tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52302347830843455602024-03-05T05:44:55.405-06:00Day's ViewThere is beauty all around us. We just need to take the time to notice the richness in our lives. These are the many things for which I am grateful.Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.comBlogger1027125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-65995146898697054272021-05-28T18:14:00.000-05:002021-05-28T18:15:41.512-05:00Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BY9VvSOcbbzRWB_PAS8Io1Npopxl2iZty_n0E1YL8-a4pCiPmfXgxYYRg1qKxVKDrqrf9FVhboHFXo6T73bT3fQ0bXcDiLNDjwHOGtqb0uDMwMvtVORfSJNZVTp2jTuHUrRshrCPtjXD/s640/IMG_2690+%25281%2529.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BY9VvSOcbbzRWB_PAS8Io1Npopxl2iZty_n0E1YL8-a4pCiPmfXgxYYRg1qKxVKDrqrf9FVhboHFXo6T73bT3fQ0bXcDiLNDjwHOGtqb0uDMwMvtVORfSJNZVTp2jTuHUrRshrCPtjXD/s320/IMG_2690+%25281%2529.PNG"/></a></div>
Now that I am fully vaccinated, I have started back to volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. I do a couple different things there. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings I do maintenance in the Gardener’s Showhouse. That really means I am the cleaning lady. I sweep, clean up dropped blossoms, prune dead leaves from plants, and this morning I started feeding and watering the African Violets.
It may not sound that exciting, but I love it! The first thing I do when I get there is walk through the Showhouse to see what has changed and what needs my attention. There is always something new blooming or some new arrangement that the horticulturist has added. I can’t think of a more beautiful work environment.
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What really occurred to me this morning, is how much stronger and healthier I am feeling now that I am back to working outside of my home. Having a purpose is so important to both my mental and physical health.
I know that I have been blessed during this pandemic. I have stayed healthy. I have a comfortable home. I have food and clothing. I was grateful that I didn’t have to put myself in a dangerous situation by possibly exposing myself to Covid. The isolation, however, was very hard. On March 13, 2020, I left school for spring break. Because of the pandemic, I never went back, other than to pack up my things. After 30 years of teaching and being part of the Phillips Community, everything was changed. At the same time that I was thankful that I was not under the pressure my friends were, I felt lost. It affirmed for me how important it is to have a purpose in life.
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I am so grateful to have that back through my work at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Enabling Garden in Altoona. Having a purpose means that I am helping others, but I am the one who is really rewarded by being able to contribute to these beautiful places.
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-828183467206620282021-01-01T17:22:00.000-06:002021-01-01T17:23:21.154-06:00Embroidered Cards<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wyJhqsBeuqFOVogC4qGT89RnQ5_Crhe6biFV41F5Hb2-sGaled2A5SnRQ7CP8WyGoBQVJR4dHWTuzsLhKbcWSIWg_ZTk-15IUpLQV_Fm_h6fqUhtaWvbiWJoG4-M86I6YFSgFE1Cu7wK/s2048/Embroidered+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wyJhqsBeuqFOVogC4qGT89RnQ5_Crhe6biFV41F5Hb2-sGaled2A5SnRQ7CP8WyGoBQVJR4dHWTuzsLhKbcWSIWg_ZTk-15IUpLQV_Fm_h6fqUhtaWvbiWJoG4-M86I6YFSgFE1Cu7wK/w441-h331/Embroidered+Card.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">It's a brand new year, and in spite of the pandemic, it is still an opportunity for new goals and new endeavors. I had expected to be spending a lot of time at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. I haven't been able to do that, but I am still taking classes, learning new things, and volunteering from home. Right now I am learning how to make embroidered botanical cards. I used to do quite a bit of embroidery, but always on fabric. It never occurred to me that you could embroider a card. This last week I learned how. I participated in a training with other volunteers to learn how to do this, and it is fun! Eventually our cards will be sold in the Botanical Garden gift shop. Here is my very first attempt.</span></p><p><b><u>My Gratitude for Today</u></b></p><p><b>1. The opportunity to learn new things.</b></p><p><b>2. Being creative.</b></p><p><b>3. My comfortable home.</b></p>Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-33284278972546355392020-04-06T15:53:00.000-05:002020-04-06T15:53:20.209-05:00Finding My WayLike everyone else, I am trying to find my way during this unprecedented time of an international pandemic. Here in Des Moines we have been out of school for three weeks now. We learned last week that we will not be going back to school during this school year. We will be moving to distance learning, though we don't yet know what that means.<br />
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I am retired from the classroom, but I still work at the same school where I taught. I am now in my thirtieth year. I work as an AmeriCorps reading tutor. This was my fourth year on an AmeriCorps contract. I knew this would be my last year in this position, so I had already been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do with my time in the future. This wasn't quite the way I had expected this year to unfold. But it definitely is an opportunity to practice and explore a more relaxed version of retirement.<br />
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I also volunteer at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The Garden is closed as well. However it is spring and I have been taking time to start seeds, plan my garden, and begin clearing flower beds. Instead of trying to fit that in with working at two places, I can work at it a little each day, at least when the weather cooperates.<br />
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Strawberry plants I ordered arrived, and I planted them in a raised bed. Unfortunately we went from 60 degrees to 26 in a matter of 2 days, so I covered them with tarps and screens. Today we are back up to 63 degrees, and hopefully they will flourish. I have never grown strawberries before. A lot of my seeds are beginning to sprout and grow, and it does make me happy to see them. I have started tomato, peppers, and zinnia seeds so far.<br />
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Usually I live alone with my two little dogs. My mother and her dog, Abbey, are staying with me right now. That definitely helps to alleviate the feelings of isolation. It also cuts down on the worrying I would be doing if she was staying at her own place. Along with companionship, I am cooking more and eating healthier than I might be doing if I was here alone, <br />
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Yesterday my church streamed the church service online. It was Palm Sunday, so we even had communion. That is cranberry/cherry juice in that cup, not wine. My son, who lives in Madrid, Spain, watched the service with me. I just loved seeing the notification that he was watching too. Afterwards, we used Facebook Messenger Video streaming, so we could talk to and see each other. It was such an amazing way to start my week, and it is something we had not done before.<br />
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I do feel there is good that can come from this time. I am learning a lot about what makes me happy as I spend time here at home. As I watch the news, I am so grateful that I have a comfortable home, and that I have food and the things I need.<br />
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Staying at home, demands that we be creative with solving problems. I am shopping on line, using things I already have, and being more creative with materials on hand, instead of running to the store to buy more. This afternoon I picked up my grocery order. I never thought I would be so excited to get groceries.<br />
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<b>Gratitude for Today</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>I love my home and my neighborhood.</li>
<li>I am enjoying spending more time with my dogs.</li>
<li>I love walks with the dogs, and they sure love it too.</li>
<li>I am getting excited about growing things in the garden.</li>
<li>I am communicating more with friends and family.</li>
<li>I am using things I have instead of buying new.</li>
<li>Mom and Abbey are here and I do not have to worry about them.</li>
<li>Technology makes it possible to keep touch with my kids.</li>
<li>I love the creative music videos that people are creating and posting on line. </li>
