Close to Nowhere

I think this year the biggest thing I’m thankful for is that the election, which lasted approximately 17 years, is finally over.

I didn’t like either candidate, so I went to bed well before they were calling the election. I just couldn’t make myself care after all the mud and crud that had been so liberally spread around.

So this year, my number one thing to be grateful for is the election is over! Twenty-nine years of politics is just too much!

The most important thing I’m thankful for is not here yet — Lucas Shepard Chalk. My oldest granddaughter Merideth and her Tim are expecting my first great-grandchild in December. And it’s a boy! I haven’t had a boy since son Kris was a baby — 40+ years ago.

Do you know that you really can’t find a lot of boy patterns to make clothes for them? Even Simplicity and McCall’s, which tie for my favorite patterns, both have maybe two-three pages of little boys and half of the rest of the book for girls.

For years that didn’t bother me, I didn’t even notice, perhaps because all I had was granddaughters.

I will confess that I’ve bought probably five little boy patterns already. And I’m past ready to start looking for all Kris’s little boy patterns.

But like most years, I’m thankful for my family, my home, my church, my work family and my friends.

My family is on the growing side again, which is wonderful. When Pop and I first married, I had a small family and he had an enormous family. I found out quickly that I loved family dinners and family evenings spent playing a dominoes game, 42. Cousin Anita and I really got into 42. We loved it.

Now, adopted granddaughter Grace has moved in daughter Dana’s house. Dylan, who belongs to Grace, is around a lot. And Tim and Merideth come to visit often. The only problem with that is that Tim and Dylan have become fast friends and love Pop’s shed. They have so much fun down here that Tim has started bringing a younger brother with him.

Brandon was so happy with the hunting (and with all the food) he can’t wait to come back.

I guess another thing I’m grateful for is having a houseful to cook for again. I have worked hard this past couple of years learning to cook for just two. Now I can go back to cooking for a horde. I’m really, really enjoying that.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6