Naturally grateful

While I was saddened by the loss of autumn's colors, I paused and took a minute to ponder the things I was thankful for. 

The trees were bare, but the forest floor was covered. The predominant hues in the forest were brown and grey. 

There was occasionally a hint of blue in the sky. 

While there were dreary days, I appreciated the ones that began and ended with a kaleidoscope of colors. 

Summer's flowers had faded and dotted the landscape with puffs of white. I was grateful for the seeds that will bring next year's blooms. 

I appreciated the fact that while the frost had ended the growing season outside; inside a few grow lights helped extend the lives of a several potted flowers. 

Although they drove me crazy, I appreciated my walking partners. If anything, they certainly made each trek an adventure. 

I was grateful that Sherman was still hanging on. Loss of eyesight and balance had robbed him of the chance to wander around outside. However, he had a good appetite and could still amble in and out of the doggie door. 

I was thankful for the abundance of wildlife in the area. They are always interesting even if they were raiding the bird feeders nightly. 

I was thankful for trail cameras that got the shots that I couldn't. From action shots to silly deer selfies, they never failed to amaze me. 

While I was not so grateful to know that there were coyotes afoot, I was thankful that I have never met them in person. 

I was thankful for the completion of our porch project. While I liked being outdoors, at certain times it was nice to observe the weather from behind a wall of windows.

I appreciated that I was able to obtain a microscope. I was thankful that the device has opened a new world to view and explore. 

I was deeply grateful that after some serious health scares both parents were able to return home after hospital stays. I was also eternally indebted to friends and family members help and support through those trials. 

As Thanksgivings come and go, it was often easy to forget the blessings I had received every day. However, after just a few steps into the woods, I was reminded of how naturally grateful I am.

​That's just the nature of things 'round here.