Sun Kissed Thanksgiving

Our Kauai Thanksgiving

As the cold winds of Colorado started to freeze us, we escaped to the tropics for Thanksgiving celebrations. We basked in the Hawaiian sun. We are grateful for the warmth and breathtaking views.

1. Gratitude Blog: Sharing my tropical Thanksgiving with a gratitude blog allows me to reflect on the blessings in my life. While looking at the incredible water views of nature, I think about many things, events, and people I am thankful for.
2. Thanksgiving Food: The turkey fixings, chicken (because the whole turkey is too big for two), and guava cheesecake gave us the holiday cheer while enjoying the sun, water, and sand on our feet.
3. Sun, water, and photography: We capture the beauty of Hawaiian water waves, which are too dangerous to surf in but very pretty to watch. It is like a never-ending show with no beginning and no end. We just take a few minutes to capture the waves, but the show itself is infinite.
4. E-Reader: We are grateful for the gift of relaxation by diving into good books that are so portable while close to the water views. All the while, we felt lucky to experience such a unique Thanksgiving. 

Happy Thanksgiving from paradise.

Where is your paradise this year?

Shop for our beach Amazon Finds here.

Join the grateful blogger team here.

Summer Gratefulness

 

The weather is so nice, I can just hang out on the patio all day.

• I'm so grateful for my laptop. I can take it anywhere I go, so I can work from the patio, the living room, or even my bed. But maybe I should not work on my bed.
• 
  I'm also grateful for my fake fountain. It's so relaxing to listen to the water running, even though I know it's not real.

• I'm grateful for my espresso maker's ease of use. It's so easy to make a perfect cup of espresso, even if I'm not a morning person. With it, I make the perfect cup of coffee every time. And I'm grateful for no-calorie leaf sweetener. It's the perfect way to sweeten my coffee without adding any calories.
• I'm grateful for days off. They give me a chance to relax and recharge. And I'm grateful for a good week at work. It's always nice to feel like I'm making a difference. This past week, there was zero death in the ICU.
• I'm grateful that the COVID vaccine is no longer required by the CDC because of the low risk. I am not anti-vaccine but I am grateful for the reasoning of no-requirement. It's one less thing to worry about and COVID is no longer that scary. I never thought I would write something like this back in 2020 and 2021.
• 
  I'm grateful for the farmer's market. It's a great place to get fresh, local produce. And I'm grateful for fresh vegetables. Fresh cherries and tomatoes. They're so good for you.
• 
  And finally, I'm grateful for my reusable woven basket. It helps me reduce waste and reuse. I'm trying to be more environmentally conscious, and this is one small way I can do that. Plus, it is strongly pushed by the state. Colorado is behind California on this but we are catching up.

• I'm grateful for my laptop's battery life. It's long enough that I can work for hours without having to worry about it dying.
• I'm grateful for a good week at work with grateful patients, family, and co-workers. It's nice to know that my hard work is appreciated.

 I know I'm lucky to have all of these things in my life. I'm so grateful for them all.

Got blog? Join the grateful blog team here.

Amazon Finds (Try Search Bar if unable to see product)

I Found Them on 

I affiliate with Amazon and may earn a commission with the following products:

1. AISITIN 3.5W LED Solar Bird Bath Fountains with 3 Brackets to keep out of the edge, 8 Nozzles, for Solar Fountain in Garden, Pond, or Bird Bath 

2. Metal Wind Spinner Yard/Stake Decoration for Patio, Lawn, and Garden. Add color to your space.

3. Ionantha Tillandsia Air Plants live indoor plants (25 pack), air plants, terrarium plants, live houseplants, live plants for indoor our outdoors in summer, easy care plants for air plant holders or wood, wood tree trunks

4. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill, 10.25", Cerise

5. TALK WORKS Flexible Tripod for iPhone, Android, Camera - wind Bendable Legs, Adjustable Stand Holder with Mini Wireless Remote for Selfies, Vlogging, Beauty/Makeup, Live Streaming/Recording 

6.  Wooden Utensils for Cooking Serving 6-Piece 12 Inch long Round Handle made of Acacia Wood Non-Stick Set for your cookware, especially the coated ones

7. Marc Anthony Repairing Shampoo, Repair Bond + Rescuplex - Repairs, Strengthens & Maintains Bonds within Hair - Eliminates Frizz, Flyaways & Reduce Breakage - Dry & Damaged Hair Professional Treatment

8. Bubbly Belle Bath Bombs XXL Gift Set, 12 Extra Large Handmade, Aromatherapy Fizzies with Essential Oil Blends and Epsom Salt, Vegan for Women, Men, and Kids

9. PENEBELLA New Anti Aging Eye Cream with Caffeine, Retinol, Collagen, Peptides, Aloe Vera, and Hyaluronic Acid to Brighten & Repair, Under Eye Moisturizer, Anti Wrinkle, Dark Circle & Puffiness Eye Treatment cream

10. Keto Gummies - Good tasting Low-Carb Supplement for Weight Management - Boost Ketosis, Metabolism & Energy,  Supports Digestion, Weight Loss, Detox & Cleansing - Made in USA - Gummies for Ketosis - 60 Gummies

Rain, Rain

A video of my little home garden

As I type pondering all the things I am thankful for, a few things come to mind that might surprise you. First, I am thankful for the rain. Not because it's good for the environment or helps crops grow, but because it waters my perennial garden so I don't have to. Let's be real, who has a lot of time for that?

