I have several good friends coming over in a few hours, each bringing an item for our potluck Thanksgiving. J. is cooking his first turkey, and attempting a wilted spinach salad, I’m making my signature smashed potatoes (1/2 sweet, 1/2 regular, easy on the butter), and cranberry sauce. My pumpkin butter canning plan went awry (no jars!), so I also have a pumpkin bundt cake to offer.

Throughout the day I’ll be calling and talking with family. We all have a great deal to be thankful for, this year more so than others.

I am profoundly grateful for the man I love and share my life with, for my true friends far away and near, for my exasperating, glorious family, and for the Lord and Lady who give me challenges I must stretch to achieve.

Blessed Be.