Simon’s Reasons to be Thankful………26 (A-Z) reasons to be Thankful

Anita – She has to be at the top of the list because a) she’s my wife, b) she’s my best friend and c) my partner in crime. I could not imagine life without her.

Bed – As I get older I am becoming progressively more thankful that I invested in a comfortable bed. I’ve never understood why people will spend >$80,000 on a car that they spend 2 hours per day in, but baulk at paying more than $5,000 for a bed in which they spend 8 hours every night.

Clients – Where would I be without them? Most days I learn more from them than they do from me. I’m grateful for each and everyone of them – you know who you are!

Dogs – My pack are called Laila, Simba and Sammy. They give unconditional love, and are always pleased to see me when I get home (even if no one else is).

Education – I really believe that everyday is a school day. Both formal and informal education is something that I cherish for myself and those around me.

Fly fishing – In the last three years I have discovered a passion for fly fishing in Montana. I go once a year with a group of guys from my church. It is so relaxing and a great time to do some “boy stuff”.

Grandson – Two year old Henri – he lights up my life and brings me so much joy. I love his cheeky smile and developing sense of humor.

HVAC – Have you ever wondered what life would be like without Heating and Cooling? We lost our heating for 5 days last Christmas when temperatures were in the 20’s. It was no fun. Fortunately we have log fires – see ”L” later.

Instagram – Yep. Although I waste way too much time on it, I love following all of my fellow woodworking hobbyists as they create wonderful projects.

Jaguar – Makers of fine British motor cars and the manufacturer of my current ride. The effortless power and smooth acceleration are a wonder to experience.

Keurig – More specifically the San Francisco Bay Dark Roast coffee pods that I put in it. I buy them by the case from Costco, and love it more than….just about anything else I drink.

Log fires – There is nothing better than having a glass of wine and a cuddle by a real wood fire. Even better if it’s good wine and your wife.

Maker’s Mark Cigars – maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this, but my guilty pleasure is sitting on my back deck smoking a Maker’s Mark 650, looking at the woods and watching the wildlife.

Newspapers – I still get daily newspapers from the UK (thank you for inventing the internet Al Gore!). I like the international perspective ;-0

Online Shopping – Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon is my hero. I’m sure there are plenty of people he’s put out of business, but the ability to buy stuff from the comfort of your own bed should never be undervalued!

Pictures – A picture paints a thousand words……but this is print. Hold on.. 

Questions – “To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science” – Albert Einstein. Answering questions is easy. Asking the right questions is the real skill.

Recipes – Cooking is something that is a joint effort in our house. Anita does the hearty main course. I make the foo-foo desserts. I have hundreds of recipes, and they are all wonderful.

Showers – I honestly can’t start my day without a hot shower. When our water heater went out earlier this year, I was like a bear with a sore head. Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

Tools – I love my tools, I love my shop and I love my downtime creating stuff out of barn wood and recycled pipe in my other business “The Crafty Buggar”

Undergarments – I couldn’t imagine life without them. Pure cotton briefs are the bomb diggety.

Vacations – I am blessed to be able to take a good vacation every year. I hate traveling, but I love being in new places, and have so far visited over 45 different countries.

Watershed Four Peel Gin – Yes, that’s my favorite tipple, particularly when combined with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic. Christmas is coming (hint, hint).

XY Chromosome – this one was always going to be difficult, but I’m thankful for my boys Alex and Marco. Better under X than P for penis!

Yesterday – I’m grateful that I lived through it and that God gave me today – I WILL make the most of it.

Zeroes – The more I have the better. As long as there is a $1, at the front of them!