Secondly, I am thankful for the therapy provided by my plants. They don't talk back or judge me, and they always seem to know just what I need. Whether it's a pop of color from lilies, columbine, and daisies through the window or the sight of a new bud on my mini rose bush, my plants are always there to lift my spirits year after year. 

Speaking of things that lift my spirits, I am also incredibly thankful for good enough health. I don't have to be a surfer, marathon runner, or hula dancer to enjoy life, and that's something I am truly grateful for.

But let's be real, I'm not doing all of this on my own. I am also thankful for the housekeeping help I have at home. Without her, my house would be a disaster and my plants would be drowning in a sea of clutter.

And lastly, I am thankful for my husband who mowed the lawn on Father's Day. Sure, he had other more fun things to do but it's the little things that count, right? Plus, it means I don't have to worry about it for at least another week.

So there you have it, friends. A few of the things I am thankful for. What are you thankful for? Do you have a blog? Join the TTOT group below.

Alphabetical Gratitude List 2

A beautiful rooster

To continue from my alphabetical gratitude list last week, here I am starting with the letter G. What am I thankful for? 

G is a gorgeous feral rooster wandering around the plaza. It looks like it is in good health too. It must be finding enough insects to eat while keeping the beautiful garden nice.

When I retire, will I go to heaven?

H is for heaven. I look outdoors and upon the clouds. I wish I could go to heaven when I retire from the earth. It must be so magical. I am thankful I can look forward to that. Well, we all leave sometime.

The Wyllie Beach

"I" is for the island of Kauai where I can go and truly enjoy the beauty of nature.

J is for the jokes I am thinking in my head. I like to tell jokes to my friends to make them laugh. The silence of getting away gives me time to cook up some jokes to use later. It makes me happy when my friends laugh.

K is for the keeper. My housekeeper was the first one who found my place with no power and the black box with keys to the house was suspiciously open! I am here and things are OK now. My housekeeper is truly a keeper. Get it? :)

Flowers in Hawaii

L is for light pink flowers that can be found on the beach. Aren't they pretty? They are free to look at and admire. They add to the beauty and color of the beach.

Me time at the beach

M is for me time. Just me, myself, and I with a good book, hat, sunscreen, and the sound of waves.

I'm in love with this vacuum!

O is for an overdue shopping item on my wishlist that "the husband" finally bought. It was on sale! It vacuums the floor hands-free, empties itself, and plugs itself in to charge. And the sale price probably helped to not overpay for this item.

Patio in Hawaii

P is for my old patio, small, old, and nice to look at.

I want to eat, eat, eat, apples and . . . papaya. 

P is for the papaya fruit-bearing tree. The fruits are sweet and delicious.

I have listed over 10. What are you thankful for that starts with P? Or Q? Or R? Please give me ideas for the next week. 

To read more gratitude posts like this, please join and visit Ten Things of Thankful. But "check your clock" if linking. The link closes in a few days.

January Gratitude 2023

It is the beginning of the year that I got a chance to get away to the tropics, kinda close to my home country where I was born. I found comfort in laying on the sand as I watched a few people passing by. Most of them were taking group pictures. I can almost tell, they were on vacation just like me.

I walked to the community garden and picked star fruit and a small grapefruit from the trees. I thought I would take a picture with the bird of paradise flower for a good mix of colors.

One morning, I rose from bed early enough to capture the sunrise. I was in the northern part of the island so it was tricky to get a good enough shot of the sun as it appear from the east. I captured a little of it, anyway. How could simple things like sunrise be so beautiful?

On a hike, I found this message on a post. It translates to, "Peace on earth."

 

Along the hike, there is a swimming hole I did not dare to jump into. I assume it is cold. I heard locals like swimming here. It scares me, however cute.

Back in Colorado, it is cold. I took time this morning to make a cappuccino with frothed milk. Simply comforting. 

I am grateful for many things.

Happy Place

We have quite a few nurses leaving the intensive care unit to relocate, change job positions, or work in neighboring hospitals for more money and/or a different environment. Many, I think, are searching for that happy place, like any other place except where they are currently. For now, my husband and I take some moments as able, to getaway. The anticipation, planning, actual vacationing, and memories of good experiences get us by. We are lucky enough to have the strength and resources to do this. Saving for it, doing tasks that are not always our favorite, and making sacrifices all help to make our happy place within reach (or one flight away).

