Ack! Lose 20 pounds! That’s what Bruno's vet said yesterday. His back issues are because we’ve (no, me’ve) let him gain 20 pounds since we adopted him two years ago. Sigh. OK, I can do this diet with him. I’ve needed an extra kick in the butt and now I have it. Poor poochie. Wait. That’s the kind of thinking that got me…us…into this condition. No more! Foodies unite...lose the weight! This morning, Mr. B and I took an extra long (60 minute) walk. Well, it was actually a saunter. Didn’t burn any calories but we were upright and moving. All good!

It’s Thanksgiving Day and I made it through the Macy’s parade to the Smurfs. At that point, I knew Santa was only 30 minute away and the tears started. What is wrong with me? Bill says nothing; that it’s because I’m such a sentimentalist. True. Still, why do I cry? Thanksgiving holds such wonderful memories. My parents traded hosting the event with my father’s sister and her family. They lived in Green Bay just houses away from Bart Starr. Yes, as kids in the 70s we would walk down the street on turkey day to see if Bart was home. That is, of course, if the Packers weren’t playing. We always hoped we’d get the chance to chat with “the man.” Sometimes we did. Sometimes we spoke with Cherry, his wife. Memories.

I have much to be thankful for. My health. My marriage. My mother’s and mother-in-law’s health. My husband’s nephew arriving home from Germany today (in the military)! A roof over our heads. The unconditional love of Bruno and Lily. The warmth of natural gas. The electricity for my laptop. The get-up-and-go of my car. The clothes on my back (and front, thank you very much). The hugs I receive on a daily basis from friends. The realization that this will end in its own time, not mine. The change of seasons. The smell of dinner in the oven. The sound of the Packers winning (3rd quarter). The contentment of life and being alive. The friendship of new friends. The support from old friends. The knowing that I am a good person with good intentions and without my own personal agenda. The looking forward to Christmas because now that Thanksgiving had actually happened, the Father Christmas suit and bells need polishing and preparing for our first event. We’re ready…I think.

Happy Thanksgiving. Be happy in who you are, today. It can be, and should be, your foundation for tomorrow.