I do love the holiday season

Thanksgiving day dawned rainy and cool. Mist hung in the air over the road and grass, coating everything in a fine sheen. Without the shrill bell of the alarm clock jarring us from sleep we woke up calmly, lazily. I knew I had to start peeling potatoes and mixing brownie batter but there were something so nice about a morning with no work. Cute boyfriend, being the kind man he is, made a pot of strong coffee and volunteered to go to the store. We needed a potato masher (he being a man didn't have one of course) And I was thankful already. For having a man who understood my need for caffeine. A man who didn't hesitate to run to the store on Thanksgiving morning when he could have been lounging on the couch instead. But he told me that we're a team, and he's happy to help. So my Thanksgiving started out the way it should, with a heart full of gratitude.

I finished the potatoes and brownies, we dressed and headed first to my Mom's. Three of the four brothers were there, along with my stepdaddy and stepgrandmother. And our hodgepodge family ate and drank and shared stories of days gone by while the air stayed foggy and dense. For the first time in years I wasn't very hungry on Thanksgiving. Rather, I was content without a belly full of food. To see the life that I am blessed to have, to be a part of, enacted right in front of me. To see the Mom talk to the brother. To remember the time we did this or that. To hear the newer memories from the newer (well, 10 years we have been a blended family) brothers. So I laughed a lot and poured the wine and didn't wish for anything at all.

For years my brother Nick and I would grasp opposite ends of the wishbone and pull. My secret wish, always the same. And did his ever come true? I don't know. I certainly hope so. But this year, there was nothing to wish for. No need to be sent out into the great universe.

We went around the table and gave thanks. There was the clinking of forks against hundred year old china. There were the waves against the rocks and the background music and the pie being cut and the overall feeling that wealth is more than dollars in an account. It is the shared moments, memories made and times gone by remembered. And perfection is so far out of reach for all of us that we must take the time to offer up thanks for all we've earned and been given.

We left that dinner and headed to cute bf's parents house for an evening dinner. They are so kind and welcoming. We greeted Cody, their new horse and he tasted my finger (no doubt smelling the sweet potatoes and turkey and wanting a taste) We ate again, laughing, taking our time. Sleepiness set in and we said goodbye to make the slow, careful drive home.

Deer hid just beyond the headlights on twisty, dark backroads. And in the peace and quiet of the car we were together and full and happy.

And thankful.