I've been thankful for the grab bars I put on each side of the toilet, and for the raised seat. I have one for the shower, as soon as I'm a bit more ambulatory. My daughter put one on the shop door jamb for me and it's made going up the 2 steps much easier and safer.

I was spirit lifted by the high of 77° today, 20° lower than it has been lately. It was good to breathe air that was less smoky today, even though there are huge fires east and north of us. More than a million acres have been/continue burning.

My neighbor uses our pasture for their cows, and in exchange they do the irrigating. Joe sets a sprinkler to water the orchard, the garden and the back lawn. It means a lot to me. I can just focus on watering the front lawn and some flower beds. They're very thoughtful people.

Saturday I get to mow with my riding mower! I haven't been able to do it for several months. I'm looking forward to it. And now that I'm in just one walking boot I can pull weeds. I don't like weeds, but I enjoy pulling them. After a couple of hours I can stand back and see how much better it looks. A real spirit lifter.

This weekend I will be able to take back the kitchen cleanup. My wife has had to do it for a few months, but now I can stand at the sink and load and unload the dishwasher. I know it's kind of a weird thing to be grateful for - that and vacuuming the house. Someday I'll be able to wash and wax the cars. I enjoy doing jobs that have visible results. I was a minister all of my adult life, and results aren't often visible or immediate in the ministry. Change is a more gradual process. But being a part of the process of changing is very rewarding.

Sadie is a big spirit lifter. I had some good therapy from her this morning, having her jump up in my lap and lying there while I drank my coffee. That's one of the best services she provides for me, and it's an ADA approved service!

Getting an injection in my knee tomorrow will certainly lift my spirits. And we'll go out for lunch, a treat we enjoy.

And now, sleep beckons.

Jim