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-82116044282091213322020-03-20T16:24:00.002-05:002020-03-20T16:50:05.978-05:00Plot Twist!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was a kid I wanted to be a famous actress, a writer, or a teacher. The problem with the famous actress goal was that I was pretty shy. I've never earned a living from it, but I have actually always been a writer. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Otopaul helped me to develop that. I remember she had these folders with pictures from magazines. Our job was to choose a picture and write a story about it. Then at some point we would read our story to the class. From there, I started to write my own books. No one else ever saw those books, but I remember working on them. Mrs. Otopaul was my favorite teacher ever, and I know it was her influence and creativity that made me want to be a teacher. The great thing about being a teacher is you do get to be an actor, writer, artist, nurse, counselor and so many other jobs all rolled into one.<br />
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As a teacher I have always loved teaching reading and writing. I stressed with my students the important parts of good story structure. You need interesting characters, a story setting, and then you develop your plot. After you have introduced your characters, those characters will encounter problems. To keep things interesting you will have plot twists that build interest and suspense, until there is a resolution and closing to your story.<br />
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Real life tends to be that way too, and recently we have had a lot of unexpected plot twists. Last fall I was struggling with getting back into school routine after working at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden during the summer. I wanted to keep my hand in at the Botanical Garden by working on weekends there, at the same time as I was doing my AmeriCorps Reading tutoring four days a week. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I told myself that if I continued to feel this way, I gave myself permission to change what I was doing after the beginning of the year.<br />
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<b>Plot Twist!</b> I have been having more problems with my asthma. I was telling my doctor this when I had my annual physical in October. She was concerned and referred me to a pulmonologist, who then referred me to a cardiologist. Lots of lung and heart tests followed. As all this was going on, and the anxiety increased, I had increased breathing problems. I began to wonder if issues with my health were going to determine how I spent my time. The good news, none of the tests showed heart damage.<br />
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<b>Plot Twist!</b> I did get referred for a sleep study. It turns out I have sleep apnea, and I am now adjusting to using a CPAP machine.<br />
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Things settled back into a routine, and I learned how to better balance my work at Phillips and my work at the botanical garden. As an AmeriCorp Tutor, I knew this would be my last year. AmeriCorps operates on a grant, and you are only allowed to have four contracts. This is my fourth, so now is the time to think about how I want to spend my time in the future. What things are most important to me? What makes me happy? Would I be happy spending all my time at home, as some people do in retirement?<br />
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<b>Plot Twist!</b> The Coronavirus began to make it's way around the world. After hitting China, Italy, Spain and other countries hard, it made it's way to the United States. Schools are closed, restaurants and stores are closed. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is closed. Instead of enjoying our usual spring break activities, we are practicing social distancing and self quarantine. In less than a week's time life has changed drastically.<br />
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My son lives in Madrid, Spain, which has been hard hit by this pandemic. This virus is just taking hold in the United States. Here is where people have to confront and resolve the problems, and hopefully gain some self realization.<br />
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We don't yet know what the outcome to this story is. How many people will become ill? How many will die? Could it happen to me or someone I love? What kind of economic impact will this have?<br />
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While we don't know the final outcome to this story, as the main characters, we can decide how we are going to approach these problems. Do we deny the reality of things that are happening? Do we let terror and fear take over? Do we just keep going? My goal is to learn what I can from this situation. It is a terrible situation, but I want to find the positives where ever I can.<br />
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I am already watching as family and friends are finding creative ways to reach out and connect with each other. Teachers are finding ways to connect with students and provide instructional opportunities. Coworkers are working to get food into the hands and stomachs of kids who need it. People are meeting using apps like Zoom,Skype, or Microsoft Teams. It makes me proud to be connected to these people.<br />
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I am going to use this as an opportunity to work on things here at home, set priorities, and find constructive ways to use my time. I want to find some joy in each day. It is an opportunity to practice being more retired. I get scared, but I don't want to let fear take over.<br />
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I'm sure there will be more plot twists, but I am looking for a happy ending and new insights about those things that are most important to us all.<br />
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-67805795960629984812020-03-15T18:20:00.000-05:002020-03-15T18:24:01.555-05:00HopeSchool is closed for the next 14 days. We won't go back until March 30th. We were supposed to be out of school for spring break all of this next week. Even that week feels a whole lot different than what I had anticipated. Now instead of being out and about, I will either be home or at my Mom's place.<br />
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My son lives in Madrid, Spain which has been hard hit by the Coronavirus. Thousands are sick, schools and businesses are closed, people are confined to their homes. This is a very serious situation. I will follow the guidance of others and use social distancing and stay home. By doing so, hopefully we can avoid having this virus spread in the way it has in other countries.<br />
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We have certainly never experienced a situation such as this pandemic. While I take it seriously, I don't want to be controlled by fear. I'm trying to view it as an opportunity to practice being more retired. I enjoy being home, and God knows, I have plenty that needs to be done around here, but between being an AmeriCorps tutor and volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, I am often on the run. During this next few weeks I'm going to use this as a time to work on my 20 Goals for 2020, which I wrote about in January.<br />
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One of the projects I am working on today is planning for my garden. I used my little pot maker and paper that my sister gave me, to make more seed starting pots. Last weekend I planted some coleus seeds and Big Girl Tomatoes. Today I started Jelly Bean Tomatoes, hot peppers, and sweet peppers.<br />
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I have nestled my little paper pots inside cups and mugs. I have a massive collection of cups and mugs I have acquired over the years. It is one of my favorite souvenirs to buy when I visit new places. They bring back wonderful memories, but I just have certain ones I really like to drink out of. Instead of using gardening trays, I went to Goodwill and found some plastic tea trays to hold my cups. It may not be research based gardening strategies, but I'm having a lot of fun with it.<br />
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We are all hearing about all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer that people have been hoarding. Well, we all have our priorities. I stocked up on the things that are most important to me. Earlier this week, I made sure I had a good tea supply, and yesterday I stocked up on dog food. Now we can stay in as long as we need to.<br />
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Planting a seed is full of hope, and that's what we need right now. Hope, growth, and a sense of humor. That and kindness will help us get through this difficult time.<br />
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<b>Gratitude for Today</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>1. I am thankful for friends who are sharing hopeful and positive information and thoughts.</b></li>
<li><b>2. Laughter! </b></li>
<li><b>3. I am thankful for my son and daughter. Stay safe and healthy.</b></li>
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One of my other goals for 2020 is to blog more. I am going to try to do that during this next few weeks. It is a way to reach out and connect with others, at the same time I am spending time in my own space. This is a chance to use social networking in a positive way.<br />
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Take care of yourselves, friends. Stay safe and healthy and don't forget to reach out to others.<br />
