Smile

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 planned vacations that I set 1-3 years ago, all got canceled and got replaced with staycations. I put more time into leisurely walks and gardening instead, and so far, it's been fruitful. I am no near self-sustaining. It's the other way around. I spent more money on soil, seeds, plants, and planters combined in exchange for the small harvest. But the joy of seeing I can grow something, even mushrooms, is gratifying and a real stress reliever.
I have a sole eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs. I even harvested some strawberries that my grandkids enjoyed. I have many more gardening duties to do, mostly pruning.

This year is my tenth anniversary with Paul as a couple. We are finally sharing a home, and now I have a bigger backyard to get busy with. Our children are not surprised. Our friends are not either. It is more like, "finally." It is the unspoken word, but they look happy, just the same. We are getting married!

I admitted 2-critically ill COVID-19 patients this week. Patients are still trickling in, and most of them get better. Generally, the COVID census stays low, so that's reassuring.

Ten Things of Thankful

Sweet Times

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 Father's Day to all the fathers at heart.

Ten Things of Thankful