Have You Given Back?

Makes a mother proud to hear:

"I like feeding people. Especially the homeless. It makes me feel good to hook them up with food." Josh



"I bought Buenos Noches Luna today. It was one of my favorites growing up so I gave it because some other little girl just has to have it." Alison

Abundance Of Thanks

Today we are going to my Canadian girlfriends home for Thanksgiving. My initial question is still unanswered (because I'm an egotistical ignorant American?) about what do the Canadians give thanks?
But, I've decided that it really doesn't matter. I am taking this day, as all days should be, to give Thanks for all of the ABUNDANCE we have in our lives.

• I have Mark for my husband, who as my Alison reminded me recently loves me like no one else


• I have two beautiful children, Josh and Alison, both in their appearance and character


• I have both of my parents alive today


• I have Lois, my mother-in-law from my first marriage


• I have my in-laws, Ian and Brucie, from this marriage too, for which I am truly grateful.


• I have three beautiful daughters, Amber, Natalya and Alyssa, through Mark


• Albeit cluttered, dusty and not terribly clean, I have a warm house to shelter me from the coming cold weather


• I work for an incredible boss


• I have enough money to pay all my bills, and stash some away for vacations


• I have the cool car in the family

And the biggest, saved for last because it's greatest:

• I have GOD

There is so much more I could add, but this is my foundation.

I am making some vegan delightful Thanksgiving foods for Alison, because Sheila will have an over abundance of food for the rest of us.

Donating Blood

I am at the United Blood Center in Reno today donating platelets. I like to come every two weeks (plaetlets replenish themselves in 24 hours) but I haven't been here since June. :-( I sit here from 90 minutes to 2 hours. That's what it takes to draw, spin the platelets out and return the rest of my blood. It takes the longest if my count was high enough to give a double unit. Today will only be a single.

My reason for sitting here so long is that my platelets are given to people who are undergoing chemotherapy. My platelets help them feel better. Someone else gave their time and platelets for my Aunt Dottie. My time means nothing when I know I've helped improve the quality of someone elses day, particularly when they may not have much quality in their life.

Today the draw machine was not liking me so they had quit early - only 45 min today.