Giving Thanks

Took a road trip this weekend. Drove longingly past wineries. Lunched at a playground. Found a pumpkin patch on the side of the road and pulled away with 4 pumpkins, fresh off the vine and an assortment of small, bumpy gourds, smelling of crisply of autumn earth. Turned off the highway an hour before our official exit and took the back road, past houses and farms and parks that were part of childhood trips. Visited my elementary school, drooled over the new playground equipment. Maneuvered ever so carefully over the potholes on the old road, pausing to recall so many years ago. Arrived, well past expected, at my aunt's on the lake. Unloaded, ate, and then watched the boys play tag well into to the darkness, rolling like puppies, wine in hand.

Industrious.

Breakfasted the next morning with my step-father and siblings. We weren't expected and neither was my brother, so it was a fun surprise all around. The boys needed to burn off energy before the big meal, so we found a rocky shore, smelled the salty air, climbed and explored. Dinner was a huge affair, with over 40 aunts, uncles, cousins. Vodka soaked cranberries. Delicious.

Pensive.

A jump of 25 degrees had us sweating in our long sleeved shirts and flannel pajamas. But allowed for freedom - exploration of the lake, the woods. My father came to visit, coffee in hand; walking through the vibrant changing leaves, the junkyard heaps, the air thick with wasps.

Bouncy boys.

Large net strung between the trees. Not photoshopped.

The boys didn't want to go, their cousins didn't want to say goodbye. Back in the car, weaving through remarkably light holiday traffic. Heavy police presence. We made better time, arriving exactly one minute under estimate. Unloaded, ate, soaked up the relaxation of home, wine in hand.

Sleepy and late start today, then into the bustle of work and school. The happiness of the weekend spilling out of them, staying with them. Elliot in particular kept with him the magic, the calmness of the weekend. For this, I am thankful. For friends and family, good food and tangy wine, I am thankful. Tonight's air dropped 20 degrees, smelling vaguely of snow. I guess I can be thankful for that as well.