Preparing for Thanksgiving

Topic
Yes, unlike most of my recent blogs I actually have a topic for this one. Go figure. I am trying to get ready for Thanksgiving and want to think through what I should be thankful for.

Loss I have experienced a lot of loss the last 3 or 4 years, and I feel it should be acknowledged, although being thankful is hardly the word for it. The loss of my wife and kids. The passing of my uncle, Freddie. The passing of my father-in-law, John. The passing of my cousin, Robbie. The passing of my father, Willis (aka Pop). These people were all important to me and I think it important to be thankful for the time that we had. Health Yes, I still have my health. I have my ups and downs. I can't do a lot of what I use to be able to do, but as opposed to the alternative, I am very thankful to still be around. Travel Unfortunately I am unable to travel these days, especially on a tight schedule. Because of this I will again get the chance to spend Thanksgiving alone. I am not up for a trip across town, much less an 8 hour drive. But there is thanks to be given here, too. Although I have had to take an enormous amount of time off to handle family issues this year, my boss has told me to take off as much time as I need for Christmas, so I should be able to get home for Christmas. Ironically enough, it is only when I have to get there in one day that I have trouble. If I have two days, I never seem to have trouble. It must be some kind of mental pressure thing, I suppose. Audio The strange sound project has advanced to a point I never thought it would achieve. I have over 14,000 files in my sound library including most of the top songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I also have a pretty extensive collection of old radio shows. I also have the odd TV show and movie clips, and the odd theme songs. An odd thought struck me the other day. What if I search my sound library for anything related to the holidays? Suddenly I am listening to a lot of holiday related material, including a radio performance of Miracle on 34th Street. For all of this, I am very thankful.

Eating One of the things that is different this year is I actually can afford to do Thanksgiving as I wish, so I can blow some bucks on a proper meal. What does that mean? It means I may have the barbeque place cook me a turkey. Woo hoo!!! Throw in some nukem dressing, mashed potatoes, and the like and I should be set. Add cans of green beans as required. I may even get a sugar coma causing pecan pie. Scooby In actuality I really am not alone for Thanksgiving. Scooby the Wonder Pup will be here and I must consider something special for him for Thanksgiving. Perhaps that will help with the what to do with the extra turkey issue. Pop/Security Because of Pop's hard work and generosity, I no longer have to worry so much about money or a place to live. I now own a home outright in Alabama. I do wish he had enjoyed more of what he earned through his hard work, but I am thankful for all that he has done for me and the family. Love you, Pop. Mom She is the rock that keeps me going. If I had heeded her warnings years ago I would have never gone through the turmoil of the last 3 years. She is wise and I learn more and more each day to appreciate her. Love you, Mom. Baby Brother (aka Warren, aka Daddy Pop) No, he is no baby and he is the father of a couple of my nieces. He amazes me at times by his willingness to give even when he has so little. Love you, Baby Brother.

Well, I am rambling a bit, but I have also got some holiday spirit going on, so I consider this blog a success. I don't know that there is anything here that would interest anyone, but I hope it is an example of looking for the good.

Take Care,
Steve