Shane, as we all know here in the Peanut Butter Cafe & Roadhouse, cannot learn to open the screen door from the outside. We have tied a knotted rope on it; he has watched Sydney use his paw on a place where he (Sydney) crushed in a small piece of the screen. This has not stopped Shane from constantly running out, trusting that someone will let him back in.

Today I saw him go out and in by himself and then I saw him do it again. For some reason, knowing the Shanester, I was suspicious. I really did hope he had mastered it; I wanted so to believe it. Yet I know Shane. When I got to the door, I saw it was ajar, wedged that way by a Wubba.

Even though we have purchased so many Wubbas that some believe he is spoiled, he could not bear to leave one unplayed with. He eventually grabbed it and ran out. And the door closed behind him. Soon he was back, looking through the screen, waiting for a good samaritan.

SIGH

Today is my birthday and I am 62. Sixty-two. Well, that is the way it is. I have a bit of a sore throat and a hint of an earache and a wee fever that has been tethered by some cold medicine. Oh, yes, chills – it is my way to make sure to mention all of my symptoms. But it is a sunny day and I plan to medicate myself pretty darn well.

The sniffles are not the issue. This morning instead of feeling fortunate to be in relatively good health and very honored that there have been people willing to look after me and care for me all my life, I have felt quite selfishly put upon. Sorry for myself, in the mood of the lyrics

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

I had washed dishes and vacuumed and, of necessity, cleaned a toilet and plunged a sink. This was not the stuff of inspiration for a new year.

I ordered a necklace last August 17th that looked quite charming and was inscribed KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON; I have been waiting for it to arrive, but the past few days have not found it in my mail slot. Today, walking by the door to the vestibule, I thought I’d bite the bullet and face the disappointment. Only a few things were sticking through, but I thought I felt the soft give of a small shipping envelope and, indeed, I had.

So I carried out to a room which was filled with sunlight and looked at it, my spirits already lifting. Of course, I have this name other than AmeliaJake since birth. When I was born it was a rare name for a girl: Jody. Most teachers and others assumed it was Judy. I even got a draft notice. I don’t know why my father said that is what they would call me, but he did and I don’t think he ever told anyone. Four letters and no middle name. I spent many years I was not Judy and no, I really did not have a middle name.  Just four letters.

Now, the misspellings are with the “y”; most think it ends is “ie” or just “i”.  I have gotten used to it. Today, on my birthday, this package I received came to “Joyce”; it just amused me – this linking of long ago years and the very present in relation to my name being not quite right.

It was, of course, my necklace, sent by the lady who made it – Crystal B.

I opened the little metal case and was very pleased with her creation. I am wearing it now – but I took a picture first.

I am so pleased with it. But now I am wondering what in heavens name were the coincidences? Oh, yes, the name snafu and its arrival on my birthday.

So I start another year and I have moved on to embrace all the lyrics:

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Not that I think an award awaits me in heaven, but that I have been tolerated and loved and cared for and that’s not a bad life at all . . . and the least I can do is be very grateful for what time is to come and for the opportunity to put a little effort into living it with good cheer