Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Travels

BC is hoping. He's a hoping and a drooling.

But heck, that's what dogs do.

We did not do any travels today. We stayed home and had Thanksgiving dinner just the four of us. It was nice. We have a lot to be thankful for and we know it.

For the last few years we celebrated Thanksgiving with several other families on the North Shore camping. Amazing times that you can read about here or here (mostly photos but a little bit of reading in the posts).

This year it was not in the cards for us to go and although I miss the camaraderie and fun (not to mention having a surf spot all to ourselves and long beach walks twice a day); we felt it was more important to stay together as a family than to have the one or two of us off work go and leave the others alone.

I've been thinking a lot this year on what I am grateful for; remembering to notice the little bits of grace scattered about, even among what can seem like a world collapsing on itself.

Because when I notice those little bits, they build on each other, and slowly but surely, lives get rebuilt.

I'm thankful for being blessed with the courage and strength that I prayed for often this last year.

I'm thankful that my mom is safe and happy and that my sisters, our families, and me all survived the mom crisis intact.

I'm thankful that we pulled off a move to the opposite side of the island and that it seems to have been the right choice. That I found a job closer to where we moved and that I like it even better than my last job, which I liked just fine.

I'm thankful for all my friends, especially those who supported me during the difficult times. That means you....

The blogging community is amazingly supportive and I am grateful for this support and friendship...

I'd like to give a shout out to Jen over at Sprite's Keeper. She has run the Spin Cycle the last couple of years and is going to take a break. I can't lie - I'm sure going to miss it. Even if I haven't been the most dependable Spinner the last few months.


While the turkey was doing its thing in the oven, BC and I (plus my new camera) went for a hike not to far from our house. This is the view from the top of the trail.

I'm saving the rest of the hike for next week's Travel Tip.

Feel free to link on up with your travel tips, travel posts, Thanksgiving posts....

25 comments:

Brian Miller said...

smiles. pseudo. hope you had a great thanksgiving! much to be thankful for...

InventingLiz said...

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Best wishes for the rest of the year - and beyond!

Rosaria Williams said...

That picture is worth a thousand words!

Kristan said...

We didn't travel either -- our families came to us. So far it's been lovely. (Riley's doing okay, but there was no turkey to drool over since we went out to eat Thanksgiving dinner, to avoid dishes.) Anyway, I'm grateful to have met you, and glad that you have so many wonderful things to build on. :)

ds said...

Yes, it's the little things...your dog is so patient. We visited my parents, and it was a quiet day--except for the dog who did NOT wish to be confined to his cage (he is seven months old), but even so is a reminder to enjoy the simple things. Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that is happy-fying!!

Michele said...

We stayed home this year also and it was really nice.

Captain Dumbass said...

We stayed home to, but our Thanksgiving is in October so it was just a normal night for us. We did have a turkey dinner though. And for dessert? CHOCOLATE COVERED MACADAMIAN NUTS!!! The post-lady delivered a special package yesterday, all the way from Hawaii. We were very thankful.

goodfather said...

8th! (Oh yeah, in a nod to days gone by, I'm bring it back.)

What a great post. The goodfather household definitely qualifies as attaining 'rebuilding' status - I'm going on two Real Job Interviews next week. It's been a brutal 2 years. I've missed you! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Julie H said...

Beautiful view!

Twenty Four At Heart said...

Yes, we ARE soul sisters! Love the photo. I think Thanksgiving might need to be declared national dog drooling day! : )

CiCi said...

I look forward to seeing the photos of your hike. So glad you and your family enjoyed Thanksgiving together.

lisahgolden said...

I know that this past year has been quite the trial. I'm glad you've ended up well and good on the other side.

Happy Thanksgiving.

gretchen said...

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! We're thankful for you too!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Often the small gathering offers the best. Much more relaxing.

Glad to hear things are going well with your mom. Tough business, that is.

Such a beautiful view, you have.

Melissa B. said...

And was BC thankful when you fed him part of that turkey? Glad things are coming together for you nicely. I'm curious to hear about the new teaching gig...

tattytiara said...

That photo is priceless - it would make for a classic Thanksgiving greeting card!

Joanna Jenkins said...

LOVE that pic of your dog drooling over the turkey :-)
Hope your Thanksgiving was grand-- It's nice to stop and remember all the things we have to be thankful for, and it looks like your plate is full :-)
Cheers, jj

secret agent woman said...

It's always good to review what we are thankful for.

Unknown said...

So glad to hear that you and your family spent Thanksgiving giving thanks Pseudo, for all that is and for all that will be.

Unknown said...

Love BC drooling over the turkey... and what a fine looking turkey it is!

Debbie said...

Some wonderful things to be thankful for! Thanks for reminding us of what is truly important.

Mama Badger said...

We were thankful for friends from far away places. Who remember us just when we forget ourselves. Thanks, Pseudo.

Sharon Rose said...

I've been gone. . . being busy. . . and I've had to catch up with your blog a little. However, I am seeing how this ordeal with your mother has been way too much for a family to have to deal with! OUCH!

And, what a lovely set of pictures for Thanksgiving, just being together, all four of you. Glad you hear that you love your new job! Glad to hear about the move! Glad to hear you are doing your best to take care of yourself during this family stuff.

Hugs and prayers,
Sharon

tulpen said...

I'm sooooo late.

Sounds like a just right Thanksgiving Pseudo...

Casey said...

I love that first picture so much. My dog would have been off with the turkey by the time you found the camera.

Glad you are doing well and everything has fallen into place. :)