Friday Roundup

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. 

 Melody Beattie 

Greetings on this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.  I had a wonderful time yesterday. We had a great meal and I enjoyed spending some  real quality time with my sons who I rarely see.  I've been through some stressful situations this past week, but for today, I want to savor the joys of yesterday.  

Miss Minga was just as I expected.  She carried on from the time I put the turkey into the oven.  Every time I went into the kitchen I heard it.  It amazes me how she knows, although it really shouldn't.  After 21 years it is natural to know the difference between a turkey and a roast.  Well, after two servings of turkey liver, she continued to beg and feasted on bits of turkey that my sons felt compelled to feed her.  It was too funny.  She could have gone on all night if we let her, but that is another thing she knows.  When lights, candles, television, etc. go off, it's bed time, and she curls up in her respective place and goes to sleep.

 The rest of our feast, followed by.....

Did you see those shoppers and their gray Thursday shopping?  Disgusting.  Thanksgiving is family time, a time to give thanks and show gratitude, not to be pushing and shoving each other to find the best bargain.  Greed, nothing more.  Wouldn't see that when I was growing up.  We have become  so materialistic.  

In the late evening, after my sons had headed back to their respective homes, I found some quiet time for me, took out my journal, and listed  all the things I have to be grateful for this year... 

...I am grateful for my loving and supportive family-- a husband who loves me and my two amazing sons.

...I am grateful that Miss Minga was still here to celebrate another Thanksgiving with us, her 21st, and I was grateful to hear her cries as she rather impatiently awaited her Thanksgiving treat...the liver.

...I am grateful  and blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life.

... I am grateful for tradition and how it is all coming back to me. 

...I am grateful for my memories that remind me of times' long ago and those people who meant so much to me.

...I am grateful that I am no longer hungry and a home that is filled with love and warmth

...I am grateful to have blessed with strength during my times of adversity. 

...I am grateful for my guardian angel who has stepped into save me many times during my life.

...I am grateful for retirement and the joy and happiness that now comes into my life every day. 

...I am grateful for good times, laughter, and joy.

..I am grateful for the blessing that is life. 

Wishing you all a weekend filled with joy and laughter.  See you on Monday.