Give Thanks in All Things

30. I’m thankful for leftovers. Not only did I have enough to eat for one day, but leftovers mean I get lunch the following day. My lunch today was leftovers from last week. My supper tonight was left over from last night. My before bed treat was leftover Halloween candy. It may not be as nice as eating lunch out every day, but I can be thankful for them nontheless.

29. For supper around the table with your family.

28. For the sound of the rain. #30daysofthanks  

27. I’m thankful for a weekend full of gigs; a gig every day, Thursday – Sunday. It’s a second job, one that I love, and helps the budget. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work.

26. For a $25 meal voucher from the P/R director.

25. For ice cream, my sons who picked the flavor, and the wife who thought we should have some in the freezer.

24. For all you volunteers who sit on budget committees. Thank you for your work.

23. I’m thankful for my right to vote, and I’m thankful I don’t have to deal with Tracfone on a regular basis. Shoot, I think I’d take another Clinton if they could just make this phone work!

22. I’m thankful for the lady at Tracfone who took the time to read my trouble ticket. In it, she saw exactly what the problem was, and fixed in 15 minutes what 1/2 dozen other techs couldn’t figure out in over two weeks.

21.  For snuggletime.

20. So much today. Thank you vets for serving, especially Coasties Thornton Batty, Sr., Thornton Batty, Jr., and William Batty, Sr. Thank you Josh Scholz for the care given to Susan at the ER. (#rocklandkiwanis5). Thank you to the Midcoast Community Band for letting me sit in with you, and honoring vets with the concert today. And thanks MCCB for all the kind words regarding my playing.

19. I accepted a gig to play Cinderella at Medomak. Then I got an opportunity to play a really choice gig in in Ellsworth. I’m thankful director Peter Stuart let me skip out of the last show, and thankful Tyler Lee covered for me in the pit.

18. For what is perhaps the greatest verse ever written in a hymn. “My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord oh my soul.”

17. Thank you Clifford Blastow for making scones for Kiwanis. Thank you Jane Filos Merrill for buying my breakfast tomorrow. #rocklandkiwanis5

16. For coffee and a donut. For a cookie and coffee. For pastries on the markdown rack. For a Facebook cover photo with me in it. For my favorite beef and noodles. And most importantly for the friends and family who show me they love me through these gestures.

15. For a daughter who banged out a 100 on her John exam, and a 95 on the theology exam. Boom! That’s MY daughter right there.

14. In about an hour, I leave to go to my ear doctor specialist down in Portland. I’m thankful for my employer, Jason Philbrook. Not only is he the entrepreneur who has employed me for almost 20 years, but in that time his businesses have provided me with health insurance, not only to me, but to my whole family. That’s no small expense on top of my pay. AND, he give me sick time which he allows me to use for doctor and dentist visits, so he’s paying my regular pay today to visit the doctor which he’s paying for through my insurance. Thank you JP.

13. I’m thankful for the technology that lets me get free drum lessons on Youtube, lets me keep up with friends and family via Facebook, let’s me find yummy oatmeal recipes on Pinterest, lets Susan check our bank balances daily, and all the other great uses of the integrated circuit.

12. For that thick cut bacon that was on sale two weeks ago at Shaws. Bagel sammiches for supper tonight–yum.

11. From Luke 15: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him.

10. My son Matthew is loving, kind, and tender. He cares more about others than himself. When his brother gets hurt, Matthew ends up crying because he hates to see his brother that way. He still hugs his dad. He’s a good boy.

9. Nathaniel is my oldest boy, the holder of the birthright (by 7 minutes), “son of my right hand.” He’s my “book learning” son. He taught me that Napolean wasn’t really short. He taught me the plural of platypus is platypodes. He’s teaching himself piano by watching videos on Youtube. You could describe him as impish. He’s got the makings of leadership–Matthew would follow him anywhere. I see a lot of me in him.

8. Julia is home!

7. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Thanks for the inspiration Jason Pauley.

6. Thanks to all the musicians and bandleaders who call me when they need a drummer. It’s very much appreciated.

5. For all the Rockland Kiwanians who helped unload Christmas trees today, and especially for Christmas tree chairs Ev Spear III and Dan Saucier. #rocklandkiwanis5

4. For a successful trip to Canada, a chance to sleep in my bed without the dog (oh the leg room!), a mother-in-law watching the boys and bed hogging dog, for opportunity to sleep late tomorrow, and the day off. Wow, that’s a lot right there!

3. Having lots of legroom last night was grand, and not getting up at 5am for walkies was nice too, but I’m tDeuteronomy is home tonight.

2. SUSAN!

1. God has a sense of humor. “Give thanks in all things.” I’m thankful we have a full staff at the shop today. I’m thankful the sump pump is now working. I’m thankful for two wet dry shop vacs. I’m thankful all the really expensive drums were off the floor.

