Happy Thanksgiving

It's been a great day. At 4:30pm on the day before Thanksgiving, I started to wish I'd made plans for today.  I made a plan, right then. I drove to the market, battled the crowd, waited in line, had words with the manager about the pricing, and after checking out 2 times, left with a great plan for a Thanksgiving feast.

I started the day with a coffee and a banana, a few readings I usually do, a bit of Tai Chi, and enough quiet time to let my mind rest for a bit. I set out on my morning walk and came upon the "Turkey Trot" runners doing their 5k event.  I stopped to watch, and then joined in. We walked to the finish.  I'll do it formally next year. 

The next stop was to the RV lot where I've stored the Moho. The rear deck material was deteriorating and needed to be replaced.  I measured, cut, and massaged a gaggle of 2x6's into a great looking upgrade.  The planks are more functional than the fiberboard originals.  Heavier, but stronger and more functional. I worked until I started to feel it was time for a turkey dinner.

Returning home, feeling a little weary, I gazed longingly at the pecan pie I placed on the counter.  I knew that would be an easy snack, but refrained.  I pulled out the sliced ham, the broccoli casserole, the potatoes, and the fresh bread. I read the directions for the casserole, and realizing it would be an hour before it was edible, I preheated the oven and went for a slice of the pie.  Not a la mode...yet! 

Next came the football game on TV. This was really turning into a classic Thanksgiving Day. The meal came together quickly and I was still able to sneak in a nap after halftime.  I dined luxuriously, mindful of a couple of Turkey Days Past.  Certainly the one with Mom and the brothers, the crystal glasses, the king-sized turkey salt and pepper shakers. (I finally tossed those turkeys out after multiple fractures and repairs.)  And the snow in the yard.  Today was the same, and a wonderful feeling of tradition came over me.  The sense of self-care was powerfully present.  I became mindful of some more recent, less pleasing Thanksgivings. Were they missing something? Not sure yet.  But I was grateful to be preparing just what I wanted, for me.  I offered the officer at the guard gate a plate.  He declined.

I joined a few friends after for coffee and good chats.  We were all appreciative of our lives. No big struggles with family. Gratitude prevailed.

What a great Thanksgiving.  If I can stay away from the busy bustling city streets tomorrow, I'll probably have a great day of leftovers.  All for me!