8.22.15 Thing one and thing two

We're doing that thing. Actually, Thing One and Thing Two.

 I mean, each of us has all kinds of things, that happen sometimes. Things that happen despite the best laid plans. Things happen in the midst of the best laid plans. Calculated risks, for future benefit. So yeah, we're in the midst of that.
Wonderful tenants in that tiny cottage next door leaving after seven or eight years, so it being an important time to renovate. Lots of unexpected things happening, so a lot of family volunteer work. Great generosity. Much financial expenditure. Finishing a little late, for a college town yearly schedule. So, the waiting game.

Which brings us to Thing Two. You know, that thing where you soak the beans and then you cook the beans and then you make lots and lots of beans, maybe with rice. Made with loads of garden things. In fact, mostly living off of the garden. Until enough Thing One expenditures are made. Waiting for the next paycheck.

Then your kid in grad school is waiting for their student loans arrive, and you loan them some money for their new apartment. They're doing so well. You'd like to do more.

So, yeah. Great chili, for lunch and dinner, a bunch of days. Great pea soup, with homemade croutons, and sautéed kale in every variation you could ever ever imagine. Lentil soup, cannellini beans. On and on. And actually? While many in the world are hungry, you're eating, and healthily.

No treats, no and no lots of other things, in the midst of what is commonly called delayed gratification.
It's not bad training. Cross training in fact. Somehow you find yourself relishing other aspects of the day, besides the excitement of a delicious fish meal. Not taking for granted wandering through the grocery store, picking up whatever suits your fancy.

Instead, it's life, pared down. It's yourself, pared down. By circumstance, by blessings, by love, by all the gifts that fill your arms. Each night when you go to bed, and each morning when you awaken, if only the eyes open to see them .