<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-22967563760862927142020-03-02T19:41:00.002-06:002020-03-02T19:51:19.732-06:00A Good Night's SleepA few weeks ago I had a sleep study. I have never been much of a sleeper. I usually go to sleep by nine thirty or ten at night, but I don't stay asleep. I wake up multiple times during the night, and if I have a lot on my mind, I sometimes cannot go back to sleep. I rarely sleep until my alarm goes off. I am usually up by four thirty or five a.m.<br />
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I never really thought a lot about it. I figured this is just the way I am. I viewed myself as a morning person. My daughter and my sister thought otherwise, which is what prompted us to discuss my sleep patterns with my cardiologist and pulmonologist.<br />
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Turns out I have sleep apnea! I am now getting used to using a CPAP machine. It is not an easy adjustment, but I am already sleeping longer than I was.<br />
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I have to laugh at myself, because I have several friends who use CPAPs, but never once did I wonder if I had similar sleep issues. Well, live and learn! Now I am asking these friends a lot of questions about their experiences. Oh, and I've had to start setting the alarm clock when I need to be up at a certain time.<br />
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<b><u>My Gratitude for Today</u></b><br />
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<ol>
<li>I slept 7 1/2 hours last night without waking or getting up once. I am beginning to adjust to the CPAP machine.</li>
<li>Time with friends, and their willingness to share their wisdom and experience with me.</li>
<li>I have a wonderful and caring daughter.</li>
<li>We are having some nice weather with warmer temperatures and beautiful sunshine.</li>
<li>I am getting in the mood to start some seeds for my garden. </li>
<li>My work at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. It is such a beautiful place to spend time. The pictures above are from the Gardener's Show House.</li>
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Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-81951320147379610262020-02-17T17:50:00.001-06:002020-02-17T17:55:41.519-06:00Mystery Cairns in the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is such a nice escape from the doldrums of an Iowa winter. I was there on Saturday morning doing maintenance in the Gardener's Show House. As I was wiping down tables, removing dead leaves from plants, and sweeping up, I discovered these cairns that had been built among the succulents.<br />
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A cairn is a man-made pile of stones. They are built as a landmark, a memorial, or a trail marker, and they have been used since prehistoric times. The word cairn, comes from Scottish Gaelic: carn. Cairns are often placed on a hilltop or at the skyline. These cairns were placed on larger rocks placed among the potted plants. I wouldn't even know what a cairn is, if not for my cousins, Rich and Susan Cairn, who adopted that name when they married. Seeing these cairns definitely made me think of them.<br />
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These are actually mini-cairns, because they are made of pebbles and just an inch or two high. I don't know if they were built by someone who works in the garden, or a visitor who was passing through, but I hope they remain undisturbed for a while. I always discover something new when I spend time in the Gardener's Show House, and that is such a treat. It really makes me smile.<br />
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The seed magazines are starting to arrive in my mailbox, and the gardening programs are showing up on QVC, which I watch a lot. I am getting the urge to set up my greenhouse shelves and start some seeds, though I know I should probably wait another week or two. I did dig out some of my Iowa gardening books. It's not too early to start planning.<br />
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I like the ideas suggested in <b>Gardening In Iowa and Surrounding Areas</b> by Veronica Lorson Fowler. She says to set up a three ring notebook. Draw a plan for the yard and garden. Take photos of your garden. Use folders to keep empty seed packets, so you know what to order the next year. This is right up my alley! Last year I used a website called, <a href="http://plangarden.com/">Plangarden.com</a>. I may do that again, but I kind of like the more hands on approach, drawing my plan and taking photos of my garden. I may do a combination of the two. It is just so much fun, to know that it is time to start planning and thinking about my garden.<br />
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Gratitude for Today<br />
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<ol>
<li>I am grateful for the horticulturists at the Botanical Garden, who work so hard to create and maintain this beautiful place. They are so kind and welcoming, and I am learning from them.</li>
<li>I am grateful for the courage to try new things.</li>
<li>I am thankful for time at home.</li>
</ol>
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-84641095648248343342020-02-08T07:19:00.000-06:002020-02-08T07:19:14.135-06:00The Iowa Caucus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Monday I participated in the Democratic Iowa Caucus. This was my fourth time participating in the caucus, and this time I was caucusing for Elizabeth Warren. <br />
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My caucus site is a middle school about a mile from my home. It is handicap accessible and we used the gym. In an earlier caucus, we used the auditorium. In both cases, there were plenty of places for people to sit or move around to talk to others. This time our precinct had 157 participants.<br />
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Before we entered the gym there were tables set up to sign in, register, or even change your affiliation. So if you were an independent or Republican and you wanted to participate in the democratic caucus, you could do that by changing your party affiliation. If you were not registered, but had identification, you could do that and still participate that night.<br />
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Initially most people sat in a section with others supporting the same candidate. As people came in, it became easier to see which candidates had the most supporters. At our site, Bernie Sanders had the most, followed by Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden and then Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Andrew Yang.<br />
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It's important to understand that the caucus is organized and supported by volunteers. From what I understand, there were approximately 1700 volunteers across the state of Iowa. These people have given of their time, attending training, and doing their best to understand new rules, set things up, and keep things organized and friendly. I was supposed to be one of those people, but when my mother became ill in January, I was not able to follow through.<br />
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Shortly after 7:00, the leader of our caucus introduced himself and began explaining the caucus rules. He invited questions, and went over things carefully so that we would understand the procedure. Then the precinct leaders for each candidate gave a short speech on behalf of their candidate, explaining why they supported that candidate.<br />
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One of the things I am most impressed by is the way people began to talk with others about their reasons for supporting their candidate. They supported their opinions with information they had read, and many did further research as we sat there. It was all done politely and with a willingness to listen to others. This was a whole lot different than the political ads and rhetoric we hear on television.<br />
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In order for your candidate to be viable, you had to have enough supporters. I believe it was 15% of the total voters present. At first Elizabeth Warren was a few people short. Some of the members of our group invited Amy Klobachar's supporters to join us. She did not have enough caucusers. Several of them did, making Warren a viable candidate. Again, I was impressed with the conversation between the two groups about the issues that these two candidates shared and where they were different.<br />
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Once people had sorted into their groups we filled out our paper ballots. Filling out a paper ballot was new this year, and I really liked this. It means there is a physical record of where the voters stand. As these were turned in, the caucus leaders carefully sealed them into envelopes. This was done right in front of us, so there was no question about how it was done.<br />
