This is my fourth year away from family on Thanksgiving, and while it is hard there is still so much that I am grateful for.

• There are always people willing to take you in and share their food, wine and laughter with.  I’ve been invited to all kinds of fun activities tonight, tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday — there is no time to get lonely, pining for family time (but oh what I would give to be with Joe and the kids today).
• I’m surrounded by giving, good people.  My neighbors upstairs are moving back to the states, and you would not believe how much great stuff they have given me.  You know how I’ve been stressing over getting a bed delivered;  no need.  They gave me a fantastic king-sized one, a dining room table, fans, lights, small appliances, the list goes on.  I cannot believe how lucky I am.  All they asked is I give back to someone else, and they’re fans of Grandma’s Closet (or is it attic?), so a donation in their honour will be made.  I hope it’ll help pull someone else through a tough transition like their gifts have helped lift my spirits!

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Just a taste of what I’ve been lucky to receive!

• I’m driving my car!  I got my tags earlier this week, and it’s so much more fun to drive than the Twingo.
• I think I’m getting Internet/cable service next week — my hope is that typing this will make it so.
• I have my health; Joe and the kids have their health; every one is doing well.
• Life is good.

I’m also on the continent of Christmas markets, which are budding all over the place.  I went with some friends to the one in Lille, France (only an hour drive away!), going to the one in Brussels next weekend, and the weekend after that the one in Mons is opening, so mulled wine, gingerbread and all sorts of goodies galore!

In a few weeks I head home to see the family for Christmas, and then the countdown for Joe and Badger’s move begins.   It’s finally all coming together as it always does, and that might just be the best thanksgiving of all.

Badger finally cool with his kennel.  LOL don’t know how cool he’ll be with it on that long flight, but we’ll cross that bridge in February.

I hope you’re all enjoying time with your loved ones, and I promise to post more soon — just a little busy with work, finishing up the move-here process and play.