retrieval
Two dark eyes peering from the golden tan head attached to a frantically wagging posterior signal to me a desire to play. Soon, the ball is dropped beside my reclining seat as if saying; “let’s get this going.” Ice covered snow outside precludes a romp in the yard lest there be a furry orb sliding with protest down the hill. Ball in hand and panting pup poised to pounce, the object of retrieval is tossed toward the back door. Scurrying down the hallway and sliding head bound toward the closed and resistant door, her majesty pounced adeptly on top of the ball. A tip tap of toenails along the hallway preceded her return with the orb as she reluctantly gave it up for another pounce down the hallway. The routine repeats itself until all are satisfied that sufficient rounds have been accomplished on this cold winter’s day at the farm. With sun now shining and fire burning briskly, both participants in the fetching game can now settle down to catch the latest news. Filled with thanks for sun and warmth, we are embraced with gratitude for the end of the storm and the beginning of the coming thaw. Thanks is the thread that weaves the warm blanket of gratitude that wraps a grace filled heart!