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I finally left around 8:40. The volunteers and those who wanted to represent us at the next step, remained to get further instruction and wrap things up.<br />
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This was an event where people were trying to do their best to be good citizens who participate in the political process. People were courteous, kind, and friendly, even though we didn't all share the same viewpoint. <br />
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It was a huge shock to wake up the next day to a divisive hate storm from the press and people across our country. Now it is coming out that there was purposeful interference from a Republican organization to interfere with the counting of votes. Here is a link to an article on Business Insider: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-supporters-swarmed-iowa-caucus-phone-lines-to-delay-vote-2020-2?fbclid=IwAR1llRHNMviouk9RRcxs8j-iPo5pCpJuBwQKn3Dj24U7l5Bc-n3xMLJ9RVU" target="_blank">Trump Supporters Swarmed Iowa Caucus Lines</a>. This is dirty politics! For the most part people have chosen to ignore that and post memes about how Iowa democrats can't count or are stupid. <br />
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I am stunned and disappointed, but I am going to learn from it. I am going to be more careful about my criticism of others. Social media and reality TV have made it okay to make fun of people, to be divisive and hateful. This is a very dangerous road to travel, and it is easy to get swept up in it before realizing what we are really doing. <br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Our democracy is at stake! </b></li>
<li><b>Our way of life is at stake! </b></li>
<li><b>The future of our kids and our planet is at stake! </b></li>
</ul>
I am going to try to do better. We all need to. I am not really a political person. I am going to change that. I am going to be more active as we move toward this next presidential election. I'm not only going to vote. I'm going to support and campaign for my candidate, whoever that ends up being, I pray that others will do the same. We cannot afford to be passive.<br />
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-63135690556173180762020-01-26T16:33:00.001-06:002020-01-26T16:39:02.127-06:00Learning, Growth, and Nature's Surprises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmKYAtlVITUQcISaEdMadu9rL4nI8fQxbdXnQDoTEKGMdtJS9EndyZqvFW2LVvU1FOhTGtwfOeteaEi-vyLEgnNqkD7aB5hpK9gzQFcOWUhml60CU9cPER4G_D6rOF1B6IezCzPMES1o9/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmKYAtlVITUQcISaEdMadu9rL4nI8fQxbdXnQDoTEKGMdtJS9EndyZqvFW2LVvU1FOhTGtwfOeteaEi-vyLEgnNqkD7aB5hpK9gzQFcOWUhml60CU9cPER4G_D6rOF1B6IezCzPMES1o9/s400/IMG_0788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I am feeling stressed and worried, I am more likely to make mistakes and forget things. Okay, that might be lots of times, but it really shows up when I am feeling stressed. Today is a good example of that. My mother and sister are on their way back from Arizona. They will be here tomorrow. I have been working on getting Mom's place ready.<br />
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As I wrote in my last post, my mother has been ill and was hospitalized. My wonderful sister flew to Arizona, and has been driving my mother back home. Normally they take three days for these trips, but my mom tires easily, and they are taking five days this time. Thus the worry and stress.<br />
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I have been working on getting Mom's place ready for winter living. I put warm sheets on the bed, bought groceries, and shoveled the snow drifted patio for her little dog. I was almost ready to leave today, when I decided to walk around the corner to get her mail. I pulled the door shut and managed to lock myself out. My purse, my car keys, my cell phone were all sitting on her kitchen island. They were all safely locked inside, while I was locked out. Her kind neighbor called for help, and about 45 minutes later someone came to let me in.<br />
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Lesson learned! Never go anywhere without my cell phone, keys and ID! I also learned that my mother's townhouses have really good security.<br />
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All of this definitely added to the stress, but since I can't undo it, I might as well laugh at myself. . . . before other people do.<br />
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Life does have it's little moments of beauty however. A few days ago I noticed that my little snake plant cutting had finally sprouted a new leaf. Back in April I helped with the Spring Festival at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. We taught people how to plant a piece of leaf cut from a Snake Plant, sometimes called Mother-in-law's Tongue, in a newspaper pot. The correct name is Sansevieria.<br />
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I remember one of the other volunteers said that it takes a really really long time to grow. Well, it's been nine months, and I had pretty much given up hope that it was going to ever do anything.<br />
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And there it was! Growing! New life! And right in the middle of a very stressful two weeks of my life. New life! New hope! Second chances! Never give up! And just from a small piece of leaf and a little bit of potting soil.<br />
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Mom and Jacci are staying with my aunt and uncle in Kansas tonight. They will be home tomorrow. Mom is doing better. Jacci is awesome and I am so lucky to have her for my sister. I will be so grateful to have them both back at home.<br />
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My Gratitude for Today<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Second chances! Mom is doing better.</li>
<li>My wonderful sister, who works hard, and makes things happen.</li>
<li>New chances to learn and grow.</li>
<li>Tenacity!</li>
<li>Plants. They are life, beauty, mystery, and so much more.</li>
</ul>
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-86409242125972618322020-01-18T14:51:00.000-06:002020-01-18T14:51:27.510-06:00Birthday Surprises<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1IWeUrP5AIiG9ZuUBbsZIbgczN7yA6Z6Udvhy7QRXjtssk0Jpf4jjnPz3SvWPE3O7UdIy-HfUpVah5ruwZR40A1PMH8EW_d5WLUx0Y3kjut44JdXvUJDAgpj_KBnAz2sp8VU_RNOelNi/s1600/Photo+Jan+18%252C+12+40+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1IWeUrP5AIiG9ZuUBbsZIbgczN7yA6Z6Udvhy7QRXjtssk0Jpf4jjnPz3SvWPE3O7UdIy-HfUpVah5ruwZR40A1PMH8EW_d5WLUx0Y3kjut44JdXvUJDAgpj_KBnAz2sp8VU_RNOelNi/s640/Photo+Jan+18%252C+12+40+20+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Last Thursday was my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t a lot of celebrating that went
on, in fact there were a couple of times during the day that I had to remind
myself that it was still my birthday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Around 1:00 the day before, I looked at my phone and noticed
that my mother, who spends winters in Arizona, had called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time I do not carry my phone with
me at work, and when I do, I keep it muted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had called about a half hour before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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It is unusual for her to call me during the day, so I did
decide to give her a quick call back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she answered I could tell she was not well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was shaky and she had great
difficulty finding words to express herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mother is a stroke survivor, so this is of grave concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I would call her when I got home.</div>
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I then contacted her neighbor and asked him to check on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I called my sister, and she called him as well. </span>He and another neighbor, who is a nurse,
examined Mom and decided to call an ambulance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom spent that night in the emergency room and was admitted to the
hospital around 3:30 the next morning, which happens to be my birthday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is extraordinarily difficult to be so far away when
someone you love is seriously ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
wonderful neighbors have been visiting her, taking care of her dog, and so much
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am incredibly grateful for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My sister, immediately made plans to fly to Arizona to be
with Mom, and then drive her back to Iowa when she is well enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacci has been calling and talking to Mom’s
nurse and case worker so we have accurate information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed to have such a wonderful sister.
