We’ve had a great Thanksgiving this year. We’ve eaten turkey and pie, spent wonderful time with family and enjoyed the time off from our everyday cares.

This year, and every year, I’m thankful for:

• My husband, who supports me through everything
• Our two smart, talented boys
• Our wonderful families, who are always there if ever we need them
• My friends, both here and in Anchorage, who are the best
• My community of online friends – and really, there’s no distinction except the ability to deliver an actual hug
• Our smug puppies, whose love is unconditional and enthusiasm is endless
• My health and the ability to enjoy life every day
• Our comfortable, beautiful house that is both a peaceful retreat and a gathering place
• My job, for all that it drives me nuts at times, keeps me challenged and pays me well
• The opportunities I have to write, create beautiful things, travel, use the Internet to connect to the much larger world
• The freedom we have in this country, to speak openly, to access information without restriction, to live as we choose and to hold free and democratic elections

  We are truly blessed.