A Caboodle of Memories in 2024

Dear Stephanie,

It's that time of year again! Happy Birthday! 

I celebrated your birthday today by watching The Birthday Wish. It's a 2017 Hallmark movie that I watched for the first time last year. Looking back at my log, I didn't give it a high rating. However, it is a well-loved movie by Hallmark fans, so I decided to give it another try. And I was reminded why I didn't enjoy it. Here's the review I posted on Instagram (a platform that wasn't even around when you left this world):

I'm glad I rewatched it because now I know. And oddly enough, I enjoy watching Hallmark movies even if they're not great. LOL.

Since today is National Puzzle Day, I thought it would be good day to do another puzzle in my Murdle book. It didn't go well, so I consulted with a friend for help. Thankfully, he found only four squares I need to erase. Would you believe I don't have a decent eraser that doesn't smudge? Yeah, I need to "invest" in one or a bunch.

Have you read my blog posts about my Malice Domestic experience? It's on my Caboodle of Cozies blog. That was, by far, the highlight of 2024 for me. The convention is coming up again in three months. I wish you could experience it with me. We would have so much fun. You'd be amazed how many readers and authors I've connected with and met there. I can't wait to see them again and also meet new friends in person.

Speaking of authors, as I type this, I'm listening to an author speak online about his Detective Whiskers cozy mystery series. The cat in this series is a tuxedo cat like Qandi was. It's about a cat detective. Wish me luck because I've entered to win a book set! I'm hoping this will be my first giveaway win this year.

On another note,remember back in 2009 when I started medication for diabetes? I was able to get off my medication in 2016, but since my blood sugar has been increasing again, I'm back on it. So far it's going well. I'm tolerating it well and it's lowering my blood sugar. I do hope to eventually get off of it again, but for now, this is the way it will be. If I do end up staying on it, then I accept it. Whatever is best for my health is what I'll do.

Anyway, I know I called this a Caboodle of Memories in 2024 and I really only mentioned one. Of course I made other memories in addition to that, but it was so epic and I really did make a caboodle of memories at that one event. I bet if you had known about it you would have attended. I found out about it through social media, something that was just getting started when you left this world. That's crazy to think about!

Alright, I'm going to get going. I hope you know how much I appreciate our friendship. I think of you always. You may have left this world in physical form, but you will forever remain in my heart.

Your Bestie Always,

Meezan

A Caboodle of Memories in 2023

Dear Stephanie,

Happy Birthday!

I received the most amazing news today, but I think you probably already know about it. I suspect you had something to do with it.

Last summer, one of my favorite authors, Linda Reilly, had a contest. She asked for ideas to name the upcoming fourth book in her Grilled Cheese Mystery series. I submitted my idea and from the list of titles that were given, Linda selected five to submit to her editor and publisher. Ultimately, they would make the decision, and there was no guarantee any of the ideas that fans submitted would be chosen. If chosen, the "winner" would receive a free signed copy of the book and their name would be listed in the acknowledgements in the book.

THIS MORNING I RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM LINDA TELLING ME THAT I WON!!! This series is meaningful to me because National Grilled Cheese Day is on my birthday. And today, on your birthday, I found out this exciting news! It's because of you that I discovered cozies and an entire community of fellow cozy mystery fans, both readers and authors. Thank you!

I usually reflect on the previous year in these annual posts. This year, I want to reflect on four friends I lost in 2023:

Nate - I never met Nate in person. I got to know him through the weekly spina bifida meetups on Zoom (which have moved to just once a month this year) and private conversations over the past couple of years. We sometimes exchanged Wordle results. He gave me the opportunity to be a guest on his podcast. I was reluctant at first, but I eventually worked up the courage to do it. I talked a lot about you. I think sharing my story can help other people, which was why I decided to do it. I had always hoped to meet Nate in person. He made me laugh so much! We had the silliest conversations sometimes.

