It's Opening Day of Deer Season today. It's always an interesting time of year - usually brisk with some flurries in the air. Tom's hunting stuff was all piled on the table downstairs in anticipation of the big day. He gets up early, packs his lunch and brews a thermos of coffee for the long chilly day in the woods. I can recall when my Dad used to hunt so many years ago and sometimes he would be gone several days depending on if he got his big Buck or not. We would get all excited as the school bus approached our house to see if there was a deer hanging in the garage because that meant Dad was home early. We didn't much like venison really -- but there was always lots of exciting stories to share and a big thanksgiving dinner followed shortly thereafter. Neat memories.....

Anyway -- as I sit at my desk, it's quiet today. The whole world must be out hunting....or they know that even the schools shut down this time of year around here. ;-) I heard about 3 or 4 gunshots this morning which sounded relatively close by -- but it must not have been Tom because he isn't back yet.

I am looking forward to winter riding with Reese this year again. I need winter boots REALLY bad --- and also a good set of winter gloves. I am shopping online for the best deals. I think I found them. We'll see.

Andy comes home in 1 WEEK!!! He flies in from Utah on Turkey day so we will have our big dinner on Friday instead. Tom's folks are coming up too, Tracy is doing most of the cooking including a chocolate pumpkin cake, yum! Andy's buddy from College is also coming for the weekend so that will be a really great time.

So much to be thankful for --- we feel so blessed. At this moment, I am thankful for a nice quiet afternoon, listening to my dogs sleep at my feet and watching the wind blow thru the trees outside my window.....