BLESSINGS

“When you’ve got friends and neighbours all the world is a happier place.” Billy Cotton

Lately I’ve been COVID weary as I’m sure many of you are. Everyday I’m overwhelmed by all the negative news in the world: increases in Covid19 cases, deaths, lockdowns, shootings, travel restrictions, people not following Covid19 protocols (grrrrr 😡), etc. But today I will think about the positives in my life, my blessings/small pleasures. Sitting here, looking out the window at the sun ☀️ shining on the water 🌊 I’ll focus on how blessed I am. 🙏🏼

My most important blessings are my family and friends. It’s hard on the heart when you watch the news and hear about those who are sick or dying, so I’m blessed that we are all healthy. I’m also able to get out, go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air, exercise, visit with family and friends, eat out, have tea/coffee at Samuels with my best friend, etc., all while following proper protocols of course. 😷

Continuing to focuss on the positive, this was how I spent yesterday.

In the morning I went to hot yoga 🧘🏼 with my niece. She returned to PEI last year from England and I enjoy sharing this time with her. We attend the 8 am class on Saturdays so it means I’m on the road no later than 6:30 but it’s worth it.

From there I drove to Rustico to visit my daughter and son in law. They’re the best. I love hanging out with them (and their two cats Diva and Maestro); just sitting, chatting, and relaxing with them. What could be better. This past year she had the brilliant idea that we’d have a dinner 🍲 together, alternating houses, each month. What a super way to pass the winter months! Richard and I loved going there but also loved having them here. It was fun researching recipes, creating the menus, and then preparing the meals. 🥘 How refreshing to actually set a nice table and use some pretty dishes. I love the preparation. An added bonus was that we’d give the house a thorough cleaning before they arrived. Sometimes I just need that extra incentive.

After leaving their place I bought some tea ☕️ at Tim’s in Borden and sat on the deck drinking tea and reading. I received an unexpected call from my Aunt Fran who thought it was a lovely day for a drive and wanted to stop by. Fantastic. She even brought a bag of books 📚. Who can’t use more reading material, especially when they’re detective 🕵️‍♀️ ones, my favs.

In the evening we had supper at the home of friends we met last year in Gulf Shores. So nice of them. What made it even more special is Clare really went above and beyond in preparing things that went with our Meatless May. Everything was delicious 😋 and we had such a wonderful evening catching up. 😊 We can’t wait to return the invite, hopefully within the next month. 🤞🏼

Here’s her outstanding menu:

Baked Olives

Gluten Free Cornbread

Pumpernickel Sourdough Bread

Tossed Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing

Black-eyed Peas, Spinach, and Sweet Potato Curry

Nigerian Jollof Rice

Lemon Cream Pie in a Hazelnut and Coconut Crust

My only regret is I didn’t take pictures of her fabulous meal to share with you. 😞

Although I didn’t see my sons yesterday I do see them at least once a week. And text. 😊

Friends and Neighbors – Billy Cotton

So from now on, instead of dwelling on the negative news, I’ll try to focus on the many small pleasures I have: spending time with family and friends, reading, sunning, exercise, music, gazing at the water, sea glass hunting, and any others I discover. I know I’ll falter and negativity will seep in but I’ll continue trying.

I hope you had a relaxing and refreshing weekend and found time to enjoy your small pleasures.

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click follow to receive timely updates,  like to show your love and support, share my post on your social media site, and /or comment.