Ben - What an amazing human! I met Ben in person twice through the same organization I met Nate. I knew him for less than one year, but he was one of the most down-to-earth, open-minded people I have ever known. I looked forward to getting to know him better. He also had a quirky sense of humor that I adored. And he was really good at Wordle! Ben loved to read like I do and he was originally from where the Fairy Garden Mysteries are set (though he wasn't into cozy mysteries). I always thought it was cool he was from Carmel. He sent me a picture of it not long before he passed.

Jimmy - You knew Jimmy as well, since we went to the same elementary school, so you know how much he meant to me. Although we drifted apart over the years, he'll always hold a special place in my heart. Even though his fiancee passed on my birthday, he always found it in his heart to wish me a happy day. I miss his Happy Birthday wishes already.

Jeff - Like Jimmy, you knew Jeff as well. I invited him to join the weekly spina bifida virtual meetups a couple years ago and he regularly attended. He loved being a part of that group and he always had a lot to say. His love for those virtual meetups was confirmed when I called his mom the day he passed and she told me. It felt strange calling her after all these years of not talking to her, but she was so happy to hear from me.

If you see any of these guys, please tell them how much I miss them. The world sure is different without them, as it is without you.

Okay, well I'm going to get to bed now. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow when I watch Barbie. I think you would have enjoyed watching it with me. I've heard it's very pink! :-D

Luv ya lots,

Meezan

Qandi's Gotcha Date

18 years ago today, this beautiful girl came to live with me in her forever home. Qandi would go on to live for 17+ years. I retired on disability in 2010, which allowed me to spend more time at home with her for most of her life. I feel so very blessed and grateful to have spent that much time with her. Not a day goes by when I don't think of her. Her portrait (this same picture) is on the wall in the bedroom where I can still see her every day. I am always telling stories to Bell and Fiona about their "Auntie Qandi". They're probably tired of hearing how disciplined she was (because they are not!). I hope you're resting well across Rainbow Bridge, sweet girl. Mommy will always miss and love you.

My Dear Sweet Qandi,

Wow, one year has passed since you crossed Rainbow Bridge. I still think of you every day. You were my faithful companion for more than 17 years.

I remember the day vividly. It was bright and sunny, and warm enough to have the balcony door open. There was a soft breeze. Thanks to YouTube and the great outdoors, birds were chirping, which you always loved to listen to even though you couldn't see them in the final two years of your life. Although I wish goodbye didn't have to happen, the day could not have been more beautiful. In the afternoon after your burial, a gentle rain began to fall. I knew then that your journey across Rainbow Bridge was complete because, after all, you can't have the rainbow without both sun and rain, right? How beautiful that this all happened on National Find a Rainbow Day.

So much has changed since then. As you probably know, I became a cat mom again a few months after you crossed Rainbow Bridge. Bell and Fiona are sister cats who I believe were born the same month you departed from this world. Their paperwork says their birthday is May 1st, so that's when we'll celebrate it, but based on what I was told, it seems like they were born around April 23rd.

Fiona reminds me of you the most. She enjoys sitting in the sun the way you did. Bell has some quirky habits that really make me laugh. She also loves to talk. We have quite a few conversations daily. Fiona is more like you in that she doesn't talk as much.

I want you to know I haven't forgotten you. I often tell my girls about their Auntie Qandi. Your portrait still hangs on the wall in the bedroom and your photos still hang on the wall in the hallway. I also still have your picture as the wallpaper on my phone. These are reminders of how important you are to me. 

Don't get me wrong, though. I am also enjoying the present. The girls and I are making countless memories. I was so concerned that I would not be able to love another cat the way I loved you. But they proved me wrong. They taught me that caring for them is a way to honor you.

May you always rest peacefully knowing you will always be in my heart. I love you, sweet girl.

Love,

Mom

Dear Stephanie,

When I woke up this morning and looked at my phone, I saw the date and instantly remembered it was exactly 13 years ago today when I saw you for the last time. What a wonderful day we had belatedly celebrating your birthday at the Baltimore Aquarium and anticipating mine. I will be forever grateful that my last memory with you was a happy one.

