Thanks-Given

I know that it is a cliche to talk about the things we are thankful for at Thanksgiving but lets just take a step away from the usual cynicism and be real.
Too many people on this planet have no access to clean water, no adequate health care, no safe place to sleep, and no loved ones around them.

Really, here in the Valley I think we are pretty high up on the Maslow end of things, if I do say so myself. So a current list of things that I am thankful for--no tongue in cheek allowed:

-the wonderful family that I cherish, and actually like! They're all interesting, successfull funny people that I genuinely enjoy hanging out with.

-fabulous partner

-adventurous friends that span the ages and miles around the world; generous gardeners, wicked musicians, wise mentors, talented chefs, and chronic over-achievers. Happy that they are willing to include me in their fold.

I am thankful also for this beautiful countryside I stare at each day, from the rolling hills, burnt trees, railroad tracks, mist on the lake, to the vineyards, snow dusted mountains and orange falling leaves.

For this thanksgiving I went to visit my mom and siblings in Red Deer Alberta and saw family tall and small, ate delicious food, watched Luc (my Godson/nephew) play football, saw some hunting videos and chick flicks, waited in line for homemade ice cream, slept in little Rachie's bed (my niece) and felt utterly at home and happy.

Included are some pics of the latest member of the brood, Gionna being bathed by my brother Russ (her daddy). Gionna and I sporting our Jerry curls, Luc playing football. Thought I'd also add a small sample of people in this neck of the woods that make me smile on a regular basis (again I stress small sample).

Though the Thanksgiving trip may not have been wise regarding the looming physics midterm that I subsequently bombed, I figured my priorities for the weekend were perfectly in order. My mom always tells me that we divide our time doing mostly urgent unimportant things when we should really be devoting our time to non-urgent important things.

And really, I think in a lifetime watching a juvie football game in the crisp fall air with my mom on one side and my sister on the other will serve me much better than knowing how to solve a kinematics question.