Final Day of 2014

The Husband has some days off work between Christmas and the first of January.  He augments them with a couple vacation days so he can have plenty of time to catch up on, well, whatever, and just take things as they come.  That's his favorite - he's anti-schedule.  (Not really, just prefers to not have every moment scripted, likes to be spontaneous.)

We had stuff going on Monday and Tuesday so I vowed today would be a day free of commitments and requirements.  Hopefully he's done pretty much what he's been in the mood for.  (He tried to nap - a pure luxury for him, but some small plane was buzzing the skies overhead so that was it for his zzzz-time.)

I think he liked the carrot!

I headed out for a walk this morning.  It was 0.2 degrees out.  Yep, frigid.  Remembered to snag some carrots on my way out.  There's a lady down the street and around a corner who has some horses and a zebra.  By the time I got to those critters, the carrots were frozen solid from being in my outer pocket.  The horses didn't care.  Serendipitously enough, I had grabbed just enough for them each to have one.  Even the zebra.  They snarfed them up quick as you can breathe.

The Husband spent a few moments working on our furnace.  It was struggling (as we all seem to do in 0 degree weather).  Handy guy that he is, he unplugged the thingamadoojiggit and now we have warm air flooding from the vents.  Yay, I like warmth in the winter.

And I've pretty much puttered the day away; read a bit, did a couple games on my iPad, fixed lunch, watered the violets, and tried to warm up.  (I'll be glad when I can get the dental work done next week and my mouth won't ache, it puts me on edge.) We'll have a quiet night tonight - I dislike being on the roads with those who drink and drive.  Our days of throwing New Year's Eve parties are behind us.

So the year just sort of...ends.  And that's ok.  Every day is a chance to begin anew to do better.  I don't have to wait for a new year.  And perhaps that might be a resolution for the 2015 - to strive each day to do at least a teensy bit better in my effort to be a follower of Christ.  (I also want to be a better listener.) I can at least give it my best shot.

Happy New Year.

It's Tuesday

7:30 a.m. 6 degrees outside.

And I've got just a few random thoughts rattling amongst the brain cobwebs.

• Walked this morning.  Only saw one other person on the trail (yesterday I also saw only one other person crazy enough to be out in the snow and cold) - I love the peace of the early morning.  There was so much snow that it was really light out even though it was early.

7:45 a.m. 6 Degrees out on my much loved trail.

   My dentist is so very kind.  Called his office expecting to set up an appointment for next week to see what's up with that silly tooth.  Come in at noon they said.  (Only an hour and a half away.)  I fear they skipped lunch to help me out.  Am so grateful for his kind care and expertise. Next week will find him fixing (hopefully completely) my tooth issue.

• Headed to the grocery.  Another woman was tracing the same route as I was through the store - and at pretty much the same pace.  Noticed she was talking to herself as much as I was talking to myself - perhaps even more.  I'm glad I'm not nuts all by myself.

• At the grocery I was struggling to reach something from the very top shelf that had been pushed back a bit.  A kind soul offered to reach it for me.  She was tall enough it was an easy grasp for her.  Made me grateful for those who are aware of others and reach out (literally) to help.

• Saw "Into The Woods" tonight.  Saw the play on Broadway over 25 years ago with the incomparable Bernadette Peters.  I think that was the very first time I saw a play on Broadway.  I had wondered how this movie adaptation would be.  Thought it was great, well done.  I liked it very much.

• Yesterday we treated ourselves to the latest "Hobbit" movie.  It could have been about half as long and been better for the trimming.  I'm not sorry to see the end of this series, it hasn't been my favorite.

• I took this last picture on the way home from the grocery this afternoon.  14 degrees out and the air is so clear it practically crackles.  Had to pull the car to the side of the road and snap this shot of the moon over the mountain.

• LL Bean remains one of my favorite shopping spots.  Expected our item to arrive next Monday, just ordered it Thursday. It came today.  They have amazing service!

Today I'm grateful for those who live with awareness, for cheerful acts of service that might seem small but really enlarge my heart, for good dental care (and insurance), for welcoming hugs, for warm coats, hats and gloves, and for hot chocolate.  I'm thinking there might be the germ of an idea of a New Year's Resolution in that list somewhere.

