Carin's Gratitude

Hello, hello. We're passed the middle of the year. How different this year has been so far. I only hope it will get better with more peace and good health needed around us. I understand we cannot totally control the world if at all. But I can improve myself and hopefully positively influence others. My little grandson turned 15 months and can walk faster now while he plays with his toys holding one with the right and the other with his left hand. Every time he falls, he gets back up on his feet quickly without crying and asking for help. He has grown so much in less than two years. He is easy to please, and smiles from the simplest things--a cup of fruit, playtime with family, a new toy . . . He likes to do things independently and asks in his own way for assistance when he needs it. I can smile too with the simplest things around me and be grateful for what I have. I have many blessings so far. We are healthy, we have food on the table, we have jobs, we have a loving family. My pl

Say hello to our new dog, Bando. He is an 8-week old boxer mix dog. We estimate he will grow and weigh up to 70 pounds. As my family got over the untimely death of our miniature poodle, Snowball, we all welcome this new baby, Bando, into the house. Josiah loves dogs and our dogs love him. They are all are very sweet.  We can't have too much sweetness in the house. So grandma got some cupcakes for them to decorate. Josiah decided to decorate his face instead though. It was a mix of cool nights and warm to hot days. It's nice to go out and be around the water, even man-made dams. We took a hike this morning. I am still growing plants, even indoors. Here is today's picture of my little aquaponics. Fish in the bottom, plants on top. I like these sprouts on my salad. I lost my father a few years ago. He died in the hospital after a few days stay. His passing, however painful to us, was a relief for him. I am thankful his suffering ended. I feel grateful for a good week. Happy

It's been a good week. My Friday ended with a nomination award from a co-worker who witnessed me helping an African-American man in the hospital pharmacy last March. He did not have enough money for his co-pay. I helped him pay for his prescription without him asking. My boss and a couple of co-nurses saw me receiving this award. I guess I made more than one person happy from this act. I, for one, am so happy I was in the pharmacy at the right time. This is the 5th time I have been nominated for the DAISY award so it is a big deal for me.  I am a rookie gardener. So I am proud of the little successes in my mini garden. Look at my future eggplant, tomato, and a few strawberries. The strawberries are small and sweet. My grandson often makes me laugh. At 14 months, he is riding this tricycle for the first time and is having such a great time. We only have 18 COVID patients in the hospital. That is good. Have a good day you all.

Another month, a fresh beginning. It is another busy week but I make time to recognize the goodness around me. I have many reasons to smile this week. Here's "we woke up like this picture." My grandson was crying so I help the couple by "borrowing" him. He instantly stops crying and here he is with sister, messy hair and all. My current school for my Master's donated a carful of snacks and beverages to my units to recognize the staff, especially it is the year of the nurses. May is actually the nurse's week but we were too busy with COVID that my hospital did not have the celebration at all. This very nice gesture by American Sentinel University is very much appreciated. Here's this morning's 2-hour hike in a nearby city. It was overcast and just perfect for hiking!