Pacha’s Cone of Protection – Photo: L. Weikel

Thanksgiving

I’ve started and deleted this Thanksgiving post so many times, I’ve lost count. Having snagged only four hours of sleep last night and then wedged in a five hour round trip holiday visit, I’ve also dozed off between attempts write something meaningful. Alas, even these simple introductory sentences deserve to meet the same fate as their predecessors: to be deleted and rewritten. Nothing I write feels right tonight.

There’s so much I want to say, and at the same time, it just all feels heavy. Or said already. And you know how sometimes you can say something too many times and the magic just goes up in a puff of smoke? I guess I’m facing one of those moments.

Thanksgiving Bluebird – Photo: L. Weikel

In Spite of Everything

Yes, I started this day on only four hours of sleep. That’s a big contributor to my current state of fogginess. It’s catching up to me. But in spite of everything, Karl and I still managed to embrace the day’s sunshine and balmy temperatures to fit in a walk-about – our four mile sojourn through local hill and dale. This was a special treat because Karl hasn’t been able to walk with me as much over the past several months.

But today he did. And for that, I’m grateful.

Watchers – Photo: L. Weikel

So Many Witnesses

It almost felt as though we were in a Thanksgiving Day parade. Our walk was lined with local fauna stepping up and waving to us as we passed by. So many of the creatures about whom I’ve written in these past 1109 posts seemed to show up – or in some cases, simply let their voices ring out in greeting.

First was a bluebird, so strikingly beautiful in the late afternoon sunshine.

The pups had their first encounter with the Hounds of the Baskervilles – which left them a bit trembly, even though Pacha had a cone of protection.

A pileated woodpecker called out to us incessantly and flew alongside us from tree to tree as we climbed a steep hill. On the other side of the road, a herd of deer monitored our progress navigating the hill and conversing with the massive woodpecker.

About a mile later, coyotes howled in the bowels of High Rocks while a Great Horned owl’s hooting added another layer to the message.

Gratitude

The very fact that I can write about all these creatures sharing in and contributing to our walk  on this gorgeous November day (and having Karl to share it as well) gives me more to be grateful for than I can ever express.

Another exquisite sunset – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-1)