Thankfulness, day 1. I’m thankful for chocolate chip cookies and French roast coffee.

Thankfulness, day 2. Used generator? $400. Transfer switch and cables? $150. Electrician friend who hooks it up? $100. Getting the carb rebuilt and finally, after 4 years, putting the whole system to work? Priceless! 

Thankfulness, day 3. For friends who cover for me at work. Friends who rebuild my generator carb. Friends who drive my daughter home. Friends who give my wife rides. I have loyal friends. 

Thankfulness, day 4. I’m thankful for the first snow storm of the 2014-2015 season. Many good lessons have been learned. 

Thankfulness, day 5: for coworkers who are supportive friends. 

Thankfulness, day 6 (forgot to post it yesterday): I’m thankful for toast! 

Thankfulness, day 7: I am thankful to get the last of the Dorman’s mocha chip. 

Thankfulness day 8: for Michael in St. George. He has a chainsaw, and a wood stove. He also now has the maple that came down across my clothesline. I’m thankful he came and cleared it, and glad he can use it. 

Thankfulness, day 9: I’m thankful for Sunday dinners with my Mom and my sister’s family. 

Thankfulness, day 10. I’m thankful I don’t have to work in the morning. I can use the sleep! 

Thankfulness, day 11: For Thornton Batty, Jr, Coastie who served in Viet Nam re-supplying the Brown Water Navy. For William R. Batty, Sr., who served tending buoys off the coast of Maine. And for Thornton Batty, Sr., who served as a Coastie of the Aleutians in WWII. 

Thankfulness day 11, part 2. My Mom’s side of the family has vets too. My grandfather Lewis Yattaw served, and I have his memorial flag that I fly from time to time. His son, Lewis “Rusty” Yattaw served in Africa and Germany. 

Thankfulness, day 12: Two weeks ago, I played a really good gig at The Landings. Sadly, the SD card in my portable recorder died, and I couldn’t get the tracks off of it. Today, though, I tried again, and got most of the data off of it–enough at least so I could hear what I played. 

Thankfulness, day 13: for Mike, Kate, Molly, Max, and the whole Landings crew. They asked me to play there not once, but twice this week. And they treat me better than some customer or hired hand. They treat me like family. 

Thankfulness, day 14. I’m thankful for Grandma and Granddaddy taking the kids for the weekend! 

Thankfulness, day 15: for a day of nothing but spending time with Susan. 

Thankfulness, day 16. Today in Sunday School, we talked about being a good steward with money, and how much is too much, and how much should you store up for yourself. I’m thankful for my boss of 15 years, who treats his employees well, is generous, and doesn’t have a greedy bone in his body. 

Thankfulness, day 17: VACATION! 

Thankfulness, day 18: I’m thankful for Pastor Jason Pauley. 

Thankfulness, day 19: I’m thankful for the great Christmas shopping trip I had today with my family. I’m almost done with my list! 

Thankfulness, day 20. Dad’s been on my mind today. I’m thankful I had many years to hug him, kiss his check, and tell him I loved him. 

Thankfulness, day 21. I’m thankful for emergency personnel–especially those that volunteer. 

Thankfulness, day 22. I’m thankful for my sons, who helped me pick up the debris from the maple we 1/2 lost in the storm. Sadly, I shacked my back in the clean up process, but they really worked hard. 

Thankfulness, day 23. I’m thankful for microwaves and rice socks, freezers and ice packs, ibuprofen and tylenol, helpful kids and a patient wife. 

Thankfulness, day 24. I’m thankful for my inlaws, Donna and John Dancer. Mom is always taking the kids–not because she wants to give Susan and me a break–but because she wants to spend time with her grandkids. All of them. And my father-in-law? Meek, wise, incredibly strong, and a fine example of what I want to be. Patience of Job? Ol’ John Calvin Dancer’s got him beat. 

thankfulness, day 25. I’m thankful for the members of Harmony Bible Church. 

Thankfulness, day 26… Me: “Hello?” Mom: “Oh hi. I guess you know what I want.” Me: “To know if I’m home safe? I am, and I’m in for the night.” Sound familiar Stacy Densmore? 

Thankfulness, day 27, Thanksgiving Day. I’m thankful for Jesus. 

Thankfulness, day 28 (I was tired after my gig last night): I’m thankful for my children. Special thanks to Julia for helping me lug equipment to gigs this week with my sore back. 

Thankfulness, day 29. After two really nice reunions, I’m especially thankful for my family today–both my immediate and extended family. 

Thankfulness, day 30: Last but not least, I’m thankful for Susan.

Thankfulness, day 1. I’m thankful for the gigs that help me provide for my family. And for French roast.

Thankfulness, day 2. My grandmother had a poem hung in her kitchen, and I am reminded of it today. “Thank you for these dirty dishes, They have a tale to tell. While others may go hungry We’ve all been eating well.” 