I wish you were still physically here to experience life with me. I wish we could read the same books together and discuss them. I wish we could watch movies together, compare notes, and figure out the whodunnits. I wish you were here to meet Bell and Fiona. I wish we could go to the bookstore and spend all our money there like we used to at bead expos and stores. I wish we could browse the library selections together. I wish you could see how much healthier I am now than I was the day you left this world. I wish we could have just one more day, one more week, one more year together.

And yet, even if all of those one more wishes came true, it still wouldn't be enough. I would always want one more day, one more week, one more year together. 

I'm sorry I was not an avid reader when you were, but I'm glad you pointed me that direction when the time was right. You would be so happy for all of the friends I've made who share the same interests I do. Many of them are virtual, but that's okay. They are friends, just the same. It's because of you I found them. It was your love of reading that eventually put me on this path. I was late, but I am here now. And I am thankful that you led me here.

Your Best Friend Forever,

Meezan

A Caboodle of Memories in 2022

Dear Stephanie,

Well another year has passed and a new one has begun. It's time not only to wish you a Happy Birthday, but to also reflect on 2022.

When I look back on last year, three significant events shaped me.

1. My beloved Qandi crossed Rainbow Bridge on April 3rd. I knew her time was coming soon, especially in the few days leading up to the day she passed, but nothing can prepare us for when that time actually arrives (like when you passed). I'm comforted by the fact that there was absolutely no doubt in my mind it was time to say good-bye to my furry companion of 17+ years. I remember once telling you how she was the perfect companion - a good balance between loveable and playful. She remained that way into her senior years. I'm so thankful you two met.

2. I always knew that when Qandi's time to say good-bye came, I'd adopt at least one other cat. Sure enough, on July 2nd, I adopted not one, but two sister kittens. Their official birthday printed on their paperwork is May 1st, but I was told they were ten weeks old when they were adopted. So I think they were actually born around April 23rd, the same month Qandi passed. Isn't the circle of life beautiful? I named them Bell (after Tinker Bell) and Fiona (after a fairy amateur sleuth in the Fairy Garden Mysteries). Fiona is gray and white and Bell is a dilute tortie. Bell talks A LOT. There are times when I have all out conversations with her! Although I still have a special place in my heart for Qandi and I think of her everyday, I love Bell and Fiona more than words can say. I wondered if I'd be able to feel the same kind of love for more kittens as I felt for Qandi. I know now that no two loves are ever exactly the same, but can be equally strong.

3. I found my niche in cozy mysteries and I started my Caboodle of Cozies blog! I published my first post on that blog on the 12 anniversary of the day you passed. You are the one who got me interested in cozy mysteries and excited about reading. I was happy to bring it to life in memory of you. I used to feel like I had too many hobbies and never enough time to do them all. Who would have thought I'd finally find what I really want to focus on in reading?! Reading is just a part of it, though. I also love watching movies (especially Hallmark cozy mysteries) and reviewing what I read and watch. I combine all of these interests on my blog and I found a way to incorporate weekly updates and pictures of Bell and Fiona! It does mean that I don't post on this blog much, but that's okay. I will still post here sometimes. I'll never forget where and how it all began. I'm happy to say I also found a community of cozy mystery authors and readers. I never knew cozies were so popular and well-loved! I am also a part of a community of fellow readers (who read all types of books) and bloggers. I wish you could be a part of it all here on Earth. We would have so much reading cozies and discussing them. I'm very happy to to have found them, though, and I believe you led me to them. Thank you!

Well, that's about all for now. I am going to attempt to allow Bell and Fiona to sleep in the bedroom tonight again. This time I have a squirt bottle in case they get into things they shouldn't.  It taught Qandi how to behave, so I'm hoping it works out the same way for these girls. Wish me luck!!!

