Michael and I cut our Christmas tree this week. A friend offered us access to her land on which she and her husband planted a wide variety of evergreens. He died a few years ago, but the love they shared for this land remains. I give thanks for good and generous friends.

I welcome the beauty they created into my home and my life. Most of the ornaments on our tree have been given to us, or were made by children. I love taking them out every year, with all the memories they bring.

We did feast on Thanksgiving. The Grand Girl had three helpings of carrots! I made them with butter and fresh thyme this year. Michael added fresh rosemary to the squash. Most of our feast came from our gardens. I give thanks every day for the energy, time and space for creating good food to share.

Michael’s father bought this china when he was stationed in the Philippines right after WWII. He gave it to his mother, and then received it back when she died. Now we have it. We use it! The flatware was a gift from a dear friend in Alabama. We have been showered in generosity.

I am thankful for family! I grew up far from an extended family. Not that we didn’t visit, but it was not on a weekly or monthly basis. Having the ability to watch the Grands grow is a true blessing.

Jackie, a friend who now lives in Illinois, stopped by on her way home from visiting in the Cities. Having time to talk and catch up with long time friends is a blessing.

I have been walking this road for ten years now, and it brings me something new every day. How light hits the seed heads against the darkness of the woods. Finding where deer have bedded overnight. Frost on tall grass. The patterns of wind and sun and clouds. So much to do! So much to see! It’s a wonderful life, lived one day at a time.