THE WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING

Today is November 22. Almost Thanksgiving.

Really?  

Here in the Kennebunks, the 50-foot-high lobster-bedecked Christmas tree is already up and twinkling with lights in Dock Square, the heart and soul of Kennebunkport. Fresh pine roping festooned with big red bows decorates the bridge spanning the Mousam River in Kennebunk village. Thanks to my Sirius-XM car radio, I drive to Hannafords for Honey Nuts and bananas, listening to “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” before negotiating my way past the the gigantic pile and assortment of green wreaths stacked up by the entrance.

My holiday surroundings and the myriad of catalogs featuring mistletoe and holly on the covers that arrive daily suggest it’s December 22. But that’s a month away. And I’m not ready for all this Christmas-y stuff yet. I still have thanks to give and share.

First, I’m relieved the election is over. That doesn’t mean I’m happy because I’m not. My candidate lost and, for me and 49% of the electorate, it’s going to be a long four years. That said, I know the election was democratic, it was peaceful, and the acceptance/concession speeches allow our country to move forward, hopefully to a less divisive place. For that, I’m truly thankful.

After nearly 18 months of illness, Mr. Wonderful is thriving. You wouldn’t believe the man! He goes to cardiac rehab three times a week and his once-frail body is gaining muscle and tone. His “Renaissance Man” mind is so actively sharp, he’s writing a new novel (with a character named Bongo, no less!). Yesterday, our friend Steve stopped by, asking Mr. W. to write several new songs for a project he’s working on. Of course his answer was “Yes!”  For that, for his amazing recovery, I’m very thankful.

My year started with bad health news too as my ticker was not ticking so well. Since then, I’ve lost 25 pounds, I eat more healthily, I exercise daily and swallow Entresto and other amazing heart drugs every morning, and my cardiologist assures me I’m “doing great.” Am I thankful? You bet.

Like many of you, I’ve lost treasured friends this past year, including Ellen, Gilles, Elliott, Spack, Sandy B. and other dear ones. But what’s not lost are the joyful memories, the blissful times, the laughing conversations, the sheer joy of knowing them. For that, and for my loving family, I’m truly thankful. 

My decorative pumpkins are still sitting on the front porch looking very Thanksgiving-y. My cocktail napkins feature turkeys and orange gourds. It hasn’t even snowed here yet! For Pete’s sake, let’s still enjoy this most wonderful holiday and have a Happy Thanksgiving.