So much to be Thankful for

To all those who serve; past or present, for all those who are left behind at home, THANK YOU for giving far more than should ever have been asked.

In the continuing drama of my life, you may remember I have yet to make the switch to running in the dark after work.  This is partly laziness and partly I can get more miles on the treadmill. 

yeah, I said.

I like a lot miles.  No that's not correct.  I like a certain number of miles a week.

The treadmill allows me to get more quality miles in each week once the weather turns.

And NO they are not JUNK miles.

Don't even get me start on that topic because it's a post or two all by it's self!

With all that said (and who was I trying to convince, anyway?)  I don't enjoy the treadmill running in the same way I enjoy being outside.  In fact being outside in nature is a BIG part of why I started running.

So this morning I started here. 

Yeah, Heaven.  I know!

And I ran through some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.

It was so wonderful to be outside wrapped in an envelope of my own warmth as the steam lifted off the creek.

It is never lost on me how lucky I am to get to do this wonderful thing where I get to do it.

This morning I ran to here.

It's called "the Y."

It's just a short run. 3.5 miles partially along a creek where I have seen more fish crane, ducks, deer, muskrats, turtles, kingfishers, and newts than I can remember. 

This morning for many reasons I tried to remember.  I tried to remember how all the days and years have piled up and created so many wonderful memories.

I thought of th emany veterans in my life. 

I thought of my dad.  He served in the Army National Guard.

I learned to tie my shoes using his Army boots while sitting on the front porch.

I thought of my husband who has seen life in different places.

I thought of our neighbor who has fought along side some who didn't make it home.

I thought of my son.  I thought of the times he was with me on this stretch of road and I wondered where his roads will take him, what amazing things his eyes will see.

Sometimes being Thankful can make you both happy and sad at the same time.

Day # 186

This morning I enjoyed the freedom to be outside, to be carefree, to be safe.

and I don't take it for granted.