As everyone knows who knows me well, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Two days in the kitchen making this and that; all the traditional foods with a few new dishes thrown in for fun. This holiday also allows us to pause and think about what it is we are grateful and thankful for in our lives. We all know what those things are; family and friends above all. I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many people who love me. Mostly I am thankful to have somehow raised (not alone of course) three absolutely incredible kids. My children, albeit they are not children anymore, are truly amazing and I am so proud of each of them. I am also truly thankful for my good health.

There are other things of course that I appreciate and I don’t wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful. I walk through the vineyard looking at the crimson leaves and I am thankful for my eyesight. Sometimes I just stand and stare at the leaves and sear the color into my memory. I watch the golden eagles, listen to their talk and tell them thank you for allowing me to get close enough to almost study them. The coyotes are not running away as fast anymore either. I could go on and on, but couldn’t we all?

Today it is cool and a bit dreary I suppose, but another way of looking at it is that it’s a perfect day to write, which is what I am about to do. My sweet doggy Wilma and I have been for our first walk of the day and now she’s sleeping and I am about to begin chapter two of my book.

Have a wonderful day