#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 30: Traditions

Two days ago I talked about the wedding tradition in my family. While that only happened every 20-30 years, gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving happens annually. Well, at least it did until this year.

Covid.

Unfortunately, covid cases have risen dramatically in west Michigan. To stay safe, Hubs and I will celebrate by ourselves, while our children will celebrate with their families. It will be different. We'll still watch the parades, esp. the one in Detroit since that's where we both grew up. Maybe we'll watch the Lions game, if there is one. We'll FaceTime with each family and think about how we'll get together for Thanksgiving next year.

I want to thank Tara Tyler for starting this 30 Days of Gratitude. Since March, I've felt overwhelmed, upset, and down. I'd forgotten I have so much to be thankful for. Blogging for the past 30 days reinforced that even in bad times, I need to remember our blessings.

 

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day Two: Sunny Days

"Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away..." I always loved the intro theme for Sesame Street. 

Nothing depresses me more than gray skies. Winter in Michigan, especially November and February, is filled with gray skies. I didn't realize how accustomed I was to the gray until we moved to Missouri. I wrote my mom, "It's January and the sun is shining! All the time!" 

When the sun is out, I have all kinds of energy. I'm eager to get things done. I want to write.

For several years, we would visit our son in the winter when he lived in Arizona. What a difference in my mental health. All that sunshine! As much as we love that he and his family now live a short distance away, I do miss going to AZ or anywhere south. With covid, we didn't travel south this year. Again, I noticed the difference in my energy and creative level. Zilch.

 Living near around the Great Lakes is wonderful in the summer, spring, and fall. But winter is not good. 

Vitamin D supplements help a little. Our daughter gave me a "happy" lamp, one that's supposed to replicate the benefits of sunshine, especially for those who have SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I guess I'm ready for the gray days ahead.

I've learned to appreciate and be grateful for the sunny days.

Do sunny days affect you? What about the gray ones?

Here's info about the #30 Days of Gratitude.

Join in the fun! Here's the Form: 30 Days of Gratitude 2020 Blog Hop

Stop by Tara Tyler's blog to see who else is participating.

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day One: Family

 I'm happy to join Tara Tyler in her/our Countdown to Thanksgiving with 30 Days of Gratitude. With all that's gone on this year, in our country as well as in our home, I need to focus on being grateful.

My husband, my partner, my love has gone through a lot of medical issues this year. I'm so grateful he is still here and that he's recovering well. 

Our children have been so supportive with all that's gone on with their dad. We now live close to each other--for the first time since they graduated college--over twenty years ago. So grateful we & they can easily drop in to visit.

Our grandchildren bring so much joy into our lives. Little kid giggles, big kid jokes, sports, recitals, and Boy & Girl Scout advances. As the saying goes, if I'd known grandchildren were so much fun, I would've had them first. They are our reward for raising their parents well.

I can't tell you how much I love my family and am so grateful for them.

In the comments, please tell me about your family.

Here's info about the #30 Days of Gratitude.

Join in the fun! Here's the Form: 30 Days of Gratitude 2020 Blog Hop

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth Seckman & Tara Tyler

  

GUEST: Tara Tyler Talks Bathroom Blues @TaraTylerTalks

DISPOSAL has arrived!!

DISPOSAL by Tara Tyler
Pop Travel, Book Three

Cooper and Geri are finally in a good place, but their bliss is short-lived when Cooper's rebellious nephew Jimmy moves in with them for a summer internship. He hits the town hard and thinks he's found the girl of his dreams in an fiery, exotic beauty. Against all words of warning, he pursues her and ends up getting kidnapped by her powerful Drug Lord father. Geri tracks him down, but gets herself kidnapped as well.

Now it's up to Cooper to use all his resources to save them, including the hot homicide detective Geri secretly despises, and the latest sketchy gadgets his genius friend Hasan offers him to field-test. Sure, why not? Cooper will do anything to get his family back.

KINDLE & PAPERBACK

THE Lazy Housewife on Bathrooms

When I visit a blog and ask what to post about, my number one request is BATHROOMS! I guess it's the worst room in the house to clean. So I have some advice on how to make it easier.

Get an outhouse! JK. Here are some tips for keeping your bathroom guest-ready!

• Keep Supplies in each Bathroom - this is my number one tip. Having cleaning supplies handy, you will be able to clean each bathroom when you see it needs it. No excuses!
• Air Fresheners! - There are so many options for air fresheners these days. My personal favorite is a plug-in variety. There are also auto-spraying devices, traditional sprays, and scented candles. A pleasant scent enhances the whole experience.
• Once a week - at least for toilets is the goal. Since this chore is easy to put off, you know it's time when you see a ring start to form - ew!
• Towels - also weekly. Gross towels defeat the purpose of a shower - my boys don't seem to understand or care... ew again.
• Gloves - Save your hands and use vinyl or latex gloves! And don't wear something you care about, bleach is in most of the bathroom cleaning products and is bound to splatter!
• Products - I use good old Comet, also Clorox wipes - these are great for in between cleaning quick fixes too. But this is a personal preference, use what works for you!

Hope you enjoyed my alternate personality as the Lazy Housewife - always looking for a way to save time on the chores we detest! And I'd love to hear your advice or thoughts on easier ways to keep the bathroom clean.

Thanks so much, Diane for having me over to celebrate my latest release. I enjoy chatting about domestic duty tips with friends! (Especially to avoid doing them!)

About the Author:
Tara Tyler is a math teacher who writes to share her passion for reading with others. She loves dogs, coffee, and is the lazy housewife, living in a world of boys with three sons and a coach husband. Join her for an adventure!

YouTube Channel ~ @TaraTylerTalks ~ TaraTylerAuthor on FB ~ Tara Tyler Talks

Pop Travel &l Simulation
Book One           Book Two

To join in the celebration of Tara Tyler's newes release, take Tara's

  SURVEY

and be entered for a PRIZE! Drawing and winners announced on December 15th.

Here is the DISPOSAL blog tour schedule:

FRI, NOV 17 - Tyrean Martinson - 5 Things that will get you published!

MON, NOV 20 - Christine Rains - The Lazy Housewife talks Garage Goals

THU, NOV 23 - Juneta Key - I'm Thankful for where I am

MON, NOV 27 - Patricia Lynne -

THU, NOV 30 - Diane Burton - The Lazy Housewife talks Bathroom Blues

WED, DEC 6 - MJ Fifield - Special IWSG: Will anyone like me? Will anyone care?

FRI, DEC 8 - Elizabeth Seckman - The Journey of the Really Real Housewives

MON, DEC 11 - C. Lee McKenzie -