I am grateful for ice-covered trees in the winter. Even though the ice can be destructive, it definitely is a winter kind of beauty.

I am grateful for a pain in my neck. Even though it hurts, it means I have had lots to do today to keep busy at my desk.

I am grateful for a dull ache of missing out. Even though it is constant, it means I am not checking Facebook to see the latest, and I know the ache will eventually fade.

I am grateful for a dusty film all over everything. Even though it is driving me slightly crazy, I know it means progress is being made on the addition.

I am grateful for radiators in every room. Even though they take up space and some would consider them ugly, they allow us a very warm home and our heat is silent. I never realized until this home taught me…furnace heat is loud.

I am grateful for dirty clothes. Even though our Friday night looks to be spent at the small town laundromat, we have clothes, they are warm, and very soon they will be clean again, smelling good and all folded. AND, a bonus. I get to spend the evening with Sam at the laundromat.

And I am grateful for very little in the refrigerator. Even though we don’t have many options for dinner, it means I will be able to go to the store after work to find something to go with a potato.