I Love This Quote From Gordon B. Hinckley 1992

I believe that I am a child of God, endowed with a divine birthright. I believe that there is something of divinity within me and within each of you. I believe that we have a godly inheritance and that it is our responsibility, our obligation, and our opportunity to cultivate and nurture the very best of these qualities within us.

Though my work may be menial, though my contribution may be small, I can perform it with dignity and offer it with unselfishness. My talents may not be great, but I can use them to bless the lives of others. I can be one who does his work with pride in that which comes from hand and mind. I can be one who works with respect for my associates, for their opinions, for their beliefs, with appreciation for their problems and with a desire to help them should they stumble. I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world. It may be ever so small. But it will count for the greater good. The goodness of the world in which we live is the accumulated goodness of many small and seemingly inconsequential acts.

Last Weekend Of The Year

This picture is of yesterday's sunrise - taken through our bathroom window, the only place we could get high enough to see both canyons to the north.  I should have been out taking a walk.

Today will bring another snowstorm.  I love the winter.  (Mostly what I really love is the absence of the summer heat that I have so much difficulty with.)  I love the feeling I have of the world napping and rejuvenating for another cycle of growth.  The winter has its own kind of beauty - one that I often enjoy by myself out in the cold when the trails are mostly empty.

Yesterday we saw "Unbroken" the movie based on Lauren Hillenbrand's book about Louie Zamperini.  In my opinion the book was a "must-read".  And the movie: pretty much the same.  There was some stuff left out, but given the preponderance of material to work with it was done fairly well. Not a fun/fluff/entertainment movie, rather a tale to provoke thought and perhaps personal action.

I've been slowly cleaning up and sorting through all the holiday stuff.  Counted up the Christmas cards we received.  Barely 14% of them were religious in theme.  Makes me sad.  I didn't send a single card this year (religious Christmas cards to purchase for sending are becoming increasingly rare), something had to give so perhaps I really shouldn't voice my opinion.  But, I'm going to. The entire purpose of this season is to celebrate the birth of the Savior of this world.  Cards meant to commemorate this occasion that eliminate Him are in essence, eliminating Him totally.  Keeping in touch is a great thing.  Keeping Christ in our hearts and actions is even better. (And yes, those fingers are definitely pointing at me, too.)

And I'm looking forward to January.  I enjoy that month where it seems the thing most in the news is the weather.  Not much else goes on.  I like that respite.

I'm grateful for oatmeal for breakfast, for the treat of eating out on occasion, for the luxury of being able to go to movies, for personal name tags on gifts and for smiles.

I Remember With Fondness

7:30 Christmas morning:  SNOW!

It has been a nice Christmas.  The last few days have contained our reverence for the commemoration of Christ's birth, some sweet moments, some laughter, some hugs, some visits and a few tears.  In other words - a pretty regular Christmas.

Frontyard snow angel

We've walked a few times over to the park to see the lights the city does there - this has been a fairly outstanding year for those lights.  We've walked over several years on Christmas Eve and had the place to ourselves.  Not so this year.  And while I'm so glad that others enjoyed our park, I remember with most fondness the years we've walked amongst the lights by ourselves and enjoyed the park's quiet peace.

Day after Christmas walk on the plowed trail.

I managed to surprise The Husband with one or two gifts.  Compared to those families around us, they were likely smaller and fewer.  I liked knowing there wasn't a thing we needed, that those things we gifted each other were small luxuries chosen with care just for each other and that upper most in our hearts was a desire to follow Christ's example and retain His Spirit in our hearts.  That attitude surely colored my perspective this year. (And in actuality it probably helped me to rein in my tongue a time or two when my emotions wanted to get the better of me. Some things will just never be as I hoped.) I'm still learning so much about this life.

I love our world.

I'm sad that our son and his wife didn't get to see her family - the weather prevented that long drive for them.  But grateful they made seeing us a priority.  Kind of balances things out for me.

We've filled up on hot chocolate, luscious homemade coconut bread, cinnamon toast and all kinds of chocolate - I have yet to open the box of my favorite little cherry hills from Rebecca's.  Tonight we'll have leftovers which is the perfect meal for the day after Christmas.

We'll see several movies over the next week or so, perhaps eat out a bit and generally use this coming week to decompress - although there isn't as much decompression needed as has sometimes been the case in past years.

My heart has gratitude.  For good health, for warm shelter from storms, for being first on someone's priority list, for contentment with what we have.  And for the Savior of this beautiful world.

