Cyndi's Two Cents

Thankful

Commentary.

Each year around Thanksgiving time I pen a column listing some of the things for which I am thankful.   Some things, like deep and meaningful friendships, a loving family, a challenging and rewarding career, and good health are always at the top of my list.

It is easy to get caught up in the permanent whitewater of life. Each of us has so many responsibilities that stopping to appreciate all that we have is not an easy feat.  As a deer hunter, I enjoy those few hours during firearm season when I am alone in my stand.

I would be remiss if I did not share how very thankful I am for the new deer stand I have this year.  My husband and a friend of ours built a stand for me that I fondly refer to as my “treehouse” instead of “deer stand.”  Although the temperature was in the single digits when I climbed into that stand on opening morning, I was soon comfortable in the shelter they made for me.

During those early hours watching the woods come to life and keeping eyes peeled for that well-antlered buck, I enjoy the blessed solitude. I talk to God.  I make a mental list of that for which I am grateful:  hot black Folder’s coffee and thick and warm socks in hunting boots top the list in that moment.  But there’s so much more.

I am thankful for the precipitation that finally arrived to bring an end to the drought we experienced this year. I could do without the frozen white stuff that came so early this fall, but it served its purpose as well.

I am thankful for the abundance of harvest from our gardens this year. We spent a lot of time watering tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli, and other vegetables, but it helped.

I am thankful for the hay crop we were able to make in a timely fashion at the right stage for optimal total digestible nutrient availability. It was a shorter crop than usual, but thanks to our network of friends in agriculture, we were able to find others with hay to sell.

I am thankful for corny jokes and a good sense of humor.  Both sure come in handy when the tension and stress of the world today could very easily send you down a path of despair.  Let’s be honest – there’s nothing more therapeutic than a good belly laugh that brings tears to your eyes!

I am thankful for local, AM radio and those dedicated announcers who keep us informed during threatening weather events.  I’m glad that I used to do that and that someone else is doing it now.

I am thankful for the automatic start and heated seats in the new Chevy Equinox I bought this year. I’m thankful that my 2009 Impala gave me nearly 200,000 miles before I had to replace her.

I am thankful for automatic waterers, a deep well, gates that swing, and a good veterinarian.

My list is long. I hope yours is too.