Well. another holiday has come and gone.

I came home from the restaurant, 30 pounds heavier and sleepy as heck. The annual gathering of clans Larsen and Perkins had taken place with the usual bickering and laughter and picture taking.

Plopping down in front of my TV and flipping on a Laverne and Shirley rerun, I let the nasal voices and canned laughter lull me into my peaceful place, and thought about Thanksgiving and what I had to be thankful for.

The first thing that came to mind was the fact that I HAD a TV and a comfortable recliner to watch it in.

Then I looked around at the small house that I took for granted and was thankful that I had a house and was not out roaming the streets looking for handouts.

By this time, my cats had invaded my lap and had rendered me immobile, and I was thankful for their loving, furry presence.

I was thankful that my 93 year old Mother is still alive and healthy.

Also thankful for my older sister, even though I've been terrified of her since I was born.

Thankful of my football player-sized nephews who have done so well in the world.

Thankful for Akiko who has both driven me crazy and kept me sane over the years.

Thankful that I can still ride my Harley and rinse my brain with a good long ride.

Thankful for my freedom and that I was born in the greatest country in the world.

Thankful that I was not born starving in a flea infested hovel in some god-forsaken third world country.

Thankful that we have brave young men that are willing to fight and die to protect the freedoms that we enjoy and usually take for granted.

Thankful that God gave women such enjoyable parts.

Thankful that I am still young enough to enjoy them.