Finding Magic / Kindness / Angels

Life is nothing if not strange at times.  And unpredictable.

I mentioned to The Husband the other day that it seems like I've gotten too old for the "magic" of Christmas.  And yes, there was a time in my life when Christmas was magic.  In the innocence of my youth there was magic.

Years and experience changed that.  Pretty soon it became challenging.  All that gifting thing - the thinking, deciding, purchasing, wrapping, giving and then agonizing when it somehow didn't feel "enough".  (I often wish I had a better knack for giving the right gift, that knack isn't mine.)

Had a couple experiences lately that have brought a different kind of magic to the season.

Had to make an appointment with my dentist.  Figured he'd take a look, assess the situation, make a recommendation and follow up with an appointment for the work.  There was a mix-up in appointment times.  I arrived a day early.  Still - he made time for me.  Come back tomorrow and we'll replace that old filling and see if that won't fix things he said.  I arrived early the next day.  I was numbed, fixed and on my way even before the scheduled appointment time.  And what did he say?  Sorry we couldn't fix that yesterday when you were here.  I was stunned.  Here he was helping me out at some personal inconvenience and apologizing that it couldn't have been easier for me.

In the back of my mind I was pleading for the angels to take note.

Packed into the same day was another experience.  A neighbor was here for a minute.  Our daughter got into the car, turned the key and click..click..click.  We all know that dreaded dead battery sound. Without even pausing for breath, this neighbor said let me back up, my car's already running and we'll give her a jumpstart. The whole endeavor took less than 5 minutes; the car was running and our daughter had at least a hope of getting back to work before her lunch break was over.  Easy thing for the neighbor to help with?  Sure.  But really, how often do people just walk away from something like that?  And she could have, but chose not to.

We try to be kind here in our family.  We don't always succeed.  (I often feel (and act) as prickly as this honeylocust tree.  And I know we're all in different places in our lives.  I still, though, am always a bit stopped-in-my-tracks when I'm the recipient of kindness from others.  Particularly when it comes in the form of a "tender mercy".  Those times often have the most impact on my heart.

I'm grateful for tender mercies, for people who as a matter of course help others, for the angels that masquerade as ordinary people in our lives.  I want to be one of those.

Things I Love

After the couple posts where I listed things I'd like to change (or improve on-according to me) I thought it might be time to talk about a few things I love.  This will by no means be a comprehensive list.  Just a few that I've been thinking about lately.

• I love this picture that graced the front page of the Church news today.  Rarely do I see one that represents Joseph holding the baby Jesus - usually it's Mary.  And that's not a bad thing.  It was just nice to see the father and sweet babe.

• I love that people make an effort to include us.  To make us feel like a priority, and who take into account our needs/preferences instead of dictating what they (and by extension us) are going to do. We have such a person in our family.  It's lovely.

• I love getting stuff done - things like maintenance around the house, projects I want to accomplish.  I love feeling like there is value in my life.

• I love that I've been thinking more of The Savior this year and been less stressed about all the gifting. (Doesn't mean it has translated into better behavior, but I try.) Even though there is so much I'd like to give to others - so much I'd like to be able to do to help someone improve their situation.

• I love that there are those who understand that sports aren't the be-all and end-all of everything in this world.

• I love when contentment and gratitude are evident. I love those whose lives are great examples of selflessness.

• I love when texts and emails are answered.  When they are sent just to keep in touch and not necessarily because something is needed.

• I love music.

• I love getting enough rest at night that I feel physically ready to face whatever the day throws at me.

• I love having the luxury to choose.

Most of those "loves" pretty much equate to gratitude.  I am grateful.  For many people, feelings and things. Most importantly for the ability to celebrate the birth of the one who made this life possible.

If Things Were According To Me Part 2

I must be overly critical, I can think of lots of things I might change.  Here are a few additions to my list of the other day.

• Everyone should have as lovely Visiting Teachers as I do.

• People would check the mirror before they go out in public.  Pajamas are not (in my opinion) appropriate attire for the grocery store. (Yep, she even had on her bedroom slippers, too.)  And those currently popular leggings worn with short shirts - not even remotely modest.  Makes me sad.

• Cliques would not exist - at school, work, church or community.

• We would all love each other and allow for personal individuality.  Inclusion should be more prevalent than exclusion.

• Pizza would always be thin crust.

