By Mary Hill
 |
| http://summat2thinkon.blogspot.co.uk/ |
,
 |
| http://www.showmyface.com/ |
Another week has come and gone. I am wrapping up my week with another one of my all-time favorite hops: Ten Things of Thankful sponsored by Considerings.
I also am combing the blogosphere for more wonderful blog hops to share. What is a blog hop? A blog hop is where bloggers come together to share posts based on a common theme. Sometimes hops do not have a theme and then it is considered a hopping party or linky. I am a newbie; but, joining these hops helps me meet bloggers and connect. I also am growing my readership every week. Hops, memes, blogging carnivals, linkies, whatever you want to call them, are fun. So here we go back to my first hop of the weekend. Here are my top ten things I am thankful about for this week. Time to celebrate!
1. A growing readership. I have met new bloggers everyday this week. I am so enjoying the comments, the interaction, and the chance to write about topics of all kinds. It has been a great week!
2. The beauty of nature all around me. Our yard has become a beautiful bird habitat this summer.
| Photo from www.atlantasushibar.com |
3. Sushi. Nuf said. 🙂 Went to my favorite Japanese/Thai restaurant in my neighboring town and ate a Super Cucumber Crunch Shrimp roll. My own healthy twist on the Super Crunch. I asked my waitress one day if they could replace the fried tempura flakes with the lighter tasting cucumber. She went and talked to the sushi chef, and brought back my version of the super crunch roll.
 |
| http://fairweatherdiver.blogspot.com/ |
4. My cat, Perry, might have a girl friend (at least virtual one). Well, this is my imagined hook up. I have a co-hort and asked if we could hook up the cats virtually. Well, the owner of said blog above with the beautiful cat has not answered me back. My Perry is smitten and was playing with the cat and trying to kiss it (or maybe sniff?) I say it because I have not verified is the cat is female or male. Perry wants to play though. 🙂
Don’t you think they will make a cute couple? I know, I have lost it.
 |
| http://www.lexingtonhi.com/Riverbanks-Zoo.html |
5. We’re off to see the lion, the bears, and tigers, oh my! My grandbabies, their mom, my daughter, and my hubby are going to the Riverbank Zoo! We are taking our little boy grandbaby who is only two. Our three year old is so excited. She can’t wait. I can’t wait to see the pretty tropical birds. Birds are becoming a passion with me of late. I can’t let Perry out of the house.
6. I found a poetry venue for some of my poetry. I plan to enter a poetry contest this month. I will let you know more in my Monday post.7. I have a stack of books to read from the library and am working my way through the first installment of Warriors by Erin Hunter. My kitty pet wouldn’t stand a chance. Perry has been to the cutter.
8. If I can get the book to download on my Kindle, I may have my first installment of a new series of book reviews along with author interviews for my blog. More coming on that too in the future, so stayed tuned.
9. I am trying to lose weight. Yes, I am thankful for this. I need to get these pounds off so that my pain will lessen. I can’t exercise because of the severe pain from my arthritis, and my pain is aggrevated by my weight. I am thankful because if I share this personal journey of mine with my blogger friends, I will get support and also tips on how to lose weight when you suffer from arthritis and fibromalygia. I have tried water exercise. I can’t get my heart rate up, and as you know you need to get your heart rate up to burn calories. My goal for next week is 2 pounds. I know you guys will pray for me. Thanks.
10. More great weekend hops to join.
I am introducing a whole new batch. Just take your time and join up with one that best fits your blog’s niche. 
http://thankyouhoneyblog.com/my-favorite-posts-show-off-weekend-blog-party-2/
![[STSmall%255B4%255D.png]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3m9DjVLrQNw/T6P67VniaaI/AAAAAAAAFKA/4nyREmQZbp0/s200/STSmall%25255B4%25255D.png) |
| http://www.tyngasreviews.com |
 |
| http://www.caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/p/the-sunday-post-meme.html |
Thanks for stopping by Northern Plunder’s haul post! Book review blogs are really great, I hope you find some great ones and I’m happy you stopped by mine c:
I responded to your questions you asked but I’ll copy my reply here too in case you don’t stop back.
“Thank you 🙂 and yes library books will count, I just personally don’t visit the library often because if I enjoy it I’ll end up wanting to buy it any way haha. I’ll stop by now to tell you this too in case you don’t stop back!”
I also try to bloghop as often as I can. To make new friends and to hopefully find the old ones. It’s realy nice to learn from each other ;o)
Ooooh I LOVE sushi and it has been far too long since I last had some!
Your pets are adorable! <3
I enjoyed visiting your blog and reading your counting blessings post. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for following. I’m following you back. Have a great week!
One of these days I am going to try sushi, i mean I love seafood, all types and even like raw oysters on the half-shell so not sure why I back away. Wonderful list and all things to be thankful for! The Sunday Post
Oh wow, what gorgeous birds you get to see every day! How fun! I’ll bet you had a lovely time at the zoo.
You linked up your main blog page instead of your individual post URL, so I am not sure which post you actually linked up to my blog. I did not see my blog button with the other Monday stuff, so not sure which post to comment on! So I will comment on this post and say thanks so much for linking up to “Making Your Home Sing Monday!”
