Friday, November 24, 2017

A Day of Small Things


Happy Thanksgiving!
What makes me grateful this Thanksgiving day -- a day we set aside
to reflect on our blessings and say what we are thankful for?
For me, it's the small things. 


I wake up slowly as weak November sunlight peaks through the bedroom's linen curtains.  
I am most thankful for this easy early morning time since retiring. 
No more blaring alarm clocks to shatter my dreams. 
Only a little white dog belly-crawling up through the blankets to lick me awake with wet dog kissies.


Having time to leisurely enjoy a hot cup of coffee while browsing through a favorite magazine
makes me happy. I've always loved reading magazines to start my day. 
I even have time to grind fresh coffee beans -- what a difference from the weak coffee machine
in the employee lounge. Ahh. Retirement. Yes, definitely thankful for that.


How to spend my day, this special day of gratitude? 


Here in Denver, we have a traditional Thanksgiving race called the Turkey Trot
where everyone runs around Washington Park before the big holiday dinner.
Calorie burning in advance of the feast.



We cheer the racers on and enjoy their creative costumes.


Walking home, we smell fireplaces burning in the crisp air. Gray smoke curls up into the 
darkening sky. Inside, our gas fireplace provides warmth, convenience and a cozy feel.


Thanksgiving dinner is a simple affair. 
As a vegetarian, I try a new pasta recipe and Ron makes pumpkin pies, my favorite. 
This is one day when we actually use our dining table to eat on. 
I appreciate all the holiday touches and wonder why we don't do this more often.




Time to nest. This holiday gives me time to think about the onset of winter.
Moving indoors, re-reading a favorite book or watching old black and white movies.


Turning inward as the days grow shorter and the light slants low through my windows.


Christmas is tapping on my door.
Soon I will get out our holiday decorations and, this year, I vow to keep it simple.
Okay, more simple than last year. 


Evening is a time for quiet reflection and remembering Thanksgivings past. 
I miss my family and friends who have moved on.
I'm thankful for the good man and my little dog who share my life. 


As this day ends, we watch a gorgeous sunset over the mountains and count our blessings.


The Denver Post, our first newspaper, proudly proclaimed as its slogan in 1859: 
"Tis' a blessing to live in Colorado." 

Got that right! So much to be thankful for on this day of small things.

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21 comments:

  1. It all looks so homey.
    I have huge admiration for the folks who do runs on big-meal days.
    Thanks for the reminder about "Casablanca." Must watch it asap!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you enjoy Casablanca (I've seen it about five times and it just gets better each time). Hugs, Pat

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  2. What a lovely post, in photos and thoughts.

    Have a wonderful time decorating for Christmas ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Hi Lorraine! What a nice comment! I truly appreciate it. Big hugs, Pat

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  3. My kind of day! Yes, retirement is the best, isn't it! I marvel at the fact that I taught for 30 years, but have now been retired 20. How can that be? Life is certainly good to me, and I'm truly grateful.
    Enjoy the holiday season.

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    1. Hi Sarah! Yes, isn't it amazing how the years fly by. I retired from a school district and having the greatest admiration for teachers. Thank you. Hugs, Pat

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  4. I’ve been retired for 17 years, but am really feeling as if my hubby and I are finally enjoying our lake house after moving and building for years. Nothing better than commuting from the bedroom to the kitchen, grinding some coffee beans, and enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the birds on the lake and the squirrels dashing and flying from tree to tree.

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    1. So nice to hear from you. Your retirement sounds perfect. Can't beat that commute! Hugs, Pat

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  5. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, we all have a lot to be thankful for.Have fun decorating for Christmas all you want, i love Christmas and think it brings out the kid in all of us.

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    1. Thanks so much Marlene. The holidays bring back so many good memories, don't they? I hope you enjoy the season. Hugs, Pat

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  6. That was a lovely, gentle read and a peaceful reminder of the joy of simple things. Thank-you.

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    1. Thank you Catherine. What a beautiful comment, definitely a simple thing I appreciate. Hugs, Pat

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  7. Looks like a perfect day to me. Ahhh, retirement is the best. Best decision I ever made.

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  8. I enjoy reading about Denver as I once had an opportunity to live there but turned it down. I remember it being a very friendly place...everywhere I would go I met some nice young professionals as myself. But I missed my family and returned home. The skiing in those beautiful mountains is absolutely the best! Denver is quite charming for many reasons and one day I will visit again. Until then, I will continue to read your blog and dream of my visit. So glad I found your blog, thanks for writing and sharing your life in Denver.

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    1. Thank you so much Ann. I appreciate your comments and hope you visit me again soon. I love Denver, tho I am from Ohio, this feels like home to me after living here more than 30 years. I wish you a lovely holiday season. Hugs, Pat

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  9. Looks like your holiday was spent perfectly! So very grateful to have encountered your blog. Thank you for you!

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    1. You are too sweet Monika! Thanks so much. Hugs to you and Sam, Pat

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  10. Pat, A run/walk before the big meal is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures. Have a great week. Sylvia D.

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  11. Beautiful post Pat! I too feel so very thankful for even the smallest of things. It those that add up to one big happy life! Colorado is a beautiful state and reminds me a lot of our Utah. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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