Luv ya lots!

Meezan

Dear Jimmy,

I have been struggling with what to say and even how to feel these past few days. On Monday I was heartbroken to find out the sun has set on your life here on Earth, but I take comfort in knowing you are shining brightly on the other side. I know we haven't spoken much in recent years, but I hope you know how much you've always meant to me. Each friend who passes from this world feels a little different. It doesn't hurt any more or any less. It's just different. Like my bestie, Stephanie, and my good friend, Jason, you will always occupy a special place in my heart.

I know that your heart ached for your fiancee, Mandy, who passed away on my birthday several years ago. You grieved for her so deeply, and yet you always found it in your heart to wish me a happy day. It makes me smile knowing you two are finally basking in the eternal happiness you deserve.

Rest well, my friend. Please give my regards to Stephanie (remember her birthday is coming up on January 29th), Jason, and all others who have passed. Thank you for the memories and for always believing in me.

Love and Hugs,

Meezan

December Movie Wrap-up

My final movie list of 2022! I watched a total of 238 movies in 2022, including re-watches and including The Guardians of the Galaxy special. Letterboxd had it listed, so since I logged it there I decided to include it here. I did really love it! 

Some people gasp when I tell them I watched over 200 movies this year, but let's keep in mind that the vast majority are Hallmark movies, which are less than 90 minutes long without commercials. I watch about 40ish minutes in the morning while I eat breakfast and 40ish minutes in the afternoon while I eat lunch.

Most of the movies I watched in December were Hallmark Christmas movies, with the exception of Top Gun, Top Gun Maverick, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. I was very impressed with Top Gun: Maverick. Rarely is a sequel as good as the first one, but this sequel was so much better than the first one! I am planning to review it soon (as well as Thor: Love and Thunder), but for now I will say Top Gun: Maverick was my favorite movie of 2022.

As far as the Hallmark Christmas movies go, my favorites were The Santa Stakeout, which I reviewed on Caboodle of Cozies, and It's Christmas, Eve. Neither of those were released this year, but I've been wanting to see them since last year and I finally did. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed both of them. I had no idea that LeAnn Rimes is such a talented actress!

Campfire Christmas was released in July (for Christmas in July) and I did watch it then. However, that was the movie I was watching when I realized I had that echo in my ear that ended up lasting all week. I knew I liked it when I watched it then and I wanted to watch it again without the echo in my ear. It was a more pleasant experience this time around. :-)

However, my favorite movie of the entire holiday season was Hallmark's Hanukkah on Rye. How strange that it would be included in "Countdown to Christmas", but I do appreciate the fact that Hallmark is beginning to show more diversity in various ways. Apart from that, this was just a really well-done movie. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to watch it again and make it the last movie of the year that I watched.

1  Top Gun❄❄❄❄❄💖

2  A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe❄❄❄❄

4  The Christmas Cottage❄❄❄❄

5  A Fabled Holiday❄❄❄❄❄💖

6  Long Lost Christmas❄❄❄❄❄💖

7  Write Before Christmas❄❄❄

8  A Dickens of a Holiday❄❄❄❄❄💖

9  Open by Christmas❄❄❄❄❄💖

10 Top Gun: Maverick❄❄❄❄❄💖

12 Christmas by Starlight❄❄❄❄

 

13 The Most Colorful Time of the Year❄❄

14 Top Gun: Maverick❄❄❄❄❄💖

15 A Maple Valley Christmas❄❄❄

16 Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater❄❄❄❄

19 The Santa Stakeout❄❄❄❄❄💖

20 The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special❄❄❄❄❄💖

21 Hanukkah on Rye❄❄❄❄❄💖

22 The Holiday Sitter❄❄❄❄

23 'Twas the Night Before Christmas❄❄❄❄💖

24 It's Christmas, Eve❄❄❄❄❄💖

25 How the Grinch Stole Christmas❄❄❄❄

25 The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special❄❄❄❄❄💖

25 Haul Out the Holly❄❄❄❄💖

27 The Santa Stakeout❄❄❄❄❄💖

28 Window Wonderland❄❄❄❄💖

30 Campfire Christmas❄❄❄❄💖

30 Holiday Heritage❄❄❄❄

31 Hanukkah on Rye❄❄❄❄❄💖

And that's a wrap! This will be the last time I am posting my monthly movie wrap-up on this blog. From now on I will post it on Caboodle of Cozies. I'll be slightly altering the theme of that blog so it fits with everything else I post there. I hope to see you there!

