little people. I have very few things that I painted back then....but these were the beginning and I'll always have them out at Thanksgiving time. They remind me to be thankful that this creativity happened at a time when we needed a second income.

I like to give the house a good cleaning before I decorate for Christmas. We leave our Christmas things up until after Epiphany....so that's a long time. The kitchen gets cleaned good too....with people helping in the kitchen, I like it to be tidy. So, the cleaning is just about done and now I can enjoy the holiday coming.

This morning we are going to the pool. I didn't really want to start swimming last year...thinking that during the winter I would be so cold after swimming...but we get out of the pool and sit in the lounge area until we warm up and have coffee. Joe starts the car from inside and we just make a dash to the car. I would really miss it now. My arthritis is so much better and this past gardening season found me outside with little pain. I have to say that I am starting to get tired more easily and just can't do what I used to do.

My annual appt. with the doctor was on Monday and everything looked pretty good. I only have one kidney, and the doctor said I had chronic kidney disease...that startled me for a bit, because I had never heard it told that way before. I was assured that nothing had changed...in fact my numbers are a little better than last year. I am supposed to drink lots of water.....I'm told this at every appt. and I am one who carries a bottle of water every where I go. I am faithful in doing this, because I hope to never have to go on dialysis. I guess when we get old....things start wearing out, but with only one kidney...I have to be careful. I feel lucky though....it could be worse. I know so many people who are so much worse off than I am. I am blessed. 

 The bird report for today: the suet feeders were busy early this morning. I enjoyed watching the big old blue jay trying to hang on the suet feeder. The chickadee was flitting back and forth, showing off for him. He seemed to say, "Ha Ha.....I don't have any problem hanging on. Watch me!" The juncos underneath were busy cleaning up the ground. I love those little birds....they are tidy, just like me :)

Gotta go....have a great day,

Balisha