Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It's interesting to have a day like today when we are reminded of everything that we are thankful for, but more than that it is a day of good food and family togetherness. It's a good day to hear from friends and other family members, too.

We are blessed to have so much in our lives and we are thankful every day, not just today. But it's all good. :-)

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Christmas buying known as "Black Friday." What a somber name to call the beginning of this "rush." For years, my husband and I have been up early and off we go to join the throngs of people waiting in line to get into the stores in order to buy that one gift. Years ago, I stood in line when the "Cabbage Patch" doll was the toy to have. A friend of mine was way up front and as the doors open we all rushed inside. She yelled to me, "G., CATCH!" I lifted my arms and caught that box -- DARN IT~ my daughter would have a Cabbage Patch doll!! Ahhhhh ... good to have a friend with a good throwing arm.

Most times, however, we get inside and the product we want is gone! Bummer! I really believe they buy only a small amount for each store. They just want to get us in and buy other stuff -- no sir-ee -- not us - we turn around and walk right out, get in our car --- and --- zoom to the next store.

I don't quite know our strategy for tomorrow. Last year, we got there when we got there. I think we will do the same tomorrow. Breakfast sounds good, too.

Again, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, a good beginning of the Christmas season, good health, good times with family and friends.

Good

My sister's doctor is a good doctor. She is really happy with him. He is being very thorough and she likes that. I think a good doctor helps a patient to be more at ease with the situation. I can hear my sister's energy and a "lilt" in her voice. And all that is good. :-)

Yesterday my teenage son came home with a bracelet that said "YO TENGO ESPERANZA" (I have hope). They were being given for a 1.00 donation at his high school by parents whose children have cancer. I thought it was a nice gesture on my son's part to get this bracelet because I know how much he cares for his "tia."


When I stop and think of my life and the lives around me, I am so blessed. Thank you, Lord.

Sisters

So much goes through my mind -- cleaning the house, work, on vacation -- where would I like to go? Do I want to go anywhere? Sometimes I think yes, other times I think it is not necessary at this time. My mind is mostly on my sister. Her health and her imminent operation. We are five sisters. We are all different, but the same in many respects especially in the way we love and care for each other.


Our oldest sister has always been our cornerstone, our blessing, second mother to most of us. And she is sick once again -- with cancer.

I tell her we can overcome it once more. We will have faith and believe that our good Lord will again heal her body and make her well again. Miracles . . .

When one of us is sick, we all come together to help and support each other. We are five sisters and we are so blessed. Thank you, Lord.

Sister

We were once young. . .

Veteran's Day

God bless our soldiers today and everyday.

Veteran's Day

Today we took a little detour from our day and ventured upon a Veteran's Day celebration downtown by my husband's old high school. One of the first McDonald restaurants has been turned into a museum and we had never gone in there. It was very interesting because of all the historical pictures and newspapers that went way back. I like looking at things of days gone by because it helps me to remember how it used to be. Not that I grew up here, but I like listening to my husband tell me about his chidhood. The picture above is of the train yard the way it was. It has long since been torn down and the metro link has replaced the grandeur of this train yard.

Ah... McDonald's -- not my favorite place to eat, but those cheeseburgers are tasty!! My husband remembers when they used to cost 15 cents. :-) It was fun to see this museum and all its relics.

Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

This is my daughter's alter for Dia de los Muertos in honor of loved ones who have passed away, but still dear in our hearts - her grandpa (my dad), her great grandma, her "nino" (godfather) and her uncle, my husband's brother. It was beautiful to see and study all the small details that she includes to symbolize our family members. She has done an alter in her home for some years, but this is the first time she has displayed it for all to see.

An artist painting on the sidewalk.

A tribute to "Mrs. Garcia" from her students. This was a small paper "pop-out" at the base of a much larger alter.

I thought all these magnets were cool. They made me smile.

Mija's alter in the daytime when we first got there. She is so creative. :-)