Tuesday, November 15 -- in "Gratefotos" today we have . . .

The Grand Opera House

Tonight we had our monthly meeting of the Oshkosh Community Players at the Grand. I almost forgot to take a picture -- had to drive back and stand out front to try to get a shot of the front doors. The theater is a very cool old building that has been completely renovated -- restored to its original Victorian grandeur. I have watched shows here -- attended a Graduation party here -- helped with our high school show here -- performed here. And I've made some new friends here. I am thankful that we have this cool venue here in Oshkosh.

Sadly -- today's photo will not load properly -- which kind of defeats the purpose of "Gratefotos"

Monday, November 14 -- Grate-no-fotos:

Out to eat with our friend Jim. This gentleman is a highly successful businessman who has been a kind friend to our school. On a few occasions, John and I have had the opportunity to go out to eat with him. He talked me into trying calamari. First time -- possibly the last time -- all on one small plate. When we asked about his secrets to success, he reported that he really wasn't any good at business. We smiled. He did add that he was honest. I thought that was actually an awesome answer.

Sunday, November 13 -- In Gratefotos . . . my neighbors!!!

My next-door neighbor Kim invited all the neighbors over for a soup supper! We had so much fun. Her soup was great -- and everyone else pitched in with appetizers and desserts. I am so thankful for such fascinating, thoughtful people in the houses next to me -- behind me -- across from me -- down the street from me. When I explained about the blog -- and wanted to take a picture, they kindly lined up behind the table. Does this look like a modern adaptation of The Last Supper or what?

Saturday, November 12 -- Gratefotos

Peggy and Trevor!!! These are our FPU friends. For 13 weeks, Peggy and Trevor came over and sat in our dining room to watch Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University DVDs on the computer with us. We are too cheap to buy the DVDs -- so we borrowed them. And then, we invited Peggy and Trevor to come watch with us. Having them come helped us to stay motivated to finish the program. I am so thankful for them! I am also thankful for Dave Ramsey and his message of Financial Peace. I give him a hearty recommendation! We made Woody and Dwight join us most of the weeks -- and they liked Dave. On Saturday, Peggy and Trevor and their kids came over to celebrate completing the program. We made pizza and watched a movie. And barely spent any money.

Friday, November 11 -- Gratefotos --

I confess to cheating on this one. I didn't take the pic on Friday. I actually took it on Monday -- but I was thankful on Friday! -- and on Monday as well!

Occasionally I eat lunch in the teachers' lounge at Oshkosh Christian School/Valley Christian High School. This is a huge highlight for me. I work by myself a lot -- so having lunch companions is awesome! I never know exactly who I'll find lunching -- a different smattering of teachers, several ladies from the office -- my husband. But -- every time I am there, I feel so welcome -- like I'm part of the family. And for that moment, I am surrounded by a pretty amazing community of people who are passionate about their faith -- and about kids! I am so thankful!

Thursday, November 10 - -Today's "Gratefoto"

Don't be confused by the dates on my blog. Although things may tend to look like I forget to be thankful every now and then -- I really am pretty much on track. I just don't make time to post everyday. So -- then I have to catch up! Then the "posting day" and the "Gratefoto day" are not the same date. I'm still thankful, though!!! And I hope to catch up!

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Salvation Army! The pic is of my volunteer pin. People were able to stop by the Oregon St. center to pick up coats for the winter. People could also sign up for holiday meals and toys for kids. I was surprised by the number of college kids volunteering that day. At the end of the evening Captain Don Karl stopped in. He has a way of making everyone feel vastly important. I enjoyed my evening with the Salvation Army -- and hope to get to help again at another point in the season.

November 9 – “Gratefotos” Today I am thankful for . . .

That’s right – you do see snow in that picture. Today we had our first snow of the season. It was thick and wet and gloppy – and not very safe. But – to me it was still beautiful. I’m always a little fearful of saying that too loudly. Too many haters.