Whew! Almost 30 pages to catch up. I was fortunate because I've only had the one flight in an entire 10-hr shift, so I've been goofing around here.
My usual invites for Thanksgiving were not extended this year but my new commute doesn't really allow for stopping for socializing. After the solstice, we'll be gaining daylight again and sunset won't be shortly after 3 pm, then I'll have more time. I will be going to my brother-from-another-mother's place for Christmas Eve. He told me the guest room would be ready, but I do have my four-legger fur-fam that also needs attention.
I did cook up a turkey breast, some dressing and cranberry sauce and a side of veggies, as well as providing an apple pie for the gang at work. I couldn't resist. The crew chowed down happily. The bosses put up a pretty nice lunch, but those of us on graves usually get cold, greasy leftovers.
I'm getting nicely settled into my new routine. That two-hour drive eats up a lot of time, but being HOME means a lot. Last night, the stars were strewn across the velvet sky like you will never see them around town. You can see the Milky Way almost like a gossamer shawl.
Having no TV, not even to run DVDs, I have taken up reading again. This past weekend, I devoured a historical novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine. Makes me want to watch "A Lion in Winter" again. I also managed to slurp down Heinlein's "Variable Star", which isn't actually pure Heinlein but is co-authored using a manuscript his family found after his death.
I did take time to consider what I have to be thankful for, it's too easy to enumerate those things that are "wrong" in our lives.
I am thankful:
...that my daughter is happily married and has two wonderful girls of her own.
...that my granddaughters are working their butts of to get good grades and not miss school, and that both are well-brought-up young ladies.
...I happy that my SIL is doing what he's always dreamed of doing and is happy and proud of his wife and daughters.
I have a secure job I enjoy, I have moved into my last home and enjoy making it more my home all the time. I have time to read and can do it bundled up next to the woodstove and using a lantern when necessary. Everyone is healthy and happy. There's loads more. I have no complaints.
And so, I hope that all my CS friends can overcome their grief and other obstacles in their lives, obtain good health and high spirits, and continue to visit here.
Lee