Thankfulness, day three. While I’m sad that Julia wasn’t able to come to my gig this afternoon with the rest of the family, I’m glad she understands commitment, and that she stuck to that which she said she would do. 

Thankfulness, day 4: I’m thankful for the support of coworkers after dealing with a difficult customer. 

Thankfulness, day 5. Although my votes aren’t usually on the winning side, I’m thankful for my right and responsibility to vote. 

Thankfulness, day 6. Entenmans chocolate covered donuts. Nuff said? 

Thankfulness, day 7. I’m thankful for a workplace where Julia can hang out with me for a couple of hours after school if needed. 

Thankfulness, day 8, an early one. I’m thankful for syncopated drum rhythms, incessant clean guitar lines, and a “bumpy” feeling bass guitar, which when combined together yield a little something we call FUNK! And this funk, when applied to Billy Rhythm, helps pull him out of a potentially foul mood. 

Thankfulness, day 9. For my friends in “the pit” of Charlie Brown. “My Aunt Marion was right. Never discuss marriage with a musician.” 

Thankfulness, day 10. I’m thankful for rainy Sunday afternoons which allow me to take guilt free naps. 

Thankfulness, day 11. Bill Batty, Sr. and his brother Thornton Batty, Jr, both US Coast Guard, with my uncle serving some in Viet Nam. Their father, my grandfather, Thornton Batty, Sr., a Coastie serving in the Aleutian Islands during WWII. His father, my great grandfather, F.C. Batty, US Lighthouse Service. His father-in-law was Sam Cavanor, the first lightkeeper on Ram Island off Boothbay. To those in my family who served on the sea, and to all vets. Thank you. 

Thankfulness, day 12. A lady came up to me tonight and said “My son is really enjoying your class.” I really needed to hear that. Thank you. 

Thankfulness, day 13. I’m thankful for firm pillows and warm Labradors. 

Thankfulness, day 14. I met with the boys’ teacher today. They’re doing pretty well for their first year in “school.” 

Thankfulness, day 15. After having other commitments every evening this week, tonight was family night. 

Thankfulness, day 16. I’m thankful for on the job training. When I started with Midcoast Internet Solutions in 1999, I knew very little about computers. Now my dozen + years of doing it lets me help my family and neighbors. 

Day 17: I’m thankful for Sunday dinners with my family. 

Thankfulness, day 17, part B. For my beloved wife Susan, who bought me dark chocolate Kit Kats to ease my cravings. That’s love, right there. 

Thankfulness, day 18. I’m thankful for friends who share donuts, and neighbors who share cider. 

Thankfulness, day 19. I’m thankful for the kids in my computer class. We had a great day today. 

Thankfulness, day 20. A couple three years ago, during a financial tight spot, I had to sell some drums. The first one to sell was the one I wanted to sell the least: my Tama Stewart Copeland signature snare. I’m thankful I was finally able to score one on ebay, AND at a price lower than I sold the first one for! 

Thankfulness, day 21 (I forgot to post last night). I’m thankful for learning, and those who love learning. 

Thankfulness, day 22. I’m thankful for my moms and their rolls. My Mom makes a light fluffy yeast roll, and she taught Susan how to make them. My mother in law makes a more substantial roll with wheat (or is it oat?) flour and a swirl of cinnamon in the middle. I have some of each in my house right now. 

Thankfulness, day 23. For all the bandleaders who throw gigs my way, thank you. My work as a musician enables my wife to be a full time mom, and we both appreciate that. 

Thankfulness, day 24. I Those who volunteer, or those who are called to serve, will at some point be required to do something they’d rather not. Thank for continuing to help, even though you’re not doing something too glamorous. Thank you for being the treasurer, for scrubbing the toilet, or helping with the dishes. 

Thankfulness, day 24, pt II. It’s 19°. I have a hot tub. Na na na na na na. 

Thankfulness, day 25: I’m thankful for the dedicated crowd of jazz lovers who turn out on Mondays, and especially thankful for whoever keeps putting those twenties in the tip bucket. 

Thankfulness, day 26. I’m thankful for my sons. What a great pair they are. I can’t imagine a more different set of twins, and yet they are so much a part of the other. Built in best friends they are. They go to bed in separate beds, but when I wake them up in the morning, one has joined the other. I love that. 

Thankfulness, day 27. For my daughter Julia, who is even more beautiful on the inside than she is the outside. Smart, caring, the whole package. I’m blessed to have her, and wonder how I could be a part of something so wonderful. (Then I remember she takes after her mother, and it all becomes clear…) 

Thankfulness, day 28. In Job 41, God said “Everything under heaven is mine.” I’m thankful He shares it with me! 

Thankfulness, day 29: For my good bud Deuteronomy. 

Thankfulness, day 30: Susan.