She is a doer, and when she sees a problem, she kicks into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was supposed to fly out at 2:30 on
Friday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We ran into a snag yesterday when a major snow storm moved
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept checking the airline and the
flight was still on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got in my car and drove all the way
across town in this developing blizzard, to pick Jacci up to take her to the
airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I approached her exit, the
airline notified her that the flight was cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around and drove all the way back
home so I could be snowed in at my own home with my dogs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My wonderful birthday gift is that Mom is doing much better
now and is being released from the hospital later today. Jacci will be flying
out tomorrow, and we should have a much better experience getting her to the
airport.</div>
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<o:p></o:p>So, it was a very interesting birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I am
so grateful for:</div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My mother’s wonderful caring neighbors. Two
years ago, we had another incident when I called Mom and she was having
problems.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Her neighbor, Bob, went over
and got her help that time too.</span></li>
<li>My awesome sister who has made it possible for
Mom to go to Arizona all these years and who is once again, shutting down her
business for the week to go be with Mom and drive her home. She also actively
communicates with people to get the most accurate information we can.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I am also grateful for Mom’s guardian angel.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I am absolutely convinced she has one.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Four times in my life, someone or something
has told me to call her or go see her, and it has turned into a life saving
moment.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’ll write about that in another
post.</span></li>
</ol>
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Winter has definitely arrived here in Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom hasn’t been up here during the winter in
many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'm sure that will be a challenge for her, but </span>I will be so grateful to
have her here where we can be sure that she gets the things she needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><b>Life is full of surprises, and some
extraordinary gifts.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-54766104709911917872020-01-12T17:46:00.001-06:002020-01-12T18:41:34.697-06:00Time is Precious!<br />
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Winter has arrived in Iowa. We had snow on Friday and it is snowing again this evening. This meant I was able to spend a lot of time here at home. I loved it! I want to spend more time enjoying my home with my two little dogs.</div>
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This is also my birthday week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the years go by, I appreciate more and more how precious my time
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> When </span>I set my <b>20 goals for 2020</b>, I
thought about that a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, at least
six of my goals for the year have to do with being more selective about how I
spend my time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to get back to spending time doing creative
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first retired in 2015, I
was taking art classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
knitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was spending time with
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I struggle to find the
time to do those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time to get my priorities
straight. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first step in getting those priorities straight is doing
some soul searching about what makes me happy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do I enjoy doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
most important to me?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I already know that I want to:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Read more.</span></li>
<li>Have fun with arts and crafts.</li>
<li>Start knitting again.</li>
<li>Spend more time doing things I love, like
working at the Botanical Garden.</li>
<li>Spend more time with friends and family.</li>
</ul>
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In order to accomplish all that, another goal is:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Minimize my use of Facebook and Instagram.</span></li>
</ul>
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I don’t want to leave social media completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have some online friends, as well as other friends
and family that live a long way away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Social media is the only way we have to connect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, for me, the atmosphere on Facebook in
particular has changed drastically in the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just isn’t as much fun as it used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is filled with advertisements, political
discussions and sometimes arguments, and lots and lots of negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has also become a real time suck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In order to do the creative things I want to
do, increase my work at the Botanical Garden, and spending time with friends and
family, I need to spend less time on my computer and phone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What are your tricks for managing your time on social
media?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What works for you when it comes
to prioritizing how you spend your time? What makes you the happiest?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
My Gratitude for Today:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I am grateful that I have reached a point in my life where I have more choices about how I spend my time.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my warm and cozy home.</li>
<li>While I don't really love winter, it is a wonderful time to stay home and be with my cute little dogs.</li>
</ol>
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-22433146160226190402020-01-04T17:25:00.000-06:002020-01-04T17:25:54.534-06:0020 Goals for 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGJi1A0A0zsBlImW7i4hr9GmG9x0iEBeEX3gjiadoq2NHEQplJT3T5HTEzfO-Uf5OZjkxcHhrGGcsRUk35fuCs74PnJ-0_Lj7wtk6_S4sM1WuLBFBw3ozdOSasc7za34ybZ54KbOUYN4g/s1600/2020-01-04+09.44.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGJi1A0A0zsBlImW7i4hr9GmG9x0iEBeEX3gjiadoq2NHEQplJT3T5HTEzfO-Uf5OZjkxcHhrGGcsRUk35fuCs74PnJ-0_Lj7wtk6_S4sM1WuLBFBw3ozdOSasc7za34ybZ54KbOUYN4g/s400/2020-01-04+09.44.30.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's a new year and a new decade, which traditionally is a time for making resolutions. People joke about how quickly they give up on their resolutions. For that reason, I am not making resolutions. I am setting some goals for the new year. My sister had the idea to make 20 goals or intentions for the year, and I liked the sound of that.<br />
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One of my goals for the year is to take time to evaluate what makes me happy and how best to spend my time. I spend the majority of my time as an AmeriCorps reading tutor, but I also volunteer at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. After this school year, I hope to spend more time working and learning at the Botanical Garden.<br />
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During the summer I was working in the outdoor gardens helping with weeding. I ran into problems with that around the middle of July. I started breaking out in hives. I think it was an allergic reaction to bug bites. I ended up moving my work inside. Now I help maintain the Gardener's Show House. This place is such a gift! I walk in on Saturday mornings, and I just start smiling. What a wonderful place to go during an Iowa winter, and there is always something new to discover.<br />
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There are so many opportunities to help and learn here at the Botanical Garden. Sometimes I help with classes by serving as a Class Host. About once a month, I set up a cart and have a display for Pop Up Education. Most recently I showed people terrariums. That is another great thing about the garden, there are lots of classes and opportunities to learn more. A couple months ago, I took a class about terrariums, and we made our own.<br />
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On Saturdays that I work in the Gardener's Show House, we get there early, before the garden is open. It is such a blessing to walk around, soaking up the beauty in the quiet of the morning. Two weeks ago as I was cleaning and wiping down furniture, I noticed this little toad sitting on a window frame. At first I wasn't sure whether he was real or part of the display. Suddenly, he leaped into the air. He was real! I found him again today. This time he was sitting between the plants on a table I was cleaning. It may not be the same toad, but I'm telling myself that he is. <br />
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Another one of my goals for the year is to start blogging again. I started!<br />
<br />
