And there it goes....

As quickly as it came, it is gone. The leaves have fallen and the ground is covered with them. The trees are bare and gearing up for the long cold winter ahead. They really do look naked. Here on the homestead, their curling shapes are very inspiring and a joy to observe.

I love winter - I especially enjoy snow. That tiny ice crystals accumulate and cover the ground with piles of snow is amazing to me - and incredibly beautiful. So many folks I know are not fond of snow - but I enjoy the peacefulness of it, the look that the earth is pristine. Granted, driving in it is not easy - but maybe God created snow to slow us down a little. I know the animals always seem a little surprised - the squirrels can't find their stashes hidden all over, because the landscape has changed; the dog is not sure what to do about walking in this cold stuff and hates to "take care of business" when the snow touches the tush. Humans (at least when ever possible) hunker down in front of a fire and stay warm. I love to hike in it and take pictures - I took beautiful ones last year and should post a few.

Thanksgiving is coming - it should be every day - but to serious, pious, hard-work ethic Protestants who started the whole she-bang, a few days of feasting to celebrate being thankful, once a year, seems conservative enough. Of course, blessedly, they never heard of "Black Friday", football games, or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I can forgo the first two, but I do really love the parade - it brings back such sweet memories of going to Gram's for Thanksgiving and watching the parade as dinner was finished - turkey and all the trimmings. But it was the delight my Gram showed in watching me watch the parade. Her favorite parade all year was the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, but she took pleasure in watching Macy's parade with we between stirring gravy and mashing potatoes. It was my version of Norman Rockwell, warts and all. What is your favorite memory of Thanksgiving?

Which leads to my favorite Christmas movie - "Miracle on 34th Street" - preferably in B & W. I just love the gift of hope and kindness it portrays. I will probably be watching it on Thanksgiving night as I address our Christmas cards to mail on Friday. So I wonder, what is your favorite holiday movie? Please share.

And like I said, "there it goes" - we seem to skip Thanksgiving as we (or the retailers) rush toward Christmas. Take a minute to savor the holiday - the smells of food, the joy of family and the time to slow down and relax before the holiday rush. Be mindful of others - invite a stray or lonely person in for dinner. Share the day with someone who is elderly, away from home, or who has no way to get to family...I promise they will be thankful...and your holiday will be richer for it. Happy Thanksgiving from the homestead!
Be Blessed (I know we are)
Kim