Puzzle 22

Puzzle 22 to end 2022!

Happy New Year! I hope your 2023 is merry and bright!

How about a puzzle to start the year? Bell and I completed this one in 2:26 with 35 non-rotating pieces. Your turn! Feel free to share in the comments how long it took you and if you altered the puzzle in any way. 

The picture was taken my most recent walk. It was about 23 degrees and I was so happy to make it outside in time to see the lamp posts still lit while they were decorated. It was shortly before sunrise on a brisk and perfectly clear morning.

November Movies

And here are my November movies watched, now that we are almost at the end of December!

Most of them were Hallmark movies, with the exceptions being Thor: Love and Thunder (I really will review this one soon...) and Christmas at the Drive-In (another epic fail from Great American Family). This is not to say that Hallmark never has bad movies, because they do (Fly Away With Me being one of them), but GAF overall has a very different vibe. As I said in my October list, I know they are surrounded by controversy, but I wanted to give them a fair chance. It's not going well so far.

Dating the Delaneys was the biggest surprise for me. In one way it was your average Hallmark movie, but it had a certain kind of flair to it. Maybe it was the acting. Rachel Boston and Paul Campbell rarely disappoint. 

I started watching Christmas movies in November because there are so many I want to watch. The highlight was Christmas Connection, which was released in 2017. My favorite newly released Christmas movie I watched in November was Ghosts of Christmas Always (a very unique and charming twist on A Christmas Carol). This movie was cleverly released the day before Halloween. That was followed by Haul Out the Holly, which was a very close second for me. The only reason I didn't give it five falling leaves/stars is because the plot had some issues, but overall it was a delightfully hilarious movie. There was a lot of hype around Three Wise Men and a Baby, rightfully so. Though I had some issues with the plot, it was a great movie with lots of laughs, but not a favorite of mine. I may or may not watch it again next year.

So without further ado, here's the list!

1  Love's Portrait🍂🍂🍂

2  Dating the Delaneys🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

3  Marry Me In Yosemite🍂🍂🍂🍂

4  Fly Away With Me🍂🍂

7  Romance in Style🍂🍂🍂🍂

10 Lights, Camera, Christmas!🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

11 Journey Back to Christmas🍂🍂🍂🍂

13 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year🍂🍂🍂🍂

14 A Magical Christmas Village🍂🍂🍂

15 Thor: Love and Thunder🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

16 Christmas in Homestead🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

17 A Cozy Christmas Inn🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

18 The Royal Nanny🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

21 Three Wise Men and a Baby🍂🍂🍂🍂

21 A Bride for Christmas🍂🍂🍂🍂

22 Christmas Connection🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

23 Ghosts of Christmas Always🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

25 Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂💖

28 Christmas at the Drive-In🍂🍂

30 Haul Out the Holly 🍂🍂🍂🍂💖 

October Movies

Yay! I am finally posting my October list of movies watched. I was pleased with most of the ones I watched, with The Good Witch Hallmark series being the highlight and Home for Harvest, a GAF (Great American Family) movie being the low-light. (I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding this channel, but I wanted to give it a fair chance. This was the first movie on this channel that I watched and the only one I watched on it this month.)

October was a crazy month for me and I didn't get to finish watching The Good Witch series of movies. That just means I have more to look forward to next year! My favorite non-Good Witch Hallmark movie was October Kiss. Sometimes they do produce something exceptional and this one definitely was. It was released in 2015. Unfortunately, none of the current October movies appealed to me as much as The Good Witch series and October Kiss did.

