It's wonderful that you take the time to appreciate all the good things around you. Gratitude magnifies the joy.

Lisa could not have put it better. We should all stand back and appreciate the good things in our lives whatever they are. I am spending a year in Portugal - not so far from you, Liz. The view from our terrace is the beautiful 'montado' dotted with cork oaks. I especially enjoy the stunning colours at the end of each day. My former life sounds so much like yours -taking time now to write is a true joy.

Thanks, Lisa and Wendy. It isn't difficult to stop and take a little time to appreciate what's going on around us in the natural words. Maybe there has been something lacking in the educational system for a long while now, when children are not given time to look, wonder and learn about the naturally beautiful aspects of our lives and our world.