As 2020 ends, I’ve been writing in my journal the many things I’m grateful for this year.

This year saw so many changes for me, from going back to work to the last of my old dogs dying to moving three states away to live down the street from my (our) daughter and her family.

It was a year with a lot of stress and lost time. I am thankful as this year ends that the move and settling in is well along and I am starting to see some semblance of a more normal life.

Here are some of the things I’m thankful for this year. There’s much more than this, but I was trying to keep it a manageable read! They’re not in any particular order, just out there.

• My husband for going through yet another move with me. I couldn’t do this by myself nor could he. We’ve spent hours packing (both), unpacking (me), decluttering (both), fixing up both houses (him), finding and supervising tradesmen (him), and dealing with the finances (me) and piles of paperwork (me).

• Our daughter for helping us to do this and making us an important (and welcomed) part of her life.

• My son-in-law for wanting us to be part of her and his life also.

• Our realtor’s patience as we debated about whether we wanted to move or not and whether or not we wanted this house.

• My old neighbors for missing me.

• My new neighbors for welcoming us and spending time getting to know us. The first ones we met came over to welcome us with food, a phone number, and a big smile. We’ve since gotten to know many more.

• My good friend for standing outside when I spent so long in her yard on my beagle’s last walk and keeping me company as I cried.

• Having my beagle for almost four months after his Vizsla brother died. It wasn’t long enough, but I could spoil him without a Vizsla poking his nose into it. I felt bad that our walks got so short, but I walked him nearly every day even if it was only to the corner.

• My vet  who gave my three old dogs long lives that I could enjoy them for more years than normal. Even with my beagle he got me a couple of more days together before I made the final decision.

• My sister for spending her time and effort to help take care of our elderly mother. Although I live far away, I’m thankful I can manage paperwork, pay bills, and make it easier for my sister to be there physically.

• My Kindle – I did a lot of fiction reading on it this year and am finally getting back to non-fiction books (real books) just a few weeks ago.

• Cooking on my Big Green Eggs – always a fun day! I love using them even though it’s time consuming.

• An outdoor chair – my daughter brought one over for me as ours did not survive the move. I am glad to have it for the days that I can sit outside.

• My faithful little car, now paid off but not being used enough.

• My upstairs La-Z-Boy easy chair. I spend more hours sleeping in that chair, either for naps or when I wake up during the night and can’t go back to sleep.

• Finding a diet that works. I lost 25 pounds and kept it off even with the move!

• My middle grandchild liking coming over and spending time with his grandparents.

• My employer wanting me to keep working for them after the move. And they want me to keep working in 2021. If it’s too much, they’d rather I manage my hours than give it up.

• For staying healthy this year.

Gratitude Big Green Egg death of a pet magnetic tiles moving neighbors work