My Gratitude For Today:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I found the little toad again when I was working in the Gardener's Show House.</li>
<li>I love the beautiful flowers and plants.</li>
<li>A new year means lots of opportunities to try and learn new things.</li>
</ul>
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-29609318294908931412019-07-15T15:23:00.000-05:002019-07-15T15:26:14.248-05:00Hidden Beauty<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back when I
was in my twenties, I had this idea that as I got older, I would get things
figured out, and I would fully understand how the world works and exactly how
to live my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I’m in my
sixties, the one thing I know for sure is there is always more to learn, and it
is unlikely I will ever understand other people when I’m still trying to figure
out myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The positive in that is, I
get to keep growing and learning and trying new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All summer I
have been trying to get control of my yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The flower beds and garden were totally overgrown, by the time I was
able to work on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
working on them almost every day, except on those days when the weather won’t
cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week it is expected to
be in the nineties every day, so that will limit my yard work time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the
weekend I began cutting down weeds and brush in the flowerbed by my
garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I cleared away the unwanted overgrowth, I discovered these beautiful Day Lilies and Purple Coneflower,
hidden among the brush and weeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
that the clutter is gone, these beautiful plants will be able to flourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how much the weeds tried to take
over the garden, these flowers prevailed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think that
can be true about us as humans as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Get rid of the negative thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Get rid of the self doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be willing
to take risks, try something new, and learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Discover the beauty within ourselves, and let it grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been
trying to do some of that this summer by working at the Greater Des Moines
Botanical Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have taught at the
same school for 29 years, and it is still home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I am enjoying this new adventure in this new setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an opportunity to meet new people and
try new things, and I am learning something new every day that I go.</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>I
am grateful for beautiful flowers.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I
am thankful for strength and <o:p></o:p></b></span><b>perseverance.</b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I
am grateful for all the opportunities to grow and learn.</b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-21174601264334832352019-06-19T12:48:00.001-05:002019-06-19T14:21:41.189-05:00Summer Vacation <h3>
Gratitude Day #12</h3>
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I haven't written a gratitude post in quite a while. Now that it is summer vacation, hopefully I will find more time to blog. We are actually three weeks into summer vacation, but the first week was devoted to helping my sister move. I'm not sure what happened to the second week. I have been spending a lot of time working in my yard. I am way behind on weeding and planting my garden, but I will get there.<br />
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I also started volunteering in Horticulture at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. I have helped with some events and classes. This summer I am helping to maintain the Ruan Alee Walkway. Each Wednesday morning I am spending two hours weeding and working on the flower beds. These first few weeks that also involves deadheading the irises.<br />
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This morning was cool and cloudy. We are there before the garden opens, so it is peaceful. It is hard physical work, but I enjoy the beauty that surrounds me.<br />
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I love the beauty of the gardens, the river, and view of the downtown Des Moines skyline.<br />
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Another bonus is walking through the water garden. I love all the water lilies. If you go, however, please don't throw money in there. It isn't helpful.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>I am grateful for having the time and freedom to do something completely different during the summer.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time in a beautiful place.</b></li>
<li><b>I am thankful for another chance to learn new things.</b></li>
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Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-31290786176884851422019-04-23T18:31:00.000-05:002019-04-23T18:36:37.662-05:00Sunshine and Flowers<h3>
Gratitude Day #11</h3>
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I love all the flowers that are beginning to grow and bloom. These are spring flowers that are blooming in my front yard right now. Okay, I guess technically the violets and dandelions are considered weeds, but they still add color to the landscape. Not to mention the fact that dandelions were originally brought here for medicinal purposes. On the right is my one and only tulip. I did not plant it. I assume it was planted by the people who owned this house before me, and I have lived in this house for 18 years. This tulip is determined.<br />
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It is amazing what a little sunshine and color can do for my disposition. Just getting outside and walking with the dogs lifts my spirits, and makes me thankful for my home and neighborhood. After our walk we enjoyed sitting together on the back deck.<br />
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<li><b>I am grateful for the spring flowers.</b></li>
<li><b>I am thankful for the sunshine on my face.</b></li>
<li><b>I am incredibly grateful for my home and neighborhood and the little dogs who share it with me.</b></li>
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I am noticing it is also time to break out the mower. In parts of the back yard, the grass is getting as tall as Lola and Chloe. Guess I will add that to my "to do" list for later this week. Notice that mowing did not make my gratitude list. </div>
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-71241249293546419662019-04-20T17:37:00.000-05:002019-04-20T17:37:36.824-05:00Earth Day Celebration<h3>
Gratitude Day #10</h3>
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Today was the Earth Day Celebration at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This afternoon I helped with a Propagation Activity. I hadn't volunteered there since spring break. I'm always nervous when I am about to do one of these activities, but I am so glad that I did it. I always learn something new. The people who work and volunteer there are so nice, and the people coming through are happy and enthusiastic about trying our activities.<br />
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It was a truly gorgeous day, so it was fun to walk around in the outside gardens. Daffodils and tulips are in bloom, and they are so beautiful. I did a little tour of the gardens before I went into the Kemin Plant Sciences Lab for the propagation activity. <br />
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For our activity people took a pot that I learned how to make out of newspaper. They filled it about half way full with potting soil. Then they planted a cutting from a Sansevieria plant. This plant is commonly called a Snake Plant or Mother-in-law's Tongue. We had lots and lots of people who came through the lab, so it was a busy and fun day.<br />
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I loved this little tool for making the paper pots. I think I need to get one of these.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>I am grateful for the knowledge of the people who work and volunteer at the Botanical Garden. I learn from them every time I go.</b></li>
<li><b>I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time in such a beautiful place.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for my little Snake Plant cutting. I hope it grows into a big plant.</b></li>
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Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-75524244674042827032019-04-16T17:59:00.000-05:002019-04-16T17:59:20.579-05:00The Greenhouse<h3>
Gratitude Day #9</h3>
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On Sunday I drove up to the Earl May in Ankeny, just to look at what they had. I am in the planning and hoping stage for my garden. The minute I walk into a greenhouse in spring, a smile spreads across my face. The same thing happened today when I checked out the gardening section at Lowe's. This time of year, before the heat, bugs, weeds, and hot weather set in, gardening is full of hope of what you may be able to grow and accomplish.<br />
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I am especially excited for this summer, because I will not be teaching summer school. Hopefully I will do better at keeping up on my garden work, especially the weeding. Every year, I try to expand a little. I just ordered two more raised beds. This year I am hoping to try my hand at strawberries.<br />
