Daily Appreciation

I'm sitting here on the deck this morning (again) and just appreciating that I have this great spot where I can begin each day. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the view is peaceful and serene. From now until late September the hummingbirds will be at the feeder sipping their morning sugar as I sip my coffee.

I hope that I never grow tired of this or even come to a time when I take it for granted.
I think that I am learning to appreciate just getting to hang around each and every day. I am aware of the privilege that is mine -- this home, this place, this freedom to be retired, and the freedom that a decent retirement gives me to live comfortably.

I have a pretty spectacular family. Chris and I don't get to see our kids as often as we would like, but we love them and are so proud of the adults they have become. They have moved to a couple of beautiful places to live so we get a nice place to go when we do visit them -- mountains for one, beach for the other! 

And I love my birth family, too!
It seems to be an unfortunate circumstance that we are an abnormality in today's world. Maybe the fact that we all grew up and spread out has somehow helped us to stay close to one another. Or it could be that my siblings are just pretty incredible people -- each with their own loving and incredible families.
We chat often via text, and I talk to our mom almost daily. I do wish we got to see each other more often, but then again, maybe that's a part of the dynamic.

I hope you have an appreciation of life every day.
I'm going to enjoy this day.
I'll do a little work in the yard, smoke some burgers and brats on the grill, get started on a new book, maybe enjoy a decent cigar and a pour of tequila.
But first -- another cup of coffee and some quiet time.

John