Thanksgiving Happiness

I think I'll be thankful for sleep tomorrow. 
I'm tired after all those trimmings. We did a cornish hen this year instead of a turkey.   I made turkey meatballs, roasted and mashed butternut squash, and brought my dad mince meat tarts.  Dad went all out.  I thought he was just doin the hen, but he made a bunch of sides as well.  Michelle and Deepak brought one of those Tofurkeys.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it- but me. 

Lance always takes off early for Guilford, Connecticut where the rest of the Lapierre clan reside.  I always head up there first thing on Friday. So it was just two of my sisters, my sister's boyfriend and my dad sharing stories over soon-to-be empty plates and full bellies.

A few weeks ago my dad told me he was looking forward to this Thanksgiving more than any other.  He told me he would share why on Thanksgiving.  I was sort of freaking out- wondering what the heck he was talking about.  Then pre-meal grace comes, and he honors his beloved brother, my uncle Chip and mentions that as of this year- he made it past the age that Chip was when he passed.  My father had a heart attack during that time.  He was down there trying to take care of Chips house and such.  The stress got to him.  Now  he takes it easy. Blood pressure is down, and so is his caloric intake.  I'm so grateful for him every day.

Last year, I put together a huge list of things for which to be thankful.  Unfortunately, I have to be on Amtrak in less than 5 hours and I need a li'l shut eye.  Maybe I can work on it while I'm on the train.

When most people count their blessings, one and two are usually friends and family.  That holds true for yours truly.  The beer-soaked days are definitely made better with the people that I pass the hours with. And speaking of beer, I'm thankful for the McNeill's Dark Angel imperial stout they had on tap at the POPE on Wednesday night.  Vermont brewery. You should try it.