We have so much for which to be thankful–family, health, and quality of life. We are learning to live with the results of the past election and working hard to move on and focus on the “things we can change and to know the things we can’t.” But it’s hard with every news source telling us what’s happening in the transition and what’s going to happen in the new administration. It’s not what we voted for, nor what we think should be happening, but there is nothing we can do, but work on our equilibrium.

Bryn and Joel invited us to their home for Thanksgiving; Joel loves to cook, and the feast was delicious and ample. It is strange not to be responsible for the Thanksgiving feast, nor determining the menu, but it is quite nice to show up, be fed and entertained, and then return home, leaving our hosts to deal with the leftovers and the mess. For that we can be truly thankful.

Winter is definitely settling in for us; the sun sets earlier each day–yesterday, I heard the TV weatherperson say sunset was at 4:39pm. By 5:15 it is completely dark. One pre-Christmas treat here in Denver is the nightly drone show at 7:00pm. Our balcony window offers a ringside seat for viewing the show. It only lasts about 12 minutes, but is fun and very entertaining. Trying to figure out what tableau is coming together as we watch is a big part of the fun.

Winter, more than any other season, makes me think of curling up with a good book. Unfortunately, I don’t seem to be able to read as readily as I once did. As a teenager and young adult, I could and often would read for hours at a time and never wanted to be without a book by my bedside. These days I am much more likely to listen to a book, most of which I borrow from the Denver Public Library, and listen to on my daily walks.

I am currently on a binge listening to a, new to me, series by Daniel Silva featuring his protagonist, Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and Israeli spy. Each book has been suspenseful and entertaining. The narrators, and there have been several, bring the books alive with their repertoire of voices and accents, making the book seem like a stage presentation. I started with A Death in Cornwall, which is the 24th in the series. I haven’t been able to read or listen the books in order, but the author puts the characters and previous actions in an historical context. I recommend giving them a try!

Hope your Thanksgiving was a lovely as ours!