The Days Roll On

I looked at my calendar this past week and nearly fell over realizing Thanksgiving was already upon us. November is drawing to a close. Looking back over the past month,even the past year, the days are hazy. Surreal. We've had alot going on around here this year. But I guess that happens sometimes in our lives.

After my dad's passing on November 3, I seem to have some kind of transformation going on. It's hard to describe. One thing I do know, after the experience, I feel I can handle anything now. Your worst fears are often those you must face head on and when you do, and it's over, you find something in you has changed. At least that's how I feel now.

Through all the events of this past year Bo, Spirit, Maggie, Lucy and Buddy the cat, have all been distractions when times got rough. Distractions in a good way. Our animal buddies give us more than we can ever repay them for, but then, they never think of it that way. They just accept us as we are, and listen when we want to tell our troubles, or need to cry. I am always grateful to have them around even when I grumble sometimes, about going out on these cold mornings. Without them in my life, well, it just wouldn't be the same.

So, the holidays are approaching and will be here and gone before we know it. This year, I will enjoy every moment of time spent with my family. The days roll on and if you don't stop to really feel them, and enjoy those around you, you'll miss the best parts of life.

Simple Thanks on Thanksgiving Eve

The way I see most people living these days, their lives seem more complicated than they need to be. I am thankful for my quiet, uncomplicated life.

Being one of those loner types who's happier with her horses and her animals than an office full of people, I relish the quiet, simplicity my days bring. I am truly blessed. I am extremely thankful.

These days Hubby and I don't make a big deal out of the Thanksgiving holiday. Growing up, my family consisted of me and my parents. I was (am) an only child. We had a quiet trio during our Thanksgiving holidays. My mom never liked to cook. The one turkey she tried to fix was a disaster so she vowed never to bother again. We usually had ham.

When I married my husband, his family of two older brothers and his parents, always had a turkey and a family gathering. As those extended families grew, we all gathered at my mother-in-law's house every Thanksgiving. The gathering was oddly foreign to me but I liked it for the first 10 or so years. Then, things got complicated. Kids grew up. Families split up. It just wasn't the same. I'm thankful my sons had the opportunity to be a part of those good memories with their cousins, aunts and uncles. Something I didn't experience growing up.

The past 5 years, my husband and I have stayed home (though his parents live down the road from us) and had food prepared for a simple holiday, for us to enjoy. We haven't made it a big deal. I know he misses those family dinners with his parents, brothers and their families. But, lives and times move on. Personally, I like that we've simplified.

This year we have a new member in our family, our beautiful daughter-in-law, wife of #1 son. Still seems strange to refer to her as a daughter-in-law. She's really been a member of the family since the late nineties when she and #1 son met through the church youth group. But at any rate, we have added one more to our family of four. They are suppose to come to the area for a visit tomorrow. Her parents and grandparents still live here too. I told #1 son I don't want them to feel rushed, obligated, or make the day complicated. Just come over when they're able to. We'll have smoked turkey breast (Hubby enjoys using his smoker twice a year!) and some other goodies. Simple. Life is so much easier when you try to keep it simple!

I am thankful for the life I have and remembering that on this holiday is my primary goal. My family is whole. My sons are healthy. My husband and I still care about each other, he is my best friend as well as my husband. We don't have a lot of debt. My horses are healthy and winter ready. We're in good shape at the moment. Simple thanks are all that's required.

"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just the baggage enough." Charles Dudley Warner-American essayist.

"Teach us to delight in simple things." Rudyard Kipling