• Walks would always include either the sunset or (better still) the sunrise.

• Christmas cards would always be religious.

• We would always wake up just before the alarm goes off.  (I really dislike being woken by the clock - much prefer to wake up on my own.)

• Haircuts would always be good cuts.

I'm so grateful that I can make a list like this and know that it's just for fun.  That Heavenly Father has a plan for the good of all men.  I'm grateful He allows us choices and more than one chance to get things right.  I'm grateful for patience.  And I'm grateful for good health.

Sunset we saw on our walk last evening.

Monday Morning Sunrise

If Things Were According To Me:

(And I'm just dreaming here.  I know everyone has things they'd choose to be different.  What follows is just a small sampling of how I'd like some things to be, while still acknowledging that Heavenly Father's Plan is the best one.)

• Women would not stop their morning run to drop their drawers and tinkle along a public place. (Yes, you were seen - much to our horror.)

Assembly Hall on Temple Square

• Drivers would never run red lights or stop signs.

• There would be a word to rhyme with orange.

• Teeth would never get cavities.

• Friendships would never dissolve.

• Every residence would have a stained glass window.

• Chocolate would have no calories.

• My favorite socks would never wear out.

• Figuring out what to fix for dinner each night would be easy.

• Unkind words would disintegrate upon leaving the tongue. (Thus never be heard.)

• Everyone would excel at hugging.

• The description "average" wouldn't be pejorative.

• Lilacs would bloom twice a year.

• No one would have allergies.

• Hands / joints would never ache.

• We would learn to discard selfishness.

• Every single soul on earth would experience deep, soul-enriching love and abiding hope.

Thursday Thoughts

There's not a lot going on right now.  Really?! Thanks to The Husband for his help, most of the Christmas stress is done.  Still have to get for a grandson (and maybe a small additional thing for a granddaughter).  The neighborhood goodies will come from a local eatery and will wait for the last minute.  Most of the stuff is wrapped and ready.  I'm grateful that it all came together.

With a lessening of seasonal obligations I felt fine about taking a nice long walk this morning.  5 miles takes a while when you're not running - which I don't do unless it's an emergency.  I so loved being out there.  Even the 3 dogs that normally bark hysterically at the sight of me were quiet - making my time even more pleasant.  With the storm that's pounding CA and heading our way we've got some wind and clouds and the sunrise was spectacular!  (The picture to the left was taken just about ten minutes after the other one.  That isn't a reflection off on the right side of the picture, it's the way the sun was shining between the clouds and the mountains. I loved it!) Then, the best of all, The Husband walked out and met me for my last little bit heading home.  What a lovely way to start the day.

We received this Christmas cactus as a gift.  I was completely uninformed about them.  Didn't know there was such as thing as a tropical cactus.  We don't really have quite the perfect spot for this in our house but we will enjoy it as long as we can. I'm quite intrigued by those blossoms - they're so unusual.

Tomorrow will find us at the holiday concert of the symphony.  I dread the day when we grow tired of getting season tickets to the symphony and theater.  It does get a little routine after a while, but I love having something like that to look forward to each month.

I'm grateful today for peace in our home.  For laughter.  And for prayer - ones uttered and also those clearly answered.

Time Certainly Flies

The Husband has long maintained that the older you get the faster time flies.  And up to this point I think it's true.  (Can't speak to what happens when we're really old, but for now, time is still going by very quickly!)  I can hardly believe it's Tuesday already.

Since being aware of my impending panic over Christmas The Husband put his shoulder to the wheel and worked hard.  He helped me brainstorm, choose and shop for gifts.  He not only brought in our boxed tree, but helped to decorate it.  He is always a help, but I've traditionally done Christmas pretty much on my own - due to his heavy work schedule.  What a treat it's been to have him help me.  (I've even begun the wrapping and can feel my shoulders liking the lightened load.)

I've tried to focus more on The Savior this year.  We're spending less on gifts - after all, they're only meant to be a token of love and affection, not a flood of material goods that might not really be necessary. And I'm amazed at the reduction in stress I feel as I try to place my thoughts in Bethlehem in a stable with a manger for the sweet babe fresh from our Heavenly Father.  Perspective helps.

