I'm writing this about 11:30 am watching the wind. Today, we are supposed to be feeling the remnants of Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Helene. So far, it's just raining and breezy. Latest update from the National Hurricane Center (11am) has it just crossing into Tennessee, but the worst of the weather seems to be east in North Carolina. My heart breaks for those in Florida. Being a former Floridian, I feel it acutely whenever things like this happens. My family and friends along the Gulf coast are all doing fine. I'm very thankful.
But, enough of the weather report. I'm thankful to list the blessings that have come to me and am joining with others here to share the things that make life a blessing. Come join us at Living to Tell the Story. Thanks, Susanne for hosting this!
1. Protection: This past week I had a blow out of one of my tires. It didn't happen while I was driving, thank goodness and it was a rear tire which is less dangerous, I was told.
My left driver's side now has a new tire and more will be coming!
2. Family safe: As I mentioned earlier, my Florida family and friends are all safe from Hurricane Helene. No power outages or flooding in their immediate area. They all live along the Florida west coast (Venice, Sarasota, Tampa, and inland Citrus County) Very thankful for their safety but so sad to see the damage in places I know so well.
3. A trip to the mountains: My son was off work this week and so we took a trip to the Smoky Mountain National Park on Tuesday. Fall colors are just barely making themselves known in the foothills but in higher elevations, ywe could see some pretty yellows and a bit of red. We stopped at the parking area at Newfound Gap where President Franklin Roosevelt gave his speech to open the Smoky Mountains National Park. Then it was up to the Clingman's Dome parking area where we ate our picnic lunch. For those who aren't familiar with Clingman's Dome, it is a half mile hike up a very steep incline to the top of an observation tower where you can see several states. Clingman's Dome, whose name has recently been changed to Kuwohi, its original Cherokee name, is a favorite of Great Smoky Mountain National Park visitors. My son and daughter-in-law have climbed to the top. But although the hiking path is paved, the incline is quite steep, so I didn't attempt. However so that I could say I hiked at least a bit of the trail, my son and I walked to this point....
I can't really tell you just how far that was but probably not quite a quarter of the way. I was huffing and puffing as it was! But at least I can get the t-shirt that says "I TRIED" !
We did see some beautiful sights though.
The Smokies are beautiful!
4. Working on fall decor: I've been wanting to get some more autumn decor, and I found this sign at Walmart.
5. Playing with kitties: Last Sunday, I spent the afternoon at my son and daughter-in-law's home playing with kittens. They are 7 weeks old now and Momma is much less vigilant with other people's attention of them. I think she's ready to let others watch them for a while. They are adorable and all over the place. They were a bit skittish with me but one of them has adopted my son as her own special person. Here are a couple of the cuties.
BONUS: Wednesday my son and daughter-in-law celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Since this guy is my last born - I officially feel old! but God has blessed me with a very special daughter-in-love and friend.
Wishing everyone here a good weekend. And if you have been affected by Helene, you are in my prayers.
