I’m really too tired to even be starting this. 3 hours of sleep early this morning isn’t enough to power me through the remaining few hours. But I love this blogging and sharing a few thoughts with my friends and family along with whoever stumbles across these pages.

Because there are many who don’t get to spend holidays like Thanksgiving together be it for their Service for their country, or Service for their communities, we salute your commitment and sacrifice. You know this world is not a simple place. It’s not a 9-5 for everyone. It’s not even a Monday to Friday. It’s not a safe working environment. Its handling situations not of your own making and dealing with life and death situations regularly. I salute and wish for your safety.

And then there are those of us who due to social changes in how holidays are observed are working extra hours, extra days, extra shifts. Just because of the almighty dollar for stockholders.

Of course, distances separate families and weather also complicates arrangements so things don’t always go as planned plus travel is stressful and everyone is traveling it seems. Sometimes it’s not even possible because of the cost. And then there is just the shared time with multiple families that sometimes means important people aren’t there.

Holidays also give me pause. It’s a reminder of those who have passed who aren’t there. The dishes they would make or the laughter they would provide and of course the love they shared. Sometimes those feelings are overwhelming because of the special sense of loss that each of us feels.

But as I sit here and reflect on the day, I’ll say what I was thinking earlier. It was one of the best Thanksgivings I’ve had. I’m not totally sure why I feel that way. It was special because we had 4 generations together for the first time at Thanksgiving. It was special because all the food was made with love. It was comfortable because it was in my own home. It was easy going because everyone seemed so relaxed. It was a nice amount of time together instead of those short visits. It was started and ended with hugs and I love you’s. It was smooth because everyone helped and brought lots of containers for the take-home feast from leftovers. I was able to get a family photo for one of my best friends who lives a long way away as requested. I don’t feel overstuffed and actually have started to pick on leftovers. I’m so proud of my other half for making such a great feast, having the children that love to come home and be with us and express their love and thanks to us. It was just a warm feeling all over from the combinations of things. I hope everyone had a good or great day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I found something that really aggravated my back pain, standing there carving the 18 lb turkey. I’m going to pass that on to my Son in future years.
• I yearn to live to be a happy old man. But I’m in absolutely in no hurry to accomplish that goal.
• It was nice to see the Terps get a victory in round one of their Tournament.
• Don’t forget to support Small Business Saturday this weekend.