The Usual

I know it’s Thanksgiving day and yes, this will probably be more of the same when it comes to a Thanksgiving Day blog… but… give a girl a break. They can’t all be gems for posterity, right?

I woke up very early this morning – it isn’t even 8 am yet and I’ve been up for 3 hours – and I’ve done nothing but poke around on the internet. I’ve watched 10-year-old opera stars, read my friends blogs, commented all over Facebook on my friends status’, saw a cat take on an alligator, read about the Euro and the trouble it faces in Ireland, looked at self-drive tours of Bavaria, made a new friend on My____ and caught up with the local news. I am thankful for the internet, my fios connection, my comfy chair, my desk, my computer, my kitty (who likes to catch up on world news with me) and my cup of coffee. I’m also thankful that I bought energy credits in wind power so I don’t fee quite so bad about my electricity usage.

My hubby is out giving blood. He left at 6:45 am to go bleed into a bag to help others. This is his 69th donation (on record – he’s actually given more) and he regularly donates platelets. He’s my hero and I’m thankful that there is the medical technology that allows his blood to run through so many other peoples veins. If one persons donation can help up to three people, then that means he’s helped at least 207 people when they needed it the most. I’m thankful that he takes his donations seriously, that he’s lived a clean life (he’s cmv negative) and that he’s not anemic. (that’s why I get refused when I go to give blood) And while we are at it, I’m just plain thankful I have him in my world. Wow.

In a bit, I’ll be going to the home of some friends for dinner. We’ll be having the usual goodies and will certainly share some laughter and fun. I’m thankful for all of my friends (even the ones I don’t get to share the day with and the ones I only know online) and for their love and support. I’m thankful for the farmers who raised my food, the earth that provided nourishment to the seed that grew from her loving soil and the people who harvested, packaged and transported that food to me.

While I wait for Hubby to return, I may as well do a little online shopping for the holidays, and maybe work on my language lessons. The house is quiet and it’s only me here, so I may just turn up the music as well. I’m thankful for the gift of music, the job that I have that helps me to learn and experience great talent and the opportunity to travel to fantastic places. I’m thankful to the woman who saw in me the ability to work with her magical instrument and trusts me to help her continue to do what she does so well; teach young children to appreciate good music, to perform with pride and compassion for what they are doing and the understanding that they are all part of something that’s rather wonderful and touches so many people in ways they could never imagine.

Yesterday, I made arrangements for my oldest daughter – who turns 30 tomorrow (more on that tomorrow) – to have a special pie baked for her. She lives about 500 miles away from me and had been missing the special French Apple pie that my mother used to buy her as a child in celebration of her birthday. I found a bakery and asked the woman to make it just the way her grandma used to buy (lol) and had my daughter go pick it up. She was very happy that she got some of Meemaw’s special gift. I am thankful for my family and the memories I have of celebrations gone by. Memories of my parents who are no longer with us, of my brother – who I only wish the best for and hope that one day he can find a way to make peace with himself – and all my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who have passed on, and of my sisters and Aunt, who are still here and who remind me of the family of my birth and how close those ties are. They are my heritage. I am also thankful for my children and grandchildren. They are the love of my life and I couldn’t be happier with the way they’ve all grown and found their way. They are my present and future and I love them more than words can ever express.

So, like I said.. the usual. :0)