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I always refer to my garden as a science experiment, because I really don't know what I'm doing. Every year I learn a little more, and this year I will be volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, so I'm sure I will learn a lot more. As it is, I grow and can tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers that last me all year. I feel really proud when I eat something that I grew.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>I am grateful for the hope and beauty of my garden.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for having space to grow food and flowers.</b></li>
<li><b>I am thankful that I learn new things about gardening every year.</b></li>
</ol>
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-45319576164483368282019-04-14T18:57:00.003-05:002019-04-14T18:57:51.987-05:00Family Dogs<h3>
Gratitude Day #8</h3>
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I cannot do gratitude posts without talking about my dogs. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a dog person. I grew up with dogs. In fact, the only time in my life that I didn't have a dog was when I was in my early twenties, moving around a lot and living in apartments. Chloe and Lola are not only the family dogs, they <b>are</b> family. I like having two dogs, so they can keep each other company when I have to be at work or go other places. <br />
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My dogs are wonderful companions. They are affectionate, silly and they make me laugh. They also encourage me to be more active. They are deliriously happy when I take them for walks, and it does me a lot of good as well. I love my little dogs!<br />
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Now that my mom is back from Arizona, I also get to spend time with her dog, Abbie. Abbie is a Yorkie. My sister and I take turns visiting Mom and taking Abbie for walks. Abbie knows how to give us the look that says, "When are we going for our walk?" As you can tell from the photo above, she does not like having her picture taken.<br />
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The football playing dog pictured above is my sister's dog, Scout. This picture was taken a couple years ago. He loves it when he can get you to toss the football for him. He is a senior dog now, and he can't get around as well as he used to. We were broken hearted, when Jacci's dog, Boone, passed away a few months ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boone</td></tr>
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Please note that Chloe, Lola and Abbie are also very well dressed dogs.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>I am grateful for our wonderful little dogs.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for beautiful sunshiny days that let us walk the neighborhood.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for the security these ferocious little dogs provide as they bark at everyone who dares walk down our street.</b></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_Rs0mfONFyuORmtb720uUFf_Hl38csiHUyA5GVAjD4oSEIcRmQ6M1cnqP9GQKyV4uoaVMqI2UHv2a_aAq3mbY4ei24HqlHbFciHIllwcmeWBuSF2BrUrHFMwKFwjC0bKHxzbM3oF7r2Q/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_Rs0mfONFyuORmtb720uUFf_Hl38csiHUyA5GVAjD4oSEIcRmQ6M1cnqP9GQKyV4uoaVMqI2UHv2a_aAq3mbY4ei24HqlHbFciHIllwcmeWBuSF2BrUrHFMwKFwjC0bKHxzbM3oF7r2Q/s400/IMG_1720.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guard dogs! </td></tr>
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Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-14190266770699738822019-04-11T19:23:00.000-05:002019-04-11T19:23:03.430-05:00Morning Time<h3>
Gratitude Day #7</h3>
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This has been a very different week. It was a week of testing at school. In order to help out, I started work an hour earlier each day. I usually start work at nine, whereas the rest of the staff begins by seven. I have only been officially retired for four years (this June) but I have gotten spoiled. <br />
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I am an early riser. I rarely sleep later than 5:30. Getting up is not the issue, getting out of the house is. Most days I get up, and am showered and dressed before 6:00. Then I make a pot of tea, and settle into the den with my little dogs. I use this time to journal, plan my day, pet my pups or just stare into the fireplace. It's fake fire, but it's still very comforting. It is a great time to sort out emotions, think about events going on in my life, and set my priorities. It helps me begin my day more centered and calm. I am extremely grateful to have that time in the morning.<br />
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I first got into writing my "Morning Pages" when I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+artist%27s+way+julia+cameron&crid=1RY5F4N0LJDKJ&sprefix=The+Artist%27s%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_12" target="_blank">The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron</a>. I have probably been doing it for the past twenty years, not every day, but most days. It really helps me. If you have never read her work, I highly recommend it. I also enjoy her poetry. <br />
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Tomorrow is Friday. I don't work on Fridays, so I can even stay in my pajamas to enjoy my morning time and write my Morning Pages. Another benefit of working part time.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>I am grateful for the flexibility of having quiet morning time at home.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for my comfortable home.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for the gift of writing. and</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for my fake fireplace.</b></li>
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Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-62069496420172590562019-04-09T19:24:00.000-05:002019-04-09T19:30:06.872-05:00Beauty and Tenacity<h3>
Gratitude Day #6</h3>
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It was a harsh winter! There was lots of snow and lots of cold, and it seemed like it would never end. When everything was frozen and buried in snow, it was hard to imagine that we would see green grass and flowers again. For this reason I was a little concerned that the Autumn Radiance Maple tree I planted last spring would survive these cold temperatures. It is exciting to see the branches beginning to produce little buds.<br />
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I was also concerned about the lilac hedge that borders my driveway. It had become badly overgrown, so last October I had it cut way back to about a third of its height. It was late in the season, so I worried that this drastic pruning might have been too much of a shock for it to recover. I won't have lilacs this year, but I was happy and relieved to see it beginning to leaf out.<br />
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With each day that goes by, plants begin to sprout, the grass becomes greener, and flowers begin to bloom. The gorgeous flowers above are blooming in my neighbor's flower bed. While I like to garden, I tend to lose interest by the time fall comes, when I should be planting daffodils, crocus, and tulips. Maybe this year I can build the strength and tenacity to get that done.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for the tenacity of nature and people that makes us grow and thrive.</b></li>
<li><b>I am grateful for the renewal of spring.</b></li>
</ol>
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-23585045789247728472019-04-07T17:11:00.002-05:002019-04-07T17:18:58.523-05:00Spring<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhehruRZEt9e5A7k3ZFIPmeVoTxyWJ9cJwASveOP-ljCmSR_123Kx04DZraRHd6PK7INRGFMEvqemMkSUpbMnUJEe7mlbguMT2EssYK2jdghBCZuFmGGVNRuUuiokvTn7yWhLh1YBCw_CK/s1600/22072804634_32db3d9174_o.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhehruRZEt9e5A7k3ZFIPmeVoTxyWJ9cJwASveOP-ljCmSR_123Kx04DZraRHd6PK7INRGFMEvqemMkSUpbMnUJEe7mlbguMT2EssYK2jdghBCZuFmGGVNRuUuiokvTn7yWhLh1YBCw_CK/s400/22072804634_32db3d9174_o.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is little Abbie. We went for a walk today. Don't tell Chloe and Lola!</td></tr>
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<h3>
Gratitude Day #5</h3>
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Spring brings warmer temperatures, freedom, hope, and growth. It is so wonderful to feel the sunshine on my face, and to be able to spend time <i>comfortably</i> outside. It means I can go out and walk. It is a time to begin planning my garden. Right now I even have the windows open, so I can feel the breeze gently blowing into the house.<br />
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It also means my mom and her dog, Abbie come home from Arizona. My sister, Jacci, flew to Arizona and drove Mom and Abbie home last week. I am so grateful for my sister and her kindness.<br />
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The seeds that I planted under the grow lights are already sprouting. They will be ready to move outside five or six weeks from now. That's where the hope comes in. Hope for more beautiful weather, fertile ground, plants growing, and flowers blooming. I love spring!<br />
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<b>1. I am grateful for sunshine and spring breezes.</b><br />
<b>2. I am grateful to have Mom and Abbie back home.</b><br />
<b>3. I am so grateful for my sister, Jacci.</b><br />
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-79141487055280010522019-04-05T20:09:00.000-05:002019-04-05T20:25:30.995-05:00Good Friends<h3>
Gratitude Day #4</h3>
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I am very blessed to have good friends in my life. As we share our stories and time together, my life is made so much richer. Today was a day that I was really reminded of that. This morning my friend and neighbor, Holly, helped my mom to get her taxes done.<br />