A bloggy friend of mine has this a blog and page called “Fit With Fibromyalgia”. Her name is Gina and she has fibro and she is a real sweetie. Here’s a link to her fb page: https://www.facebook.com/FitWithFibromyalgia?fref=ts
Hi, thanks for the tip. Will hop over to look at her blog. I always went to your blog and could not find your comment box. Anyway found some great inspiration there. Thanks.
I love that song, and the list is a good one! 🙂
Visiting today from Let’s Get Social Sunday.
OOOH I love sushi! YUM. And really great list. I agree the birds would make an adorable couple.
I do Aqua Zumba and I LOVE it. I get my heart rate up AND I don’t sweat. And it seems to be helping me tone. While it can be boring, there’s nothing cheaper or easier than walking. I am supposed to get 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise four times a week to stave off side effects of my meds, and I walked for mine until we joined the Y this past January.
Have you tried any of the weight loss apps for your phone? I find that actually recording what I eat, including portion size, really helps me stay in line. I found I grossly underestimate what I eat when I don’t write it down. I use Lose It, but there are several others. You can put your weight loss goals in there and keep track of exercise, too.
Thank you for sharing Mary! I love reading about what other people are grateful for. It always puts a smile on my face and reminds me to count my blessings as well. So much to be thankful for this week, especially my 6 year old daughter’s safe travel to France. I will keep you in prayers as you embark on your journey to greater health. My mom suffers from arthritis as well. She’s been successful with swimming and her stationary bike. If you can use some light weights, even just a pound or two, building up lean muscle mass will help you burn calories more efficiently. Keeping your diet high in dark leafy greens will also help. Fennel and ginger are great natural aids for arthritis. God Bless!
Hi, went to your google site trying to find your blog. Would love to follow your writing and blogging. Send me your links. Thanks for commenting. I always go the other person’s blog and join it and comment. I love returning comment love. 🙂
Cool that’s the name of the zoo where I am from in Columbia, SC. Are you there? Love sushi and I love the photo you captured of the momma bird feeding the baby bird.
More fruit and veggies and less meat and white stuff…potatoes and pasta. It’s pretty easy if you have the will power to stick to it and I’ve a feeling you do.
Have a terrific day. 🙂
Yes, working toward that goal. I want to join the Real Food Challenge this week. Trying to find the blog hop for that. 🙂
I enjoy watching all the different birds in our yard, too. Even the ones that come and steal the dogs’ food every morning.
I was going to suggest exercising in a pool. I have found the water to be very helpful in relieving pain, and it is the best kind of exercise for just about anyone. Perhaps you should try a different kind of water exercise, or ramp up the one you have already done? Regardless, I hope you find something you enjoy and works for you.
I enjoy all the birds too. We also have blue jays stealing the dog food. I sometimes see smaller birds too, possibly finches.
We don’t get cardinals here. Want to trade a raven for a cardinal? I love the brilliant red color!
Sushi is wonderful. I never thought to custom-order. (Of course, I don’t know if I could get myself to give up the tempura for cucumber, either, so maybe my lack of creativity doesn’t matter.)
As for the weight loss, I can’t speak specifically to arthritis or fibro, but I would think that even the water exercise would build muscle, which would result in a faster metabolism. As the weight comes off, you’ll probably be better able to handle a more intense cardio workout. I know that when I walk in the lazy river at a waterpark, I sure feel it the next day!
Sounds wonderful. We don’t have a public swimming pool and to go to our very small Y everyday would be too costly because it is about 18 miles one way. I am going to start with crunches in the mornings, three set of 15, eventually working my way up. I may try yoga anyone know a good beginners program I could purchase on DVD? Anyway I think the crunches will help. I also thought about walking in the evening in short spells. Thanks for the suggestions.
One of my best friends is trying to lose some weight because her joints are so sore all the time. She also went to a nutritionalist and they suggested eliminating gluten because it causes inflammation. She has noticed a difference so far. Good luck with your weight loss journey!
What a wonderful list! Have a great weekend. ☺
Oh sounds like a wonderful week and love your pictures of all things nature. Awesome about gaining new readers. And hoping you are having a great weekend, Mary!!
YES JAMES BROWN, SIR 😀
This is a great list, Mary. The birds in your garden are INCREDIBLE! So beautiful. I can see why you’re beginning to get a passion for them.
Sushi is completely amazing and one of my favourite things. Do you go for the wasabi and pickled ginger too? Those are just delicious taste sensations.
And a poetry outlet. Intriguing. You have me interested and I shall be back to find out where it is!
Good luck with the weight loss – I’m on a health kick myself at the moment. Summer helps.
Yes, I have Cassini with my earmark. I mix with low sodium soy sauce. Delicious. The I try to get a piece of ginger with every sushi piece. I sometimes eat the ginger straight off the plate. Clears up my sinuses and helps with other health problems. Thanks for the nice comments.
I haven’t ever been to a sushi restaurant so I buy the box sets from the supermarket. They never have enough pickled ginger, but once, my dad MADE some, and I got to eat it in hugely gluttonous amounts. In fact, I may have to get the recipe – it was SO good.