Giving thanks

This post comes a few days late, and I have to delay giving thanks even more.

My last post came off as a bit negative. I didn't intend for that. Although the weather was poor and the parade wasn't what I had expected, I was certainly lucky to see this famous parade in person. Not many people get the chance. I've had two opportunities, and this year I finally took it. Crappy weather aside, I'm happy I went. It's a memory that I'll have for a long, long time.

Now, time to give some thanks.

Food
Traditionally I stuff myself on Thanksgiving day. But this year I ate the traditional TG feast in the evening instead of having the usual early afternoon dinner. I highly recommend this, since it's unlikely you will indulge in a post-game free-for-all. I left the table feeling almost full. Indeed, I had two pieces of pumpkin pie while we watched the Omen. I couldn't resist. I'm a sweets (and every other kind of food) gal.

However, if there are leftovers, the TG tradition is sure to get you on Day 2. And probably Day 3. This happened to me. I ate apple pie and a small muffin for breakfast (yikes! I can't abandon my childhood tendencies). And I continue to lift a fork every few hours.

In other words, I'm thankful for TG food. Mmm mmm good.

Family
I couldn't be with my family this TG, which was the ultimate drag. Another drag: My Grandma Mickelson was in the hospital and my Grandma Averill was in the nursing home -- and still is -- during TG. If you can squeeze in an additional nighttime prayer for them, I would appreciate it.

This is the second year in a row Ben and I have been in NYC over this holiday. But I'm very thankful that we'll be home for Christmas. Bring on the white elephant games, good food and spirits (wink wink), cheer and, most important, family.

Friends
I missed my family's TG food, but as you read above, I didn't go hungry. Ben's roommate's parents drove to NYC from Virginia to prepare a TG feast -- three pans of stuffing (for only 6 of us), turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, buns, rugala, pumpkin bread, cranberry nut bread, strawberry/cranberry jello delight with cream cheese and sour cream (it's good) topping, and four or five pies (that Ben and his friends contributed).

I'm thankful for friends and their kindness.