Okay, let’s face it, there has been enough bad and ugly in my life the last week or so. This post is all about Good Things.

Good: As you may recall, before I had that Life Changing Thing happen, I finished the Adamas Shawl. I blocked it one day last week (it’s sort of a blur, last week and I’m honestly not sure which day it was) and managed to snap a photo for you guys.

Good: Writing a blog has enhanced my life in many ways but all the good things blogging has brought to me pale in comparison to the friends I have made. I know so many of you were with me in spirit during my dad’s services last week but I have to tell you about one incredible thing that happened. My dear friend Kathy drove all the way down to Brockton to come to my dad’s wake. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw her walk in the door.

Good: Ripe tomatoes. Need I say more? Nope, I’ll just show you.

Good: Cards and phone calls and emails from friends. A simple “you’re in my thoughts” means more than you could ever know.

Good: A picture of a grandpa with his two grandchildren. Nothing makes Dale happier than spending time with Patrick and Ambrynn.

Good: Wakes and funerals and things show you in many ways who you can count on. Thursday afternoon Blogless Sharon showed up at my house with Grey Goose vodka, wine, and her knitting. We sat on the porch and knit together, sometimes talking, sometimes not. By the end of the night we had been joined by Sharon’s husband Al as well as dear friends Steve and Debbie and Don and Lois. It was a chilly night and we had a fire in the chiminea and I even got to snuggle up in my new shawl. The thing that made me warmest, though, was being surrounded by friends who love me. It was exactly what I needed.