We visited Kauai. The beaches are clean with fish easy to watch and enjoy. The air is refreshing, the ambiance peaceful.

Even the full moon is beautiful. The reflection on the water makes the area so bright.

This tree from a garden is so unique. It looks almost unreal. 

I am thankful for the good times we had.

Summer is in the Air

It's June! I haven't fully experience spring yet and it's almost summer. Where did the spring go?

It is still here, I guess. I am between what to plant outdoors? Spring plants or Summer plants in relation to the best season to plant them. Oh, well, maybe both. At least, the probability of frost may be over. It is usually by Memorial day in Colorado.

I have many reasons to be thankful aside from the nice weather suitable for planting. It is also a good season to hike. Look at my two-year-old grandson. He is a natural hiker. He just loves exploring the outdoors, perhaps more than my son, his dad, wants. He would pick up anything interesting in his eyes. Bugs? Dandelion? To me, as long as he does not try to taste them, is OK. :)

My son caught a fish after trying so many times. Simple fun.

My daughter playing "hair" with a Fuschia headpiece my niece, gave us something to smile about.

I am planting again. My outdoor tower planter is full of tomatoes both from store brought starters and seeds I sowed. The flowers in pots is from the store for the instant garden while I am waiting for the seeds I planted to grow all around the backyard.

Simple pleasures. Candies to my eyes. Even my husband likes them.

Have a pleasant week.

Easter 2021

It's that season again

when the breeze is warm enough

To go out in nature

And the hike is not so rough

The ground is dry enough

The rock's not so slippery

As we climbed the trails above

Not so muddy but rocky

There's not much greenery

But a hint of good scenery

With young growth below, yet premature

Give a hope that reassures

Then Easter Day we were looking forward to

Came by and flew through

A few weeks of preparation

With our three generations

Putting up decorations

Getting gifts all ready

Making food for everybody

Some are healthy, some . . . just yummy

The egg hunting that used to be for our children

Some many years ago 

are now enjoyed by our grandkids

Who reminds us of those early years

The happy birthday days of festivities

The joy from those activities

Makes me grateful for simple things 

That has not changed

Spending time, playing, and eating together

Can bring joy altogether

Overdue Gratitude

Hello, hello. I am here after two months. I have been meaning to write my gratitude but did not get myself to sit down and actually type and post it. My daughter turned 21, an adult but still young at heart and spirit. She is my forever baby and youngest and smallest. 

We celebrated 2020 style, just me and her in Estes. We stayed in a condo with a nice view. The place was by the stream and the water was not all frozen yet. We could hear the water flowing with its relaxing nature sound. We walked outdoors in with the cold breeze. Surprise, surprise, we were the only ones outdoors. The masks, I must admit, felt good to wear as our breath, at least, bouncing back on our face felt warm.

Paul and I celebrated our two-months anniversary in a neighboring state and ordered takes-outs. We hang out (in?) ate, drank, and talked. The drive was beautiful passing by packs of rams unsuspecting of the cars passing by.

We finally got our professional wedding (and video) shots. They are all beautiful in my eyes. The memories are even more beautiful and the photos are great reminders.

I got my first of two COVID-19 vaccines. I have never been so excited about a shot in my life for myself. But here I am, forced to sit down a day after. I have chills, fatigue, and left arm pain worse than after getting a flu shot. Whatever I am feeling, it is still better than getting sick from the gruesome COVID like my patients suffer from. 

Outdoor with Leaves (and Fire)

the trailer making experiment--

the texts are random, 

and we are not in Mexico. :)

In the unique climate of Colorado with cool morning and eves but up to the 80's-warm during the day, my vegetable garden seems confused about the weather. Should they strive or give up? The tomatoes and eggplants seemed to stop growing. The thermometer changes in such a wide range. The leaves continue to fall but not all at once. 

I took it upon myself to make raking and blowing leaves my Saturday workout donning a headcover, glasses, mask, long sleeves, and long pants. I must look suspicious with a powerful weapon--the leaf blower only to be defeated by the strong wind and nature the next day. By Sunday morning, it looked as though I did not clear the leaves the day before. What more? The strong wind seemed to have blown the whole blocks' neighbors' leaves to the end of the cul-de-sac, in front of my house. But at least, I had a proof--some 8 bags full of fallen leaves. Nevertheless, I have a list of gratitude to share.