I really enjoyed Thor: Love and Thunder and I promise you I will review it soon. Unfortunately, Hocus Pocus 2 did not live up the excellence of the first one, but I guess that can be expected with sequels. It was okay, but not great. Also, I had forgotten how blah Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is.  I had seen it before and after this year I don't think I'll be watching it again.

So, here is the list of movies I watched in October, with the dates I watched them on the left and ghost/star ratings on the right. The sparkling heart indicates that it's a favorite even though it may not have earned all five ghosts.

2  Thor: Love and Thunder👻👻👻👻💖

3  Hocus Pocus👻👻👻👻👻💖

13 Hocus Pocus 2👻👻👻

14 October Kiss👻👻👻👻👻💖

16 The Good Witch👻👻👻👻👻💖

17 The Good Witch's Garden👻👻👻👻👻💖

19 Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events👻👻👻

25 Autumn in the City👻👻👻👻💖

26 Pumpkin Everything👻👻👻

27 A Harvest Wedding👻👻👻

28 Home for Harvest👻👻

29 The Good Witch's Gift👻👻👻👻👻💖

30 The Good Witch's Family👻👻👻👻💖

31 Pumpkin Pie Wars👻👻👻👻💖  

31 The Good Witch's Charm👻👻👻👻💖

"Top Gun" (1986)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'm finally going to be able to watch the sequel soon, so I decided to re-watch the original Top Gun because, you know, after seeing it more than a dozen times I just had to refresh my memory in case I forgot something. Plus, Bell and Fiona had never seen it before.

Pete Mitchell (a.k.a. Maverick) and his best friend and wingman, Nick Bradshaw (a.k.a. Goose), are admitted to the Naval Fighter Weapons School where the best of the best train to hone their skills as fighter pilots. Maverick's journey to grow as a pilot and as a person is set in motion.

There are some movies that I used to love and now when I watch them I ask myself, "What was I thinking?"

Top Gun is a rare exception. I still love this movie as much as I did the first time I watched it. I love movies that move me and make me feel something. This one does that in every way possible. It isn't about being the best, but it is about doing our own personal best. It's about love, loss, friendship, letting go, and moving on while still remembering those we've lost along the way. It's about leaving our ego behind so we can face what's in front of us. "Top Gun" makes me smile, laugh, cry, and reflect. It reminds me that in order to move on, I must let go.

The musical score accompanies the story with perfection. The movie wouldn't be as impactful without the soundtrack. The action scenes are engaging and purposeful. The movie is so good overall that some of the cheesy dialogue on the ground and the occasional foul language (I'm certain nowadays this would be rated PG-13, not PG) doesn't even bother me. There is also just the right amount of Hallmark-ish romance. The love story is there and I felt it, but it doesn't distract the viewer from the overall meaning of the movie.

I have some thoughts about the directions in which the sequel can go and I'm excited to see how it plays out. I've heard and read from so many people that the sequel is even better than the first movie, which is rare. Clearly, I loved the first one and it will be a tough act to follow. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for my follow-up review!

Puzzle 21

It's been a while since I've posted a puzzle, but here we go with another one! We are way past colorful leaves, but isn't it nice we can be there again through pictures? This puzzle took me 2:39 to complete with 35 non-rotating pieces. Would you like to give it a try? You should be able to change the number of pieces if you wish to make it easier or harder.

Golden Gratitude - Z is for Zumba on Zoom

I'm grateful I can do Zumba through Zoom with an instructor who is a wheelchair user. This way I don't have to improvise and modify the moves (since I also do seated Zumba). I also like being able to do it in the comfort of my own home.

Thanks for joining me for Golden Gratitude! It's not too late to join if you haven't already. Just scroll back and add yours for each letter in the comments.

