HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I can smell “winter” in the air, here in SoCal.  The cool breezes push through the light sweaters I wear.  Today it’s actually drizzling a little and since Mother Earth rotates on an axis, it’s getting positively night-like in the late afternoon.  A whole lot darker than last month.

That means its time to haul out the extra blankets.  My husband Craig “ooo’s” and “aah’s” every year as I lay his across his side of the bed.  I crocheted it.  Just for him.  The basket weave pattern I used is dense and thick and I found myself making trip after trip to Michaels, the hobby-heaven box store, to buy more skeins of tan and brown and creme-colored 4-ply acrylic yarn.  After a while I didn’t care if the “lot numbers” matched or not.  Close enough, was good enough.  Winter passed, then spring before it was all done.

Years later, the thing is still alive and has survived countless whirls through the washing machine and dryer.  Because our dining room table happens to be our bed, the basket weave blanket doubles as a “table cloth” and has weathered every conceivable dinner combination I can dream up.   I’m not exaggerating when I tell you it is a bonifide member of the family.

As I am arranging it nicely across the bed, I wonder, out loud even, how the hell did I have the time to crochet a fricking blanket?  When was that?  It seems a dream or two ago.

I haven’t picked up a crochet hook for ages and today I am keeping so many plates spinning in the air that if a few moments of free time float into the day, I take a nap.   I’m getting good at sleeping sitting up.  Last week I parked outside the local stationery store but the afternoon radio show on KCRW (it was Joe Frank…if you’re interested) delayed my trip inside.  I love Joe’s dark and witty stuff and am really getting into it, right?  Until I fall asleep.  With my seat belt on.  In the customer parking lot.

So on that note, I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.  Even if you are someone who happens to sleep through the holiday.  Here’s my personal take on the whole thing:  Everyday should be T-Day!  I’m grateful that I woke up this morning.  I’m grateful for the cooler weather and the “shorter” days.  For homemade blankets.  I’m grateful to have a full and busy life, even if I’m exhausted and I’m grateful for ten-minute naps.  I’m grateful for the precious people who turn everyday into some kind of Technicolor adventure—be it drama, comedy or mayhem.

And thank you.  To you!