Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A Moment of Gratitude

I wanted to briefly share a Moment of Gratitude today. I hesitate to do so, though, for some of you may think I have LOST MY MIND. (OK, here goes.... inhale.... exhale....). Right now, I am grateful for the field mouse who has blessed me by his presence in my pantry. Seriously? Yes, seriously!

Listen as I share how this has unfolded. A couple of nights ago, I'm sitting in my kitchen, feet on the counter, laptop on my lap, blogging. Out of the corner of my eye, I see movement. I catch the last glimpses of the mouse scurrying under the pantry door.

"EWWWWWW!!" I think I actually said aloud! I live in the country, and the seasons are changing. It's getting colder at night. Now, this particular mouse probably has ancestors that lived in my back yard before there were houses, so in a way, I can't blame him. He's doing what field mice do. Seeking warmth, shelter and a food supply.

I pull out a mousetrap - I live in the country, remember, so I keep them on hand, though fortunately haven't had to use one in several years. As I'm reaching for the peanut butter, I realize how sloppy I have become about keeping food in mouse-proof containers. (note to self!)

The next morning - the pantry is the project. Out comes everything. Shelves get washed, old forgotten things get discovered and either get brought to the front, or thrown out. Tupperware gets sorted, and miscellaneous "stuff" that has been put there temporarily, gets returned to it's rightful location. AND.... much to my surprise, I am now inspired to finally straighten and properly secure the top shelf in the pantry. (It's only been 2 1/2 years since I've been here and installed the shelves!)

The following morning: no peanut butter, no mouse. I rebait the trap. And, as it always happens, as one improvement is made, others are sure to follow. I tackled the garage. It's not completely organized, but it has been sorted, and things discarded or returned to their proper places.

This morning: the mouse lies slain in the trap (for YOUR gratitude list - I spared you a picture!). AND... another project. The car. Anyone who knows me, knows that my car is usually trashed. If you know the kids in my carpool, they've probably told you! Miscellaneous shoes and straw wrappers lie in the back of the van until I have a free hand to carry them in. Today, right now! It's clean - and I mean take the seats out of the van clean! YES!

So, thank you, thank you, thank you little field mouse for blessing my life with your presence.

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