Thursday, November 23, 2023, MN

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this blog.  It turned into kind of a rant, but I couldn’t find places to break it up into paragraphs. There are so many things in this life that I’m thankful for - especially that I have lived for 75 years, a mostly healthy life surrounded by people I love and who love me back.  I’m sorry for the loss of so many loved ones, especially mother, who made a huge impression on the first 16 years of my life and my husband of 44 years - but I’m thankful for the life we had together and the two sons we raised and watched grow into wonderful men and the families that they have shared with me.  I’m thankful for my siblings and their families, cousins galore and so many friends that I rarely travel anywhere that I can’t connect with someone who means a lot to me.  Experiences! Way too many to write about, but a descent education, the love of reading good books, travels throughout the US and one memorial trip to Europe, endless walks in beautiful and not so beautiful places.  The many pets that have been part of my life - dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, lizards, fish - for someone who grew up terrified of dogs, I learned that there was nothing to fear and only the companionship and joy that they bring.  I value that I am a creative, caring and giving person - I feel great when I can give small tokens and share with others.  Nature - I’m so thankful to have been able to visit so many beautiful places; mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, countries, states and cities - main streets and country road.  The many lovely homes that I’ve had in many different towns. The joys of getting a glimpse of wildlife every now and then, even if it’s just a squirrel or bird perched on a branch outside my window. Speaking of windows, I’m thankful to have a comfortable and safe place to live with a lovely view out my windows. And the joys of food and the comfort it brings and even the expanded waistline that I have because of the food that I love. I’m thankful that I haven’t had a lot of suffering on my life, although there has been tragedy, I have been able to cope and move on - the good in my life far outweighs the bad.