• Workout from clearing the fallen leaves
• Audiobook, podcasts, and music to block the noise and entertain me while working
• Live mass online to listen to
• Fire table to warm us while eating outside in the backyard on cool autumn nights
• Smores
• One or two friends visiting after a few years
• A leaf blower, rake, lawn paper bags, and garbage day
• Proctor online to watch me take my midterm exam to the comfort of my home
• Funny shows on TV (I like Schitt's Creek, Married with Children, Friends . . . )
• Cheesecake delivery, pecan cheesecake was so good!
• Chinese food delivery
• Online shopping and delivery people
• New decors for the house Paul is sharing with me -- pillows, and wall decors stuck up high on used-to-be bare walls
• An extra (body) pillow (because Paul does not like small decorative pillows on the bed).
• Everybody in the family is staying healthy

Raking Leaves

It is October and the weather and color of early Fall show some hints here in Colorado. I try to create some beauty around me to share with family and friends and use nature and circumstances as instruments of creativity.  I have many things to be grateful for. Here is my list.

• My son and family came to visit with his family. I have this backdrop in the backyard for them. He showed the kids how to rake and help clean up in the backyard to which his little boy made a face * I am not raking the leaves because you ask me to* kind of attitude. 
• Grandson later did it when not asked. :)

• We are still receiving unexpected wedding gifts even when we did not have a reception. 
• I am thankful for all the gifts and best wishes.

• Wally the dog earns his certificate for dog training 101 (online). 
• I thank him and the trainer for the video training. He learned to close the door, "stay" longer, and be better with "leave it." Human dad Paul is teasing us that we bought Wally's diploma. We did not!
• Nuts from the employee recognition team for staff. 

• Paul is (kinda) letting me slowly decorate the house. It was such a "man house" and so naked of decor. It is safe to start outside.
• Family pictures. Grandson is more interested in looking at the backdrop than being a part of it for photos. :)

• Free flu shot from work.

• My friends, family, and I are keeping healthy.

Read about gratitude from other bloggers here.

It's Fall 2020

I have so many reasons to be thankful

I am now married to Paul

Without a ball

We pull

A simple ceremony before the fall

And this weekend we borrowed my grandson

Who is now Paul's (also) grandson

Little Josiah gladly welcomed

Grandpa Paul without a question

He was such a delight

Easy to excite

With kisses, rides, bubble bath, and chocolate

But he got so active, we thought we had triplets

After that, Paul and I have decided

Milk chocolate drink? We should have skipped it

Because little grandson (and grandparents) 

Would be better without it

Oh after the wedding, we had small get-togethers

To celebrate after in good times and weather

We entertained friends, we barbequed together

And maintained a safe distance

As our health truly matters

My friends' son, so chatty 

Bragging about his stuff

He was showing me his airplane, scorpion, and other stuff

Oh, I have to tell you

I just got elected

As president-elect in a nursing organization

Where 11 years I invested

Nursing service volunteer work

Where I am needed

We did the inauguration via Zoom

When in the past we did this celebration

In a special destination

With a big production

But my team learned to do it online

And the organization turned out more than fine

We had a beautiful inauguration

The best for the time

To end this post, I had to look

For every autumn - ish picture from every recent nook

Here's my wedding cord

When we tied the knot,

A hotel shot where we booked,

From a casual shot, I took,

 the bouquet I used,

A coffee mug we chose

To go with our wedding cake

That's oh, so good

There's a shot from our last breakfast

Two days after the wedding

And the last pic was the time

To the altar, we were walking

That is all folks

Thanks for reading. 

Sunrise Amphitheater Elopement Wedding

 I am trying to load some pictures but they must be "heavy" and won't load. I got married a few days ago and I am beyond grateful finally tying the knot with my soulmate of ten years. We are living together now and are still finding new things about each other.

I can watch this raw video over and over, with or without audio. I am sorry, it is quite long--28 minutes. No editing has been done yet.

We did a wedding 2020 style, no visitors. Everybody is safe. No guilt.

Gardening Hobby

I started a planting hobby this month. I figure planting is something I can have fun with alone. I started mostly from seeds and picked the ones I know I like and likely eat.

Easter Sunday Home Celebration

Hello and Happy Easter. It was a busy work week. I worked my regular 4-9-hour days and mistakenly showed up to work another day that I was not on the schedule. Of course, they made me work anyway. It was not a bad week at all in the hospital.

Here's my gratitude list.

• Easter goodies especially Peeps, my favorite! Luckily, they do not go into lock-down. No lines outside on early Sunday morning in the store, either. We tried yesterday and the lines were long, even in Whole Foods.
• Easter Elmo book because it's not all about sweets.
• A big enough easter egg for Easter egg hunting for little Josiah to find quick.
• The cold and the snow today. We had an excuse to stay indoors. It's not all about the COVID.

• People complying with the stay-at-home order and staying safe. No traffic on the road this morning.
• Good enough weather yesterday to walk outside and breathe fresh air. 
• Walking outdoors is still OK as long as we maintain distance from others 6 feet or more away.
• Online church.
• A day off this Easter to spend time with family.
• Since March, over 70 patients got better and discharged from my hospital from COVID-19.