Day 182: Thankful Today That I Have Light and Water

 So many suffered loss and damage due to the storm.  My heart goes out to them.

I am also filled with gratitude. I was spared. Why the storm was devastating to some and just a minor disruption to others, I don't know? Life is so complex and contradictory. One house on a street has power and another just a block away is without. This time my circumstances were favorable, and I am grateful.

Day 181: Thankful Today That The Tree Fell Sideways

 I woke after a rough night of howling winds and beating rain not knowing what to expect when I stepped outside that morning. I looked out the window and found I had an unusually clear view. Then I realized, the large tree that used to block my view, was gone. It wasn't atop the cars parked out front. And thankfully, it hadn't awakened me with a crash through my bedroom window. It was not snapped in half, but instead pulled out of the ground, leaving dangling roots and a gaping hole as it lay sideways atop a pile of kid's bikes. I felt for the kids, but I am sure the parents were happy to have the family's transportation or roof over their heads spared.

Day 180: Thankful Today for a Vegan Thanksgiving

 I rarely cook Thanksgiving. If I don't spend it enjoying a meal at family and friends then I use the time to relax and recharge during this busy season. And I usually cook a simple meal that day. But this Thanksgiving I thought I'd try a vegan Thanksgiving and cook a Tofurkey. It took longer to cook than expected but much shorter than a huge turkey. It came out golden brown and full of stuffing. The sweet potatoes I roasted were rich and flavorful but healthfully prepared. The meal was topped off with a side of sauteed Kale. Well how was my vegan Thanksgiving?

I loved the kale and sweet potatoes, even though they were missing the traditional marshmallows and tons of butter. The Tofurkey was okay. You know there are some meats that aren't easily faked. So next year if I cook, will be a Cornish hen or turkey breast. It was a fun experiment though and inspired me to cook next Thanksgiving if I'm not able to join friends or family.