Most importantly, may the spirit of gratitude stay with us every day.💝

Golden Gratitude - Y is for Yesterday

I'm grateful for the time spent with my family yesterday, chatting and dining on traditional Thanksgiving food.

Golden Gratitude - X is for X's and O's

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends in the U.S.!

I'm grateful for the all "x's and o's" I receive daily from Bell and Fiona.

Golden Gratitude - W is for Winnings

I'm grateful for all that I've won this year! Interestingly, all of my winnings revolved around grilled cheese. Earlier this year I won a gift card from Bingo and I was able to get a free grilled cheese sandwich on my birthday (also National Grilled Cheese Day). Mid year I won the second book in the Grilled Cheese Mystery series, and most recently I won another culinary cozy from the same author. I thought I had won the third one in the Grilled Cheese Mystery Series, but that was actually for the second one in the series. That was the one I had already won in July! So the author gave me the option to choose a different book. I chose one I would not have bought, the first in the Deep Fried Mystery Series. Now I'll have at least one book in all three of her cozy series - Grilled Cheese, Cat Lady, and Deep Fried Mysteries!

Golden Gratitude - V is for Vitality

 I'm grateful for those who add vitality to my life.💗

Golden Gratitude - U is for Umami

Umami translates to a "pleasant savory taste". I usually enjoy foods (and beverages) with this flavor. Some examples are green tea, mackerel, beef, chicken, mushrooms, corn, green peas, garlic, potatoes, and aged cheese such as cheddar.

Golden Gratitude - T is for Time

I'm grateful for time spent with loved ones. Today I will be watching the Ravens game with my brother and nephews. We'll also all be getting together on Thanksgiving Day, then again the weekend after that. This will be our first Thanksgiving spent together since 2019.

Golden Gratitude - S is for Sunshine

I'm grateful for sunshine even when I'm indoors and it comes in through the window. I'm especially appreciative of it at this time of year when the weather is colder.

Golden Gratitude - R is for Real Time

Communication in any form at any time is good, but in real time is extra special. It's those moments when I can connect with someone in real time no matter how close or far away they are that mean the most to me.

Golden Gratitude - Q is for Qandi

Although Qandi crossed Rainbow Bridge on April 3rd of this year, I still miss her and think of her everyday. She will always have a special place in my heart even though I also love Bell and Fiona with all my heart.

Golden Gratitude - P is for Popcorn

Okay, so while olives make a great substitute, nothing compares to the real deal. Popcorn is still my favorite snack food. I just have to be mindful of how often I eat it and how much I eat in one sitting so my TMJ issue doesn't flare up. I'm thankful I am able to eat it, though!

Golden Gratitude - O is for Olives

I have found that olives are a great substitute for popcorn!😃 Although I prefer pitted ones, I'll eat any that are not soaked in red wine vinegar. I never met an olive I didn't like.

Golden Gratitude - N is for New Books

When I say new books, I don't mean they necessarily are new releases. It just means the books are new to me because I haven't read them yet. I love going to the library and picking up ones that are new to me!

Golden Gratitude - M is for Marvel

I'm grateful not only for the Marvel Universe providing entertainment, but more so for the conversations I've had with those who share the same overall interest. Even when we disagree on certain movies, the conversations deepen and enrich my experience with them.

Golden Gratitude - L is for Love

 I'm grateful for those who love me and those whom I love, both near and far.💗

Golden Gratitude - K is for Kittens

I'm grateful for my two very rambunctious kittens, Bell and Fiona! To see pictures and read weekly updates on them, visit them at Caboodle of Cozies.

Golden Gratitude - J is for Jacket

I have had a certain jacket for years and I wear it every fall. It is a little worn on the inside, but the outer part is in good condition. It's very comfortable and it's perfect for the season because it has a leafy design on it. Sometimes when I look down at the ground it looks like the leaves have fallen off my jacket.😀

Golden Gratitude - I is for Intuition

My intuition has never failed me and I am grateful for that.