Don’t Count Your Chickens…well, maybe just a little bit of counting…

Classes are just starting at the state universities this week… the true signal of Autumn. This weekend was filled with a number of pleasant events and experiences that have the members of Typhoon Johnson feeling more up-beat, though still cautiously optimistic:

1. We had a combined birthday dinner for R and M with Grandma Gin and Grandpa Jerry last night. Spaghetti Factory, and Grandma’s homemade chocolate cake.
2. C is getting busy on her writing contract.
3. We got a serious inquiry from a party that wants to lease-option the SE Portland house.
4. The sales process for the SE Portland house continues to look stronger and stronger.
5. R and I had a great Boy Scout weekend in east county. R learned how to shoot a rifle and a shotgun. He also put in HOURS of archery practice on the archery range.
6. My project with Stuart continues to look like it will produce good results.
7. M’s ballet rehearsals continue to go well. I notice that M is increasingly identifying with ballet as a part of who she is. Last night, she used the back of the sofa as a barre and extemporaneously danced to the music on the stereo.
8. M has a new pair of converse-style tennis shoes that are rhinestone encrusted (courtesy of Patti!) They’re so absolutely M.
9. R’s big science assignment is due at the end of the month. He’s already completed it – with almost no parental hounding, and minimal help editing his writing – and is ready to turn it in. Three days early. Teachers are consistently commenting on Ryne’s increased maturity.
10. The family vegetable garden is delivering a harvest that delights the whole family. My sisters chickens are keeping us well stocked with eggs.
11. C has learned the power of ebay. She’s in the process of equipping R and herself with high-quality equipment for about 25% of the cost for new, and still 50% below the cost of new beginner-level gear. She’s shopping very wisely for good gear.

I dunno. There are glimmers of hope, glimpses of strength and of prosperity in the future.  Still, most of these fertile-looking eggs have yet to hatch. I continue to keep my cool about the emerging good news, I am hopeful that we will roll into winter with some blessings on our side. Autumn is the time of the harvest; when the bounties are put in the barn and prosperity is measured. I feel as if this very thing – a harvesting of blessings – is currently underway. I guess I’m not so much counting my chickens, as I’m budgeting room for them!