Decided to take advantage of our December spring and do some yard clean up.  I usually leave it until the spring, but so dislike the soggy, moldy leaves (and the surprises that lurk beneath them).  It was lovely to be out in the 50 degree sunshine, working enough to only need my sweatshirt.  This is probably the last outing for my gloves - I've used them clean through this year.

We love english daisies; we plant them fairly often with mixed success.  We don't have the right place or weather to make them happy.  But I just love their sweet little circles of color among the green.  Was prompted to smile when I discovered this lone bloom under the leaves.  I left it there (along with a few weeds, much to The Husband's chagrin) in case it wants to be happy just a bit longer.  I know this unusual weather can't last and I want to enjoy every single day.

Am feeling disappointed in myself.  Had a little chat while I was out working with our across-the-street neighbor.  Came to the realization after we'd all gone our separate ways that today is her birthday and I didn't even wish her a happy one.  Sigh...

Today I'm grateful for help from others.  For the colors of the sky in the sunrise.  For a day I can stay at home all day if I like.  For a washer and dryer to ease my chores. And for socks!

Grateful

Today I'm so very grateful for pain free walking.

Sunset up the canyon.

Friday Again---Already?

I just don't know where the time has gone this week.  I've played catch-up ever since we returned from our Thanksgiving visit to our kids.  I loved the visit. Wish I didn't feel so overwhelmed!

Ran out this morning to pick up a couple items.  (I'm determined to peck away at my list until it is all accomplished. Trouble is, for every thing I cross off the list, it seems like I add a couple more!)  Had to run home after the first stop - my debit card was in my other jacket pocket from getting gas in the car the other day.  Can't go to Costco without my card. (And I only meant to go to Costco for some 9V batteries to quiet a chirping smoke detector.  Everyone knows the drill - when one starts to chirp the others are quick to join the chorus.)

As expected, Costco was....hmmm...busy.  The guy at the register - working as fast as he could - said it looked like I was about done with all my Christmas preparations.  I just smiled (probably more like a grimace) rolled my eyes and said I was barely started.  He chuckled and said not to worry, in three weeks it will all be over.  Seriously!  I wanted to sit down in the middle of the store and just cry. Only three weeks left?  I'll never make it!

Joann's was also...busy.  As was the Credit Union, K-Mart and every other parking lot I passed. I heard more than the usual honking car horns, saw more than the usual running of stop signs and sliding through orange lights. Apparently, stress abounds.

The Husband was determined yesterday to be able to report lots and lots of steps for his fitness thing at work.  (He signed up for the holiday "maintain-not-gain" thing.)  He grabbed me for a bit of a walk, I loved being out in the fresh air with him, we so rarely get to spend time like that just going for a walk.  I remember a year or two (about a decade ago) when we went for a walk nearly every night right after dinner.  I loved it.  I took this picture of the fun clouds as the sun was sinking out of sight.

And speaking of The Husband - here's a picture of his whiskers that I took outside in the sun.  I still can't decide if I like the way they look - it changes his face so! I do know, though, that they're not my favorite when it comes to kissing.  Much too prickly.  Even at the longer, softer length, I end up getting poked when he rubs his cheek against mine.  Looking with anticipation toward Monday when I think he's planning to shave them off.

This morning on my walk I was thinking about Heavenly Father and wondering what His hopes were for me.  Have I managed to fulfill my measure in the least?  I often wonder how far below my potential I've lived.  I shudder to think how often I have disappointed Heavenly Father.  I don't know what the real answer to the problem is, I guess I just need to keep trying and do my best.  Hopefully He will be lenient with me. Heaven knows how much patience I require.

I'm grateful today for the beauty around us.  Rarely do I Christmas shop in 55 degree weather.  It has been so stunningly beautiful out.  I'm grateful to see the urban deer when we walk.  I'm grateful for those who keep their tempers in check when driving.  I'm grateful for cheerfulness. And I'm grateful for miracles - of all shapes and sizes.

Trouble

Been having trouble feeling like I want to dive into the Christmas thing.  I love that we celebrate the birth of our Savior.  Love the sense of happiness and anticipation in the air.  Don't love the stress quite so much.

We don't ever go away for Thanksgiving.  Just those few days away have left me with an almost "panicked" feeling - like I'm not going to manage to get everything done.  It would be easier, I'm certain, if I had some ideas for gifts.  Alas, I'm brain dead.

