Hot water...

...and the friends who helped us get it.

Pilgrims

I am thankful that the pilgrims were willing to risk all to worship God in freedom and because of that we today, live in the land they came to and are still able to worship God in freedom.

Those who are willing to serve

I am so thankful for the young men and women (like Drea) who are willing to serve their country, helping protect our freedom to give thanks.

Turkey

I am thankful for the person that raised the turkey we will enjoy on Thanksgiving Day.

honesty

I'm thankful for friends who can be honest when you screw up instead of letting you walk around with a kick me sign on your back all day... figuratively of course. I'm thankful that we know even when we screw up, we can come back and be loved...

Ovens

I'm thankful that we were able to find ovens to fit the space we had, so that we didn't have to also replace the entire wall of cupboards.

The Universe

I'm thankful for the amazingly beautiful universe we live in. And I'm thankful that God has made brilliant scientists and creative artists who can create places like Griffiths Observatory, where we ordinary folks can get a little closer to understanding (or at least appreciating) the order and beauty that surrounds us.

Doctors

I'm thankful for doctor's--like the one who did Erin's knee-- and --like the one who took the cataract from Bob's eye-- and the healing that is taking place for both Erin and Bob.

A bike and a job

I'm thankful for a bike to ride to work each day during these crunch times. I'm also thankful for a job to ride to especially since it's only 2 miles away.

IBM

I am thankful that in 1951 I went to work for IBM. Back then it was "the" company to work for. Noted for white shirts and singing IBM songs when at schools. It was a wonderful 31 years and provided Pat and me the means to travel all over the USA and the means to retire at 56. It has been a wonderful life.

Southern California

I'm thankful that even though it's November, it's still warm enough to take walks without having to get all bundled up.

The play is over

I'm thankful that The Merry Wives of Windsor play is over and done with. Ushering was fun, but I'm thankful I can go to bed at a normal time now.

Adopted

I am thankful for my adopted family, you know the ones that live at Pam's house. Joan has been like an adopted daughter for many years and Drea I have known from day one. Love you guys(gals).

For Generous Friends

I am so grateful for all of my generous friends. This weekend I am once again humbled by Carol and Gary's generosity in letting us use this amazingly beautiful home. Whenever we stay here, I am inspired to be more generous in my own life. I am also thankful for the ever-changing beauty of the ocean!

Family

I am thankful for family The ones that live in Downey and other parts of CA. and NV. They are all wonderful.

Atherton

I am thankful that I live in a place like Atherton with the freedoms we enjoy and a host of friends.

Brothers

I am so thankful for brothers that love me so much they will get up extra early to get my car that's way out of the way where I locked my keys in the car... you know, just in general.

God's timing

Yesterday I had lunch with an old friend from FileNet. Lynn left FileNet to become a lawyer and has been practicing for about a year now. She's been working with a couple of attorneys who specialize in Social Security issues, and she wants to continue this focus, especially related to people with special needs.

There's been an item at the top of my "to do" list for a couple of months now. I've looked at it again and again and can't figure out where to even start. The item? "Find a lawyer who will help me with the appeal for Erinna's SSI benefits".

Lynn wants to help. I am so thankful to God for bringing Lynn back into my life at this particular moment.

Atherton

I am thankful I can live in a place like Atherton. As one resident said: "If you don't like Atherton, you won't like heaven." Amen to that!

a job

I'm thankful for a job that make me feel like I've accomplished something every day. I'm so thankful for God's provision through the hours...

Pumpkins

I'm thankful for the incredible variety of pumpkins. God made them in so many colors!

Noses

I love Erinna's nose.

Drea's adventure

I am thankful for my daughter and the example she sets in her life. I'm proud of her choices and pray she continues to make wise ones. I'm thankful for her willingness to serve her country and to give of herself to others.

Holiday times are coming

I'm thankful for Allison who comes over to play. We had fun today experimenting with new, potential recipes for Thanksgiving.

I think I love the anticipation of the holidays almost as much as the holidays themselves.

As of this moment

I'm thankful for Pam who always keeps us up-to-date with every new technology and checks it out first and then teaches us so we don't have to struggle. I'm also thankful for Joan who takes care of me when I'm home away from home.

Restaurants

It may sound silly; but I am thankful for restaurants. It's so good when I don't have to cook.

Pandora

It sure is nice to have music so very available while I work anywhere in the house!

Thankful for... (from Andrea)

From Andrea:

At this point in my life, as far as the superficial things go, I am thankful for sleep, good friends, and a baby's laugh. Spiritually, I am thankful that God's love, acceptance, and presence aren't contingent on my trust and obedience.

Granddaughter

I am thankful for a little girl that came all the way from the Ukraine to be my granddaughter.

Brain medicine

I'm thankful for Dr. Shah who understands what's wrong with my brain because of FAS, and that he has medications that might help me.

USC hospital and doctor

I'm thankful for the USC orphopedic doctor, Dr. Tibone, best surgeon ever!

Someone who understands

I am so thankful to have finally found a psychiatrist who knows more about FAS than I do, and who offers hope not only for treatment now, but for support in our appeal for SSI benefits.