Thankful

My stepdaughter starts a new and promising leukemia treatment today, and her outlook toward her situation is beginning to brighten (she's not technically my stepdaughter yet, but I don't let the absence of a wedding ring stop me from thinking of her as such).

The dogs are both doing well and have perked up in the crisp weather that's now visiting the DC area a little more frequently. They are happier than ever - 'tis the season for chasing squirrels, and their squirrel-hunting antics are highly entertaining, both for them and for all who watch them.

The sky is blue with some very interesting clouds floating about (it's a great day for all your cloud spotters!), the air is comfortably cool, and the quality of the light is spectacular, especially in the morning.

The smile that came to my face yesterday as I read some humorous blogs was the first real smile I'd cracked in a while, and it has stayed with me. I'm now sitting in my favorite chair, which doesn't happen much because it's also the favorite chair of Jacob the Dog. As I feel a lovely breeze waft through the window beside me, I rest easily in the satisfaction of knowing that all my needs are met.

In this moment, I am thankful - simply but genuinely thankful.