Giving Thanks...for 90 Years of Life

Thanksgiving has been wonderful! I feel like I have eaten all of my weight in food...and then some! The night before Thanksgiving, my aunt made homemade chicken and dumplings, fried okra, and collard greens: a good, southern meal. Thanksgiving lunch was almost too overwhelming: fried turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole, broccoli and rice casserole, asparagus casserole, blueberry congealed salad, deviled eggs, homemade rolls, apple and cranberry crisp, and potato salad (I think that covers everything). And then there's dessert: gingerbread pumpkin trifle, cherry pie, and pumpkin tarts (we called them puffins). My pumpkin list is growing by the week! I ate way too much food and was miserable afterward, but that's just what you do on the holidays, and I love every part of it! We ate left overs for dinner, and I ate way too much again, but the food is so good!

Fortunately, I had a 10 mile run today to burn off some (but not nearly all) of the many calories I consumed. I ran almost all 10 on trails through the woods. It was such a good run! I love trail running, especially on a cool, sunny morning. I have always enjoyed long runs, even alone. This morning's run could not have gone any better.

Today is my grandfather's 90th birthday! I could not ask for a better grandfather. He has had such an impact on my life and is such a great example. He is always positive and optimistic. The only times I have heard him complain are when he is just trying to give us a hard time. I am so thankful he is in my life! To add to all the food we had already eaten yesterday, we fixed steak, green beans, grilled okra, sweet potatoes, and garlic cheese toast for his birthday lunch.

Tonight we are watching Elf and Four Christmases. I love holidays! Food, family, and fun! Tomorrow my parents, older brother, and I are traveling down to Starkville for the Egg Bowl! I am so excited, and I am hoping for a win!