I am grateful for simple pleasures, like being directly underneath a brave soul who is way up high in a balloon.

Or like seeing the neighborhood fox in front of our house before 7 am this morning on our walk.

I am grateful for the early morning sounds of late summer – the crickets and an occasional cicada and katydid providing background music for our walk while we were listening to the early birds singing their songs.

I am grateful for a Dad who is doing so well.

I am grateful for fun news from a sister.

I am grateful for a 2-year-old birthday.

I am grateful for a ceiling fan of cool air.

I am grateful for cats that make me laugh.

I am grateful for face masks and those who wear them.

I am grateful for a husband who hangs out in my office.

I am grateful for phone calls with a daughter.

I am grateful for the lessons I am learning from good books, from our small group, from powerful messages on Sunday, from observing how others are responding to the pandemic issues.

And I am grateful for the end to this day, and for a boss who let me finish the day at home. Now, to get up, up, and away from the couch to go find more to be grateful for on an evening walk…