What the . . .

Posted on August 30, 2026 by Pat

I had one of the most unthinkable things happen to me today. I lost my wedding ring. I was working in the yard, pulling weeds, when I felt it was missing from my finger. It’s a naked feeling after almost 60 years of marriage this December. A sinking in my heart and a sick feeling in my gut.

As I’ve worn it throughout the years, I’ve sometimes put it away in my jewelry box, because it was too tight. I even had it resized one time and now, in going through better eating habits, health improvement and losing weight, it got real loose.

So, I began retracing my steps and thought I could use a magnet (but turns out a magnet does not attract silver). Hubby came out to help, and we both were combing the yard. And Thank you! Thank you! – he found it! It was in the container of weeds I last pulled.

I don’t remember how many times he has come through for me over the last 60 years, finding things I’ve lost, recovering me from things I’ve gotten myself into that I can’t get out of; he’s even saved my life 2 times (literally). There’s never been a dull moment, and it’s been quite an adventure living with me. Guess you could say I keep him on his toes.

Oh, the stories and what will I come home with this time. From catching the oscillating sprinkler to the bottom of our van and continuing to back out of the driveway, stretching it to its limit, while it was still attached to the house. To coming home and having to explain why the vent on top of the van was gone and how that happened. And another time, when I called to tell him my fob had just plopped into the lake (that time he used the magnet on a long pole).

I’ve told some of these stories right here in some of my posts over the years. And in the retelling of them, I still can’t understand how they could have happened, but they did. Just like losing my wedding band today. Now, that was devastating and would have been hard for me to get over, if he hadn’t found it.

So, here we are – another day in the life of an aging couple, helping each other, loving each other and enjoying these golden years together in a beautiful mystical place. Wonder what tomorrow will bring. Ah, it’s a mystery – what will unfold and reveal itself to us, as we journey on this path together one day and one step at a time.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the read and it tickled your heart and warmed your soul.

Pat from the ‘ol kitchen table

Gather Round The Table

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Pat

Let’s Celebrate What’s Good In Our Lives – Who Is Amazing In Our Lives – Courtesy of MSN Clipart

There’s room for everyone, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week across this great land. Families and friends travel far and wide to get together and connect once more. We eat, we talk and laugh. It’s a time of giving, a time to catch up, to share and be grateful. There is much to reflect on this year and much for which to count our blessings.

“Every time I pick up a coin on the street, I view it as a symbol of the abundance that God sends into my life, and I feel gratitude.”

— Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: "Room At The Table" by Carrie Newcome more...

A Grateful World Is a Happy World

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Pat

BK via Compfight

As Thanksgiving approaches, I have to admit I’m struggling with gratitude. My emotions are mixed and my heart is conflicted with unrest from the recent Paris and Mali shootings and the rants of hate.

It’s hard to put everything into perspective and settle down to celebrate with a quiet dinner and give thanks with so much going on in the world. I will, not because of tradition, but because it’s what is so desperately needed and there is so much for which I’ve been blessed. Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: BK Photo via Comcast at https://www.f more...

Time to Give ― Be Grateful ― Reflect

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Pat

Time to give, time to be grateful, time to reflect ― it’s almost Thanksgiving in the U.S. and, like most, we’re busy planning and preparing. But, this year will be a quiet celebration for hubby and me. We’ll be hanging around home eating, watching football games and old Hallmark movies ― just the two of us.

Sounds traditional, but not really, I can already feel the closeness of home and energy of gratitude. I cherish these times together and remember it was just last year when hubby took ill suddenly and was in and out of the hospital a couple of times between Christmas and New Year’s. Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: John Koenig at "The Dictionary of Obs more...

Little Things: #Story #Poem

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Pat

We’re moving right along into the heart of the holiday season not being too far removed from Halloween. With gratitude and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m honored to be Susan Cooper’s guest at “Finding Our Way Now” with the contribution of this month’s story.

I hope it will bring you home to the things that are important in your life. Please enjoy:

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The Little Things

What is one thing that you still remember to this day that warms your heart and puts a smile on your face? I’ll bet it was something spontaneous and incidental but you still remember it as if it was just yesterday….where you were, who was with you, the sounds and smells.

It’s not anything big – you tune into the little things. It may be a twinkle in the eyes of a loved one as they tell you some exciting news or read something to you that inspired them.

My husband wrote a poem years ago that is one of those special little things that means a lot to me. I have it hanging on the wall.

He was taking some classes in college at the time and not long before we had left our roots in Toledo and Cape Charles, VA and headed west.

It was 1969 and our trek was similar to a modern-day wagon train except we were in our Volvo station wagon with 2 dogs pulling a U-Haul. . . (read more)

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Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity to share my story with your readers. It is my hope this will kick off the month with love and gratitude and carry throughout the holidays.

Blessings ~ from Pat at the ‘ol kitchen table (also see “You Were There“)