By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Just one more thing to be grateful for: Whiskey Weather! The brown water goes down best in cooler temps.
It’s Turkey Day, the official kick-off to the holiday hustle. This year, I decided to take the time to make a list, and check it twice, of the things I am most thankful for this 60th Thanksgiving of mine. Here’s the run down of what made it to the top of my grateful gratitudes.
I am thankful I do not have to participate in a Turkey Trot. Trotting on a chilly, early Thanksgiving morning is not in my wheelhouse. Blessings to all the trotters who enjoy such as that, I do not. I will be at home in my jammies, sipping champagne and watching the parade – alas three other things I am thankful for.
I am thankful for Mr. Kaminski’s adoration, patience, failing eyesight and limited hearing capabilities. All are extremely helpful and deserve recognition.
I am thankful that the IRS processed our tax refund before the government closed down so that I have Christmas spending money.
I am thankful the Longhorns beat Arkansas and that Arch finally has his mojo back.
I am thankful for the only drive-thru in Wallis, Texas: Snowflake Donuts. Without them, I might starve.
I am thankful for kind, thoughtful, amazing neighbors who are always willing to help out, whether it’s water issues, catching critters or most importantly, assisting with wine consumption.
I am thankful that I reached the Big 60 with grace, style, gratitude and good health with numerous “Birthday Quarter” celebrations, which are still ongoing, much to Mr. Kaminski’s chagrin.
I am thankful for my ride or dies, my tribe of fam, friends and at times foes, who love me in spite of me.
I am infinitely grateful for the mood-altering capabilities of Diet Coke, without which I would likely never be pleasant again.
I am thankful for perseverance, of which I apparently have an abundance. Mr. Kaminski deems my propensity to achieve through constant, brutal determination stubbornness; I deem it success.
I am thankful that United Airlines gets me. United allows my bags to weigh 70 pounds, not the dreaded 50, which I can never achieve even in the summer.
I am thankful for my clients, who are all amazing and much less aggravating than in previous years.
I am thankful for my God-given life, my ability to bloom where I am planted and the many blessings He has bestowed on my family and I. His grace and love is ever present on the daily, and I am thankful for the ability to hear and accept His wisdom.
I am thankful for kindness, hope, optimism and humor – all of which I plan to lean on heavily through the holidays. Oh, and wine. Lots of wine.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our porch sitters! I wish you many blessings this holiday season and encourage you to take a moment to recognize and accept your blessings. This exercise is the perfect way to kick off the holidays with grace, gratitude and grit, because goodness knows, we are going to need an abundance of the three g’s to get through the coming weeks! See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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