Happy Thanksgiving

Recently attending a Bar Mitzvah in Illinois, hubby and I first stayed with his sister and bro-in-law in Indiana a couple of days. The first morning I rose to a quiet, sleeping house and tip-toed into the kitchen to make coffee. Rounding the corner a small, flickering glow on the counter caught my attention. A candle on a saucer. A tradition, I later learned. My brother-in-law lights a candle each year on the anniversary of his father's death. There are many traditions in the Jewish faith, and I find this particular one the most simple yet the most revered in my heart. The simple act of love and respect for a father long gone.

Mort & Linda


My Thanksgiving List

I am thankful for my lovely sister-in-law, Linda, who battled breast cancer and won this year. Her courage and strength shined like a beacon for us all. I love you dearly, Linda.

I am thankful for my wonderful brother-in-law, Mort, who has taught me all manner of things Jewish, who delights me with his sense of humor, who humbles me with his kindness. I love you, Mort.

I am thankful for my mother, her health, her wisdom, her wacky silly sense of humor and her friendship and love. I love you, mom.

I am thankful for my father who has kicked his stroke in the pants and came back full of piss and vinegar and ready to take on the world. You go guy. I love you, dad.

I am very, very, very, very thankful for my entire family tree on all three sides! My own branch of the tree (despite the nuts), my husband's branch and my step branch. Family is where it's at. I love you all very, very, very much.

I am VERY thankful for my friends!!!!! OMG, I could NOT live without my friends!!!!! (you know who you are!!!!) Love you guys!!!!

I am amazingly thankful for this blogging world and the friends I've made around the world. You each have taught me something, entertained me, enlightened me, warmed me. Thank you.

I am thankful for special remarkable friends.

I am thankful for all things green and growing, for the fauna of nature, for lakes and rivers and the night sky filled with stars.

I am extraordinarily thankful for the morning coffee and the evening merlot.

I am thankful for the roof over my head, pillow under my head, food that sustains me (too well, I'm afraid) and water to drink.

I am thankful for the freedoms we all enjoy in this great nation.

I am thankful for our dog Baylee and our morning walks. Love you, Baylee!

I am thankful for daughter Kayla who, despite her teenagerness, can be such a joy. She makes me laugh, we play puzzles together, we share a love of music and photography. I love you, Kayla.

I am thankful for my husband - my partner in life. Thank you for being you. I love you, Bobert.

There's more but it's time to refill my cup with warm, satisfying coffee.

Happy Thanksgiving, all.