Daily Gratitude - November 7, 2017 - Kimberly Goodman

Today, I am thanking Kimberly Goodman. Having known her for almost 40 years, there are many reasons for me to be grateful. From her family helping out my family, for being a good friend to me and my wife over the years. She has been a good aunt to our daughter.
I keep trying to  think of what to say or add... there has been so much that I cannot even really begin to list or summarize it all. All I can really say is, "Thank you!"

Daily Gratitude - November 6, 2017 - Mr. and Mrs. Frack

Today, while I was watching my daughter's mixed martial arts class, I decided who would be highlighted in my next blog post.

Mr. Frack and Miss Gigi have done so much for our daughter and our family. I know that our daughter would not be the same young lady she is if they were not in her life. They entered our lives in the Spring of 2012, just as Katherine was finishing Kindergarten. Her first belt ceremony was that June. Katherine's first sleep-over not with family was at one of their Ninja Nights. She has tried to attend each one ever since.

Thank you for the caring, support, and training you give our daughter. Thank you for the support you have given our whole family over the years as we have gone through the passing of my father-in-law and other trials and circumstances that have happened to us. Thank you also for your support and concern as I embarked on my own path to get healthier so I can be around for my wife and daughter longer.

Thank you for all you have done for us. There is no way we can ever repay your kindness.

Daily Gratitude - November 5, 2017 - Staff at La Cachanilla #3

Today, I stopped at La Cachanilla #3 for some menudo for my wife and daughter. As I was waiting for the food to be prepared, I had a conversation with one of the clerks. She happened to mention how beautiful it was outside, and yet it was raining at her house. The ladies behind the hot food counter asked what salsa I would like for the burrito I ordered.

This whole morning I thought about the staff of the store and smiled. Since they opened they have been friendly and always there to help. The butchers seem knowledgeable and are starting to remember my usual requests. A few of the staff members have noticed my weight loss and asked me about it. Their comments out of concern if it is illness or not.

I am thankful for their courteous service. Their concern and their caring enough to remember me and my usual requests.

Daily Gratitude - November 4, 2017 - Margot Echeverria Frotton

Today I am posting about Margot Echeverria Frotton, my wife, my soulmate, my love.

On December 16, 2017, she will have been in my life for 36 years! What can I say in a simple blog post... we have spent a lifetime together. All the good times and bad times we spent together has strengthened our relationship.

I know if I start listing stuff I will forget a lot. Let me just say... Thank you for all you have done for me and with me. My life would not be complete without you in it.

When I Need You - Leo Sayer

Daily Gratitude - November 3, 2017 - Diane Sullivan

Diane Sullivan was my first boss. She was the Tutorial Coordinator of the Learning Center at Citrus College. My first job was a Math Tutor at the college. I started October 1983. This started my long career in public education. Diane was patient and kind. She trained us and helped us through the paperwork to get hired and our monthly time cards and backup sheets. She supported the tutors when we wanted to hold Saturday sessions for Math Final Prep. Students were grouped by class. The tutors were assigned specific classes to review. Tests were created based on the material from previous tests and the textbooks. Diane also supported me when I branched out and developed a program in dBase III+ called STARS (Student Tracking and Reporting System). This was a student database to keep track of attendance in our various courses: our non-fee non-credit classes (Tutoring, Study Hall, other events we sponsored) and our credit classes (Study Skills, Reading, etc.).

I count Diane as one of my friends. Over the years we have lost touch, but her guidance and influence is still important to me. 

Thank you, Diane, for all you have done for me.