I want to take this moment (and try to remember to take this moment every single day) to express my gratitude for the many things in my life that are so amazing and spectacular!   Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and don't just give thanks on this day but every single day!   These are just a few highlights!

My family!

Of course.   This year was blessed with the chance not once but twice to be able to have our little family all in one spot.  We enjoyed the time and look forward to more next year!   Love you both and you make me laugh!

My Friends!

I cannot tell you how often my friends jump in to save my bacon.  You are all so beautiful, intelligent and loving.   I've never had my family close in proximity and it is the friends I have that have made that bearable.  Even those of you that are far away are able somehow to spread that warmth and love over the distance.   You know who you are and I adore you all and thank you for being my friends.

My Critters (of course)

They bring me joy, laughter, tears, frustration and calm.    We lost Paqui this year but I am happy to report that everyone else at this juncture is healthy and doing well.   I was so thrilled to be able to get back to traveling with the entire pack and learned that even Iago misses us when we are gone.   The challenges of so many creatures to care for are far outweighed by the unconditional love they return!

My Job

With the advent of so many coworkers losing their jobs in the company this year I am so grateful to still be in a job - however stressful because of that - that involves people I enjoy and work that I am good and and love to do.   It provides me the means to do so many of the other things I love as well and that is priceless.   

My Home

I am so blessed to have this home for going on 22 years.   I picked this spot 23 years ago, found a house to put on it with the help and advice ofmy lovely Mom and I've not regretted it for a moment.   Even with the normal 20+ year household repairs and  the nutcase murderer on the loose, I still find this to be my haven.   As much as I enjoy my travels I still am relieved to have a place to come home to!

My Health & Strong Body/Mind

Well most of the time!   I am so grateful to have a body that is able to recover from the abuse I sometimes inflict on it and that remains strong and able to do the things I love.   I am grateful too that I have a group of friends and health "helpers" to fix me up and kick me in the butt when needed.  Those healers are so blessed and talented and I am so glad you spread that talent to those of us when we need it!

LIFE

Every single day, no matter what the aches and pains, no matter the stresses, the weather, the situations...   I am grateful to wake up and be able to enjoy the things that the day brings.   Not every day is joyful but I would say the vast majority are and how great is that!  Life truly is GOOD!

Bless you all......I'd give you a personal hug but for this moment please accept a virtual one from me!    HAPPY THANKSGIVING and give thanks for all the wonderful people, pets and joys in your life!  gobble gobble