Time for a Gratitude List

I like to keep a Gratitude List, so I do. The list is very personal, and usually doesn't lend itself to publication - BUT - this is MY blog, it is MY list - and I'd like to share this segment with YOU...

Here's what I am thankful for today:

1. Nieces and nephews. I saw two nieces and two nephews this past weekend. One nephew was in his high school's production of "The Wiz" - he was the Lion - and he was fiercely wonderful. The other nephew is eight years old. Suffice it to say that you haven't lived until you've had a pillow fight with an eight year old. It is a sheerly joyful experience. My nieces are lovely. One niece is a very happy person, secure in herself, and really nice. The other is very quiet and reminds me of me. She is a very nice person. (I am not putting their names in my blog because I am protecting their privacy.)
   
2. I just listened to J.S. Bach's Violin Concerto #1 in A minor. Few things are better than music. (With the exception of nieces and nephews!)
3. It is snowing right now. Everything looks as if dusted with confectioner's sugar. And, I swear it - the snow is falling to the rhythm of the music.
4. Peanutbutter and grape jelly sandwiches are the absolute best things in the world. The truest comfort food. Even goes well with Merlot.
   
5. My sisters. One is a bossy pain-in-the-ass. The other isn't. Both have a quiet grace. They are really generous and have done wonderful jobs with their children. Both made me an aunt.
6. My grandmother, Sissy. She is 97 years old, and still pretty sharp. Sometimes she surprises me with her observation. We were watching television on Sunday. Someone was being interviewed, and she noticed that "Hannah" was spelled the same way front and back. My grandmother noticed a palindrome, yet cannot understand why we aren't celebrating her wedding anniversary on the 28th of this month. (Reason: my grandfather has been dead for over 20 years!)
7. My dog, Bella. I never knew I could love anything as much as I love my dog. She has me well trained: she gives me a look, then she walks backwards to me and sits down. She gives me another look. This tells me she wants a back rub.
8. Glaser's Bakery. It saved my ample beeeeeehind. Enuf said.
9. My aquarium. I have a pleco who has grown from one inch to over 9 inches in less than two years. I have a sword fish who just hangs in there. And there are two gouramis. One is very aggressive. Both are beautiful. They are relaxing to watch.
10. I am grateful for the end of the day - especially when I need to go home and get in bed.

Please remember to vote. If you are living in a place that is holding a primary (or caucus) please vote. Even if you are not supporting my candidate of choice, VOTE!