I’m thankful today for my mom, whose birthday is today. She’s the best, funny and kind. Smart and sarcastic. Talented and loving. I am lucky. And look how beautiful she is…

I’m thankful today for safe travels in spontaneous snow showers, full contact puppy snuggles in fuzzy blankets, and getting together with friends we haven’t hung out with in a while. Oh! And this yummy, cheesy apple pie my friend made for dessert. Mmmmm.

I’m thankful today for a start to the holidays with an event where I got to make a seasonal pot of greens. I’m going to add a bow, but I like the traditional look of this. It was a fun afternoon off work with a friend and I’m grateful to have been invited.

I’m also thankful for a spontaneous get together this evening for dinner with a couple of friends. We said we would try to get together once a month, but the last time we did was September. I’m glad it worked out tonight.

I’m thankful for Emma, whose birthday is today. I’ve probably shared this picture of her before, but it’s still one of my favorites. I miss hearing her laughter regularly. She’s officially an adult at 25, which her birthday plans confirmed. She was running errands for her church and planned pizza at home with her grandmother. Quiet and tame.

It’s also my friend Sharon’s birthday, and I’m also thankful for her today. At 79, she’s still an inspiration for style and independence, and I hope I age as gracefully as she is.

I’m thankful I made it through another Monday. And it didn’t snow today. And I had snacks for dinner.

I’m thankful today for finding the right cabinet to help tidy up the guest room. And for eliminating a few other pieces of furniture. I’m in the mode of decluttering, just in time for the holidays. Ha. Actually, it will make it easier to decorate. I’m also thankful for a good/somewhat restful weekend and hope this coming week is less stressful.

Snow! It’s our first of the season. I’m thankful it didn’t really stick. Although we had a great fall run, I feel like I still want to ease into winter.

Friday!! I have tomorrow off work, so, yay!

I’m also thankful for puppies and friends and fire tables on what is probably the last warm evening of the season.