GIVING THANKS Yesterday I picked up the 10-pound turkey my daughter had reserved at McGonigles. These turkeys are bought directly from farmers and raised properly to be wholesome, healthy, and otherwise wonderful for Thanksgiving. I drove half an hour to get there. Largely because MapQuest failed me for the first time ever. They pointed me to Wornall Road, instead of Ward Parkway. When I finally got there, an employee directed me to a parking space in the tiny parking lot, with perhaps 8 on either side of my car. Okay, maybe 10. Silly me. I thought Id just have to arrive early and walk into the store to pick up the pre-ordered turkey, so I didnt wear a coat. Fortunately, the line in front of the door was completely inside in about 5 minutes--1 or 2 at a time because the line inside was much longer. When I finally got to the meat counter, I heard a man somewhere behind me tell the counterman he needed a 12-pound turkey. He didnt get it. Only pre-ordered turkeys were available. All of a sudden neither the drive nor the line of customers seemed so bad. We would get our turkeys! And I became thankful for a well-organized system that ensured wed get what we wanted by pre-ordering. A young man picked up my turkey and carried it to the car for me, something I didnt expect. It was only ten pounds! Thats not very heavy. And he directed traffic to help me back out safely and quickly. What seemed like chaos was very well-organized chaos! No one grumbled or griped in the line or among the workers. Everyone was treated with dignity and friendliness. McGonigles has been there more years than I can count--at least 40, I think. I can see why. Thinking about that experience, I realized I needed to stretch my thankfulness a little farther. Im thankful for food and family, both of which will be part of my day today in the best of all possible ways. Im thankful for every dog in my household. One is mine, the others belong to my daughter and her family. Each one of them is special, well-behaved, and a joy to be around. I love them and apparently they love me. When I take them to the back yard, each one approaches me at some point to be patted or spoken to, as if greeting me submissively. Im grateful for family, though my brother and sister both live out of state. Well have a get-together in 2-3 months, if the pattern of the last couple of years is followed. Im grateful for an amazing sky, and technology! Last night I saw this huge planet in the sky--stars twinkle, planets dont--and my daughters cell phone has an app that allowed me to determine that I was looking at Venus! Im thankful for my friends, of whom I seem to have more every year. Most especially, my local writers group, and friends from Pikes Peak Writers, and from local groups and activities, and . . . well, certainly more people than I can name in this space. Im thankful for good food, good company, good friends, good times. And Im thankful for all the people who have supported my lifes dream: I published my first three novels in 2013, the most rewarding work Ive ever completed. May all of you who read this have such treasured friends, family, and memories, and may we all remember to treasure the wonderful moments that have come our way this year.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 17:17:26 +0000
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