Give Thanks

As we approach the fine holiday of Thanksgiving I’ve been contemplating what it is that I enjoy about this holiday so much.

Part of it is the day off. Certainly that’s a welcome thing. Work has been difficult recently and any time where I can just get away, no questions asked, is a good thing. I also am quite fond of the food.

It’s nice that there really is a day when everybody just slows down. Life moves at such a pace that it sweeps by us in an instant. I prefer it when it’s slow.

In my family we actually have a Thanksgiving Dinner. Many people celebrate with a very early meal but we don’t get started as a family until about 5:00. The day is given to each of us to do with it as we will. Past are the days of the Thanksgiving football game at Wallace Park or Irving Park (those were so much fun!) and now the day is my own.

This year, for the second year in a row, my cousins Katharine and Stuart are hosting. They own a house in SW Portland that they’ve put a ton of work into in the last three years. I’m in charge of beer, cheese, crackers and la baguette. Easy peasy. I am not a fan of stinky cheeses. But I am a member of this family, and a team player, so I got not one, but two, small wedges of bleu. Oy. We also have some Brie, two boxes of water crackers and a New Seasons organic baguette. Love New Seasons. Our beer selection is New Belgium’s ‘2 Below’ and Deschutes' ‘Jubel Ale’ (raises pint glass towards the Great State of New York).

We have all the standards plus a few signature dishes; creamed onions for one. I wouldn’t touch this stuff as a child and now it is my single most favorite Thanksgiving dish. My Aunt Alice also makes an insane peanut/chocolate pie most years. I rarely eat dessert but I am a sucker for just about any pie.

So without further ado, here is an incomplete list of this year’s thanks:

1. Family. My brother Stu and his wife Mel are still awaiting the birth of son number three in Bend. I wish they were here but the kid is in charge of this situation.
2. Friends. I am astounded at how many great people choose to share time with me and support my endeavors.
3. Future. I like the look of what’s in store for me.
4. Forgiveness. I found a level of it recently that has had a profound impact on me. I strongly recommend it.
5. Music. It feeds my soul.
6. Beauty. I see more of it today than I ever have before.
7. Dreams. I do like to dream.
8. Still no chest pains.

So, what are you thankful for?