I'm Grateful For...

1. A warm kitty sprawled out beside me, in her red rhinestoned collar. I trimmed the cats' nails for the second time last night. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it can be done.

2. "Everybody Loves Raymond," 11:30 pm. Even though they are yelling at each other all the time, I find it relaxing to watch.

3. My new fuzzy brown sweater. Mmm, cozy.

4. Scott is still employed and though things are tense at his workplace, with everyone wondering who is about to be laid off, he has made himself doubly useful to his employer by doing several jobs in one. We love him for that.

5. Harvest Stuffing, as modified by Allison. Who ever heard of carrots in stuffing? I am practicing and narrowing down a stuffing choice, the only variable for Thanksgiving. If it turns out well, I'll share my recipe.

6. Not having to get up at a specified time in the morning. I am working freelance from home right now. Will probably spend a few days sorting out the delicate balance of how to ignore the laundry and clutter and focus on work. Once I get into the work, I lose myself in it and suddenly, it's 5:00. But the getting started - aye, there's the rub. Especially when the house is a mess. I find it almost impossible to work (or clear my head) when there's stuff all over the place. I'm sure this is a skill - segmenting? Any advice?

7. My cacti are growing new tendrils, even though they aren't getting much light indoors.

8. Mom is coming over for dinner on Wednesday. I really like having her around and especially need her company right now. She is bringing the movie Wall-e.

9. I am tossing around thoughts for the Christmas letter. This is the cooking part, the marination of ideas.

10. Tip had his 16th birthday today! I bought him some duck jerky (what?) to celebrate. Unfortunately, it was too hard for him to chew since his teeth have gone soft. So he gummed it for a while and that seemed to make him happy.

How are you?
~Allison