The Candyland Perspective

And that means Thanksgiving is upon us.  I love Thanksgiving.  I don't necessarily love Thanksgiving dinner though.  I don't necessarily love football watching, cleaning up an obscenely messy kitchen, or all the busyness in the grocery store.  What I do love, however, is the crispness in the air, the gorgeous colorful leaves, the devotion to gratitude... even if for just one day for some folks, and that I get the day off of work to spend time with people I love.  My love for those things certainly outweighs my unlove for the other aspects of the Thanksgiving tradition. Kevin (Beloved's youngest son) will be coming home from Central Michigan University for Thanksgiving.  He'll be home late tomorrow afternoon!  I'm excited to see how he's changed in just a few short months since he left for school.  Will he have gotten the freshman (though he's really a junior) fifteen?  Slimmed out a bit?  Gosh I hope he hasn't taken on the attitu...

(not that there are only ten... or that these are the ten best reasons either)  1)  He stopped on a busy road at night in the pouring rain to help a stranger get her huge SUV out of the road.  He pushed and pushed 'til it was safe in a parking lot.  He was a drowned rat & she was able to comfortably wait for her friend to bring her some gas.  2)  He has The Most Adorable voice when he's mimicking.  It's scratchy, a bit high-pitched, and cute.  3)  He actually called Kramer "son" when K was in BIG trouble.  4)  He knows that I have a favorite candy bar, and will get one for me when he sees it's needed.  5)  He is a true Christian gentleman.  6)  He always kisses me goodnight or goodbye.  7)  He prays for our families & friends.  8)  He set up Pandora channels just for me... without me even knowing it.  9)  He checks in on me after a sad day, just to make sure...

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I absolutely LOVE my dog.  He's sweet.  He's quirky.  Oh and yes, the chicken DOES have large talons.    Whilst I was in a sitting position in a private room this morning doing what I do every morning before I take a shower, Kramer busts in and gives me a hug.  Literally, a HUG.  He stretches his neck out and lays his head on my shoulder for a moment and says "good morning mama...I love you."  Of course I reply in kind and tell him it's time to get down.  On his way down, he leaves his mark so as to say "YOU ARE MINE, WOMAN!"  Ouch.  Meh.  I wonder how many days the red streaks will remain.  Sigh. Anyway, I love my dog and my dog loves me.