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Holly and her husband, Ken, have lived across the street from me for a long time, probably about 17 years. We didn't really start getting to know each other until about six years ago when I was recovering from foot surgery, after fracturing my ankle and foot. It was January, and our mailboxes are at the curb. There was no way I could get out there to get my mail. Holly and Ken brought me my mail, cleared my driveway, and watched out for me. I will never forget their kindness. Since that time, we have shared lots of laughter, and become good friends, and we dog sit for each other. Holly is Chloe and Lola's Fairy Dog Mother. I am Fairy Dog Mother to their dogs, Frank and Fannie. I am very very fortunate to have such wonderful friends and neighbors.<br />
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I spent the afternoon visiting my good friend, Nadine. When we meet for lunch or coffee, it usually takes us a minimum of three to four hours. We refer to them as our therapy sessions. I have known Nadine since the beginning of my teaching career. We taught together at Edmunds, and we have stayed good friends, even when we moved on to different schools and jobs. In the 32 years we have known each other, we have supported each other through great happiness and huge losses. We have laughed together and we have cried together. She is more than a friend. She is family.<br />
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<b>1. I am grateful for the kindness of friends.</b><br />
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<b>2. I am grateful and fortunate to have friends who listen to me and support me.</b><br />
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<b>3. Best of all, I am so thankful to have friends to laugh with. They bring great joy to my life.</b><br />
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-36940050537062014922019-04-04T20:08:00.001-05:002019-04-04T20:08:40.140-05:00Creativity<h3>
<b><u>Gratitude Day #3</u></b></h3>
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I am so grateful that God gave me the urge to be creative. It brings me so much joy and I love it when I can create something that is useful. Early in the project, it can be frustrating, but in the end, more often than not, I look at what I have made and I feel surprised that this creation came from me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bZ34Y89YuDmiSUNmTDhvSb47X6QsaToqTwfXJCpgcrsH4ep1PT2f5WD0B8gi1SS9jMRbiqEQJk91hnZZ793M75tVmOXpB16JdK8FLCeV3QlZpAqv03JY9xe9eNQv2jFGymvP-Vd_NsUE/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bZ34Y89YuDmiSUNmTDhvSb47X6QsaToqTwfXJCpgcrsH4ep1PT2f5WD0B8gi1SS9jMRbiqEQJk91hnZZ793M75tVmOXpB16JdK8FLCeV3QlZpAqv03JY9xe9eNQv2jFGymvP-Vd_NsUE/s640/IMG_2025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latest knitting project: the pattern for this shawlette is called Hitchhiker. I love color, so I always enjoy the opportunity to work with lots of beautiful colors and textures. You can never have too much yarn.</td></tr>
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There is also a certain amount of danger involved. My house is filled with yarn, knitting needles, rubber stamps, ink, art supplies, paper, beads, and lots more. It is always tempting to add yarn, fabric, or whatever because you might use it for that next project.<br />
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Fortunately, I have been in a profession where there are many ways you can be creative, and it is one of the things I really enjoy about my AmeriCorps tutoring. There are other jobs that pay better, but I like the fact that I can create a game for us to practice sight words, or use my photos in a power point, so we can discuss a book we are reading. I enjoy coming up with the ideas, and I know the kids enjoy playing the games, and it makes learning more fun for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iRAhawzYAwU00t4OAgOUGAafuRoscmLwk4_oafMJ9o9Zi23ZDwp8qjdQQpbRVs5UpumT1WjXhz6Prb8BhzVBzkeG6Q_QQam7lCmuA2XaUnkreLArjdlcSRNdQRcywuWVdaLwmdA-aC_4/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iRAhawzYAwU00t4OAgOUGAafuRoscmLwk4_oafMJ9o9Zi23ZDwp8qjdQQpbRVs5UpumT1WjXhz6Prb8BhzVBzkeG6Q_QQam7lCmuA2XaUnkreLArjdlcSRNdQRcywuWVdaLwmdA-aC_4/s640/IMG_1586.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Jacci, taught me how to make this pin. I need lots more practice with wrapping the wire, but the beads are beautiful, and fun to work with. I was excited to see how it came out. I gave it to my daughter for Christmas along with the knitted shawl that is serving as background in this photo.</td></tr>
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Whether it is knitting, learning to draw, or make jewelry, it is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new things about yourself. When you accomplish something new, you can't help but feel proud of yourself. <br />
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<b>1. I am grateful that I like to make things.</b><br />
<b>2. I am grateful that I am continually learning new things.</b><br />
<b>3. I am grateful that I have beautiful materials to work with.</b>Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-83006842137920894202019-04-02T18:13:00.001-05:002019-04-02T18:13:45.483-05:00Tea<b><u>Gratitude Day #2</u></b><br />
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I love tea, but I confess that I am a tea snob. I started drinking Lipton instant tea when I was a kid. Since that time, I have become very picky. I prefer only black tea, brewed, and I like only good teas. I am a regular customer at Gong Fu Tea in the East Village. When I am in Minneapolis, I always pay a visit to the TeaSource. Lipton tea would never cross my lips these days.<br />
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In order to brew good tea, you need lots of tea paraphernalia; teapots, teaspoons, and good teacups. I also have lots of metal canisters to hold my favorite teas. Believe me I have way too much, but some of the cups bring back good memories. I have picked up cups from trips I have taken, and places I have stayed. My son, Michael, and his friend, Sergio, gave me teacups from Spain, where they both live. I visited Michael in Spain two years ago. Last year, my daughter, Lisa, and I made a trip to the North Shore. I came back with a cup from the hotel, as well as a Starbucks mug for Minnesota. In the fall, my sister and I visited the Joselyn Art Museum in Omaha. We grew up in Omaha, so I had to add a Nebraska mug to my collection. When I drink from these cups, it brings back cherished memories of time spent with my family in beautiful places.<br />
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My sister and daughter share my love for tea. We each like different kinds, but it is fun to share that love for tea. We include trips to tea shops in the time we spend together.<br />
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<b>1. I am grateful for tea</b><br />
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<b>2. I am grateful for my family.</b><br />
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<b>3. I am grateful for the memories of travel and time spent in beautiful places with people I love.</b><br />
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<br />Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5230234783084345560.post-35463941756060058252019-04-01T19:41:00.001-05:002019-04-01T19:41:57.902-05:00Choices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am very fortunate to be at a point in my life where I get to make more choices about how I spend my time. I can choose to work just part-time or not at all. I get to choose what kind of work I want to do. You don't always have those choices when you are younger and trying to support a family. I am grateful for the opportunity to choose.<br />
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We had spring break two weeks ago. I used that time as an opportunity to try my first activities at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. I assisted with a class called "Looking at Leaves". We taught children how to use a microscope. They made a slide with a bit of a leaf, and examined it. It was really fun, and I learned a few things.<br />
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The next day I had a table where I taught children how to use a Chlorophyll meter to examine the amount of chlorophyll in leaves. I had never seen an instrument like this, so it was fun to experiment with it and to show others how to use it. It was fun to be in such a beautiful environment, and I felt very encouraged about volunteering there in the future. I am grateful that we have this beautiful garden in our community.<br />
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After helping at the Botanical Garden, I was inspired to come home and get seeds going for my own gardens. While I have some flowers, I mostly like to grow vegetables. So far I have two types of tomatoes planted, two kinds of peppers, both green and Anaheim, and some Kale. I also have some marigolds started. I am fortunate to have a big backyard. I am really grateful that I will not be teaching summer school this year. It will give me a lot more time to work on my garden, which hopefully means I will win the war with the weeds this year.<br />
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I saw this meme on Facebook from the Power of Positivity. <br />
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I am going to give it a try. Day #1:<br />
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<ol>
<li>I am grateful for having choices about how I spend my time.</li>
<li>I am grateful for having the Des Moines Botanical Gardens in our community.</li>
<li>I am grateful that I have a home with a place to grow a garden of my own. </li>
</ol>
Barbara Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06996749596538989236noreply@blogger.com0