Given the challenges associated with happenings in 2020 it’s a wonder anyone can stay hopeful and resilient but that is the beauty of the human condition. So as I sit listening to old tunes this Thanksgiving, I thought I would create a “gratitude list.”
First off, Paul and I had a pleasant uneventful road trip back to Flagstaff with, knock on wood, no covid exposure. Reentry in our warmer sunny climate has been good and I have finished two craft projects already: a celebratory fabric banner/bunting for my niece’s family and glass mosaic name plates for her kid’s bedroom doors. I am grateful for the time spent learning these skills which allows me to easily revisit them from one project or season to the next.
Paul quickly restocked the refrigerator, freezer and pantry and took to making evening meals all week and also modifying his bread recipes for elevation. We decided on tamales for our thanksgiving meal this year because we miss good Mexican food while at the lake and can’t face roasting a turkey and fixing all the sides for just the two of us. I am grateful I live with a foodie! Oh, and we stopped at Trader Joe’s in Albuquerque on the way to Flagstaff and I am enjoying several old/new favorites: Almond Milk Egg Nog, Chocolate Covered Orange Jelly Sticks, Dried Fig and Olive Crisps and a White Stilton with Apricots. Yum!
I have started referring to our Flagstaff house as our “holiday home” as it stays Christmas looking all year with a lighted year round artificial tree and lots of red accents throughout the house. After a few add-ons from garage storage bins we are fully decorated for the holidays. I am grateful for our humble home here in the mountains of northern Arizona which provides a nice complement to our summer life at the lake. Paul is back to hiking and using his stationary bike and I have dusted off and turned on the treadmill. I have committed to walking 1 mile everyday thru the end of the year. I am grateful for my health and ability to keep moving.
I am grateful for my family and friends in disparate locations who I am able to stay connected with, even if it’s remotely these days. It was great to see and catch up with my brother, Mark, and his wife, Diana, upon our return. I will stay text connected with a handful of my Midwest friends through the winter months and go back to Zoom calls with my women’s group here in Flagstaff. Now I just gotta figure out how to get my mom here for some quality time which will include playing cards and fixing puzzles.
Finally, I have several TV vices which are at full steam right now: Holiday Baking Championship, Dancing With The Stars, Bachelor/Bachelorette and, best of all, new Holiday Hallmark movies. One night I had six in the que ready for watching at my leisure. The new season of prime time shows is also making this “night owl” very happy. I am grateful for relaxing evenings in the easy chair covered in an old hand knitted afghan watching till my heart’s content.
In closing, even in the midst of a pandemic, an economy in shambles, a polarized country and crazy politics, I am lucky enough to be surviving and thriving. During this season of thanksgiving, I hope you too can get your gratitude on.