Amidst my numerous stops this morning I picked up a couple wreaths for our front door.  I've had my eye on these for a bit - I love that they're a bit different from the typical front door wreaths.  I love that they're made from natural materials.  (I know there are those who would like to liven them up with some "extras" and/or doodads, I like them just the way they are.) The Husband doesn't love them quite as much as I do, but he's accommodating and is fine to go along.  The best part?  When I got to the register with them, they were 1/3 off!  I'm not sure how long they'll last, they're a bit fragile, but I know I'll enjoy them this year.

Spent yesterday's lunch with my dearest friends.  We've been lunching together for perhaps almost 25 years.  Our annual Christmas get-together is a favorite.  I received this little plaque - just love the sentiment it expresses.

Now, I'm feeling pressure, I still have the ironing from our trip to accomplish.  The floors are in serious need of vacuuming.  I haven't managed to read anything in days and days - and that would be the fun thing I get to do when the work is finished.

And even amidst my stress and concerns I've managed to find some gratitude.  I'm so grateful for good news - especially when it concerns our physical health.  I'm grateful for the beauty of this day - for managing to get out first thing this morning and watch the day break through the rain and clouds. I'm grateful for friends.

Not Really AWOL; Feeling Much Gratitude

Just being busy.  We decided to spend Thanksgiving with our daughter and her family.  First time that I can recall in all their years of marriage.  Being with them required a road trip - inclusive of all that entails.  After making all those arrangements, renting a big enough vehicle (we were taking our daughter and grandson, our son and daughter-in-law - and their dog) & loading up with road-trip-food, we then hit the asphalt.

His diet pepsi

It's an 8-hour drive.  The Husband is very patient about driving all those miles.  What fun to be greeted with such excitement and love as we were!  (The Husband filled up on "go-juice" for the journey home - he does love his diet pepsi - and yes, both of those are his and he did finish them off.)

Our trip there was filled with some "firsts" for me and some other not-so-often occurrences.

Some neighbors we greeted.

I used a bow and arrow for the first time.  Our grandson gave me a quick tutorial and left me to it.  I shot 12 arrows and all but one hit the target (or at least the hay bales the target was mounted on). Pretty fun.

Ours is the smallest one.

My first time ever (that I can recall) decorating gingerbread houses.  We partnered up - 6 houses for 12 people.  The Husband and I ended up with roof issues.  One side of the roof eventually slid right off the house. We exceeded the weight limit.  Pretty fun.

Our daughter and her husband are super generous.  We always feel like royalty from our treatment when we visit.  We ate and laughed and ate some more.  No worries about ever going hungry. Thanksgiving was secondary to a birthday we celebrated.

Up the street from their house.

Family Wii-ing

We watched a movie on tv, went to a movie in the theater, splurged on a restaurant meal for all 12 of us (we needed to have a meal our daughter didn't have to prepare), went for walks, catnapped, played the Wii and utilized all our electronic devices. I never tired of the huge wide-open skies filled with beautiful clouds.  That's the kind of sky I grew up with, and am reminded how much I love it each time I visit our daughter.

Nearby RR track we walked along - just missed the train.

I jumped on the trampoline with a couple grandchilluns.  Was challenged to do a cartwheel.  Massive fail - cartwheels are much harder on a tramp surface than on the unyielding ground.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself, although I was grateful only a couple family members were there to see me.  63-year-old grammas aren't a pretty sight when jumping on the tramp.

The Husband forgot his shaving mirror for the shower.  I encouraged him to forget shaving.  In all the 46 years I've known him I've never seen him with this much facial hair.  Love, love, love to touch it with my hands.  Kissing with the stubble?  Not so much.  He surely looks different.

Stunning weather on our return trip.

We had good weather the whole trip.  Coming home we drove through lots of slushy, snowy roads. Had a couple tense minutes.   But we arrived safe and found all well here.

More gratitude was added.

We took this little tree poster with us.  Substituted the post-its for leaves as we jotted down things we are grateful for.  We finished with the tree long before we were finished with the gratitude. The picture isn't even the end product.

I am so grateful today.  For safe travels and good weather.  For not a hint of frozen pipes in our unattended home.  For neighbors who graciously pick up our mail and accept packages.  For family that can enjoy some time together - rare though it is for us all to be together it was a delightful Thanksgiving.  I'm grateful for hugs from children and grandchildren.  For people who just step in and do what needs to be done.  For sweet memories.  And for love.