Counting my blessings

As I have been in rather a sombre mood lately, I have decided to do a quick check on the things I can be glad about today.


I have been able to keep my back door open the whole day for the first time this year.

Since the start of the year I have managed, slowly and sensibly, to lose half a stone in weight. Still another half to go though.

My front porch, which was painted with some dud paint in December, has finally been repainted and looks OK.

I have at last got around to updating my will, and setting up both an Enduring Power of Attorney and a Living Will (or Advance Directive) – all aimed at making things easier for my family and heirs.

I have a wonderful son – (I have four actually, but this is about one of them) – who visits from time to time and sorts out all my computer problems for me, and is now changing my broadband and telephone subscriptions for me, to save me some money.

I recently attended a craft class where I learned a simple form of Kumihimo or Japanese Braiding, which I can do with wools left over from my tapestry work. Both of these are soothing activities I can do while watching television.

I had a splendid Bank Holiday Weekend, going to see one of my on-line friends perform brilliantly in a brilliant play, and next day visiting the Ironbridge Gorge Museum in Shropshire, before meeting more on-line friends for a birthday lunch for one of them.

Here’s an idea to help with counting your blessings. Draw yourself a big flower on a large sheet of paper, and see how many petals you can fill up with moments of happiness or satisfaction. Then pin it on your wall. Or you could do a flower for someone special by writing in each petal a reason why you love them.