Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A couple topics on my mind. First, giving thanks:

My children!
I am grateful for my children and the love they have brought to my life. I'm grateful for their easy, companionable friendship they give, in spite of my being their parent. I'm grateful that they accept and love me for the person and the parent that I am. I am grateful that they are staying true to their beliefs; that they strive to be good people and strive to live their religion. I'm grateful that they both chose the spouses they did... What great taste and forethought they have!

My wife!
I am grateful for my wonderful, caring, loving wife. She is my life, my love, my companion and friend. I am grateful for the loving way she lives with me and how she constantly lifts me up. I am grateful that she cares for me in our daily lives. I am grateful for her concerns; that she watches over me. I am grateful that she shows that she loves me and that she accepts the love that I try to show her. I am grateful for the chain of events that brought us together 36 years ago, that we fell in love and had the wisdom to make a commitment to each other. I am grateful that we are still in love.

Many other things that I am grateful for, but will keep in my heart for now.


Another topic, more negative this time: Snow storms and News Reporting:
We just had "the biggest blizzard in several years" blow through; that's what the local news stations all said, anyway. The reporting on the coming bad weather preceded the storm for several days. In the 24 hours prior to the storm's arrival, all the stations we watch or listen to were beside themselves about how big the storm would be. It was if they were trying to whip everyone in a frenzy about the coming bad weather. In fear of being trapped in the storm, people stocked up the necessities, left work early, traveled early, and generally bought into the hype.

As it turned out, the storm dropped snow in some places, and mixed precipitation in others. In no way was it even close to what was predicted. We were pretty much left at the altar, so to speak. I noticed that the storm coverage came plenty of advertising, though, and it seems that the storm coverage accomplished a purpose after all.....


Last topic: My Beard
For four Novembers now, I've grown a beard during the month of November. Every year I shave it off, realizing that being bearded is not for me; it is too much upkeep, it itches, and (showing my vain streak) it doesn't suit my looks. This year, after two weeks of beard, I started to shave it off, not waiting for the end of November. My wife stopped me mid-stroke and said "why don't you have a goatee". I listened to her, as I always do (hah!) and have sported a Van Dyke since then. I will probably cut it off at the end of the month, but it's been kinda fun in the meantime. Pictures? Maybe. If so, I'll put them on Facebook for all to see.


That's it for now... Have a happy, safe, and caring Thanksgiving and Christmas season!

Don