In the United States, November is the time for Thanksgiving. Also for thanks giving. Today I take some time for gratitude.

Giving Thanks For Many Things

Gratitude seems to put my life into perspective. It right-sizes problems that have been exaggerated. It also helps me to give equal amounts of focus on the aspects of my life I worry about and those for which I am truly grateful.

Life

Kind of a general thing for which to be grateful. I know. But recently my sister-in-law’s dad died and we attended a virtual memorial for him last night. He had an exceptional life and left behind a legacy to be proud of. Especially his kids and grandkids. His passing made me think about my own mortality. And the life I often take for granted. Also made me pleased to think of the legacy I will leave behind.

Surroundings

Thaddeus and I often often express our gratitude for the area where we live. It is truly beautiful. I was meant to live near water. It brings me an enormous amount of serenity and peace. The Delaware River satisfies that need. Our frequent bicycle outings provide ample access to deep, calming waters.

Family

Both my family of origin and my chosen family bring me great joy. While I may not express it often publicly, I am incredibly grateful for the love, support and comfort of my family. This also includes my furry family. Finn (and previously Nico, Gage and Chaps) are all important to me.

Annually, we celebrate Gage Day (December 7th). There is a beautiful preserved land that overlooks the Delaware River where we have buried our three cats. We hike up to this this beautiful place each year to remember the joy that brought to our lives.

What are the three things about which you are most grateful?

Current Knitting

With an upcoming visit to a large, wooded area, I thought Thaddeus and I would need bright apparel. So as not to get shot by hunters.

So I pulled out the highlighter-yellow yarn and will knit up a couple of these simple caps.

I also decided that maybe I was having a streak of success with the circular sock knitting machine. So I FINALLY might be able to finish the second sock of a pair I started months ago.

Here is the last part of cranking a sock. It is the part where I have finished the toe and doing a few rows of waste yarn to cast-off the sock.

Both the first and second socks have a couple of mistakes.  But they’re all mistakes that can be easily corrected during the finishing.

When they first come off the machine, they always look a little weird. But once I’ve grafted the toes, woven in the ends and blocked them, they will be dandy.

What are you working on?