Giving Thanks

What I'm thankful for this year (like 3 Beautiful Things expanded):

• Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for me (and you)
  
• wonderful, loving parents
• a great husband who also happens to be my best friend
• the coolest kid in the universe happens to be my son
• loving and generous in-laws
  
• a great brother and sister and their spouses
• friends, those who live near and those who are far away, even if we don't get together often
• getting in touch with old friends from my past because of social media - this year has been really fun, learning how old friends are doing and re-establishing contact
  
• knitting - not just for the enjoyment of the craft and creativity, but also for the great friends I've gained through social knitting
• that my friend Carol found Darrell (happy wedding next week!) - hopefully I'll come to know Darrell as well as I know Carol and we can all be great friends together
  
• a free country that allows people to have differing beliefs and ideals
• my husband's job, and that he's making it work and doing it well even though it's not his top career choice
• my own job and a supervisor that has given me latitude to deal with the emotions of the past few years
• Gerald, for his friendship and our new video blog project, even though it's moving slowly
• that the library levy passed and the voters really appreciate what we do
• music and the occasional opportunity to make music with others
• our big vacation in June and the ability to have taken it
  
• the magnificent beauty of nature
• being able to walk
• great books
• both vehicles are working
• a wonderful, compassionate group of people to work with at Driving Park
  

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Today is my big brother's birthday! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am going to share the things about my brother that I love and respect.

• He is always there for me. We don't talk on the phone or write letters much, but I know that whenever I need him, he is there for me. It's comforting and stablizing.
• His sense of humor. There have been times, when we were younger, that his sense of wry, teasing humor drove me up the wall, but I really do love how he puts words together. He makes me laugh.
• His love of jazz. He taught me a lot about music appreciation when I was growing up, although he probably doesn't realize it. Mostly it was just listening to whatever was blaring on his stereo.
• His laid-back gift of hospitality. It relaxes me to spend time with him. He understands the joy of companionable silence. I particularly loved this when we were camping together.
• He taught me how to drink. Ok, you may think this sounds inappropriate, but honestly, when I came of age, it was my brother who gave me tips on not being stupid. Of course, I still had my stupid moments (don't we all?)
• His love of history.
  
• His ability to fix stuff. He just understands how things work . . . or he can figure it out. And he can figure out why things aren't working, too.
• His appreciation of the absurd. This goes along with his sense of humor, but it deserves it's own category.
• His wife. He looked around a long time before he committed, and Suzie was worth the wait, IMHO.
• His imagination. I've loved playing D&D, going to re-enactments, delving into fantasy and sci-fi literature . . . all by following in his footsteps. He would say I shouldn't follow his footsteps but walk one step behind and a little to the right, as is a woman's proper place (see sense of humor, above)
• His acting, lighting and other theatrical skills. Along with this is his willingness to make fun of himself. I love that about him. I will never, ever forget when he walked onto the stage in South Pacific in that coconut bra and started dancing. I nearly caused myself injury, I laughed so hard.
  

I am fortunate to have grown up in a great family. Sure, we've had our disagreements and rocky patches here and there, but underlying everything is the knowledge that we all love one another. We are all there for one another.

Happy Birthday, Dear Brother! I love you!

Holiday Cheer!

This lovely little house belongs to my in-laws. If you look closely, you can see an enormous Holly tree in their back yard, peeking (well, maybe towering) above the roof.






We spent T-giving with my in-laws. We drove down to Marietta, OH on Wednesday, cooked all morning Thursday (yay - I love doing the Turkey and stuffing!) and had great food (if I do say so myself).


We had fun with some games of "name the best . . ." which we love to play, and we played dominoes and Shanghai Rummy.

Simon is now taller than both of his paternal grandparents - and he loves it!







These vases are in Zanesville, OH, and it was a surprise find for us. I love it when you see something lovely and new on a "old" path.






Then we drove home on Friday. I had to work yesterday, but I got to slip out a smidge early so we could catch dinner before going to see Christmas Carol last night with our friend, Jeri K. Fun weekend! Today is a "clean, launder, organize, grow-up and pay bills" day.

This little church was on our route home, and I've always loved little wooden churches in the country. I took this from the parking lot of the gas station. Glamorous, huh?

Poetry Friday (day late again)

Thankful
Week before Thanksgiving,
I limp around real strange.
Huddle in the corner,
As though I have the mange.
All the other turkeys,
Just gobble, gobble on.
I'm silent, and I act
As if my gobbler's gone. Everyone is thankful
On Thanksgiving Day.
Friday it's forgotten.
You all go on your way.
I know what thankful is
So listen when I say.
"It's great to be a turkey,
After Thanksgiving Day."
Unknown