Thankful? YES

Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday for me, probably my most favorite. Why, because that's when my family comes together. When my Dad was still here we were all together at their house for dinner, now everyone tends to have dinner with the In-Laws, but in the afternoon everyone starts gathering at my house. It started a few years ago, long after my Dad had passed away and my Mom had started dating a man that some (okay, most) of us didn't really approve of. We just started to develop new traditions within each of our families as our kids got older, married, had kids of their own. Our tradition now is to have dinner with Brad, Chely, the kids, and Chely's parents. It's nice that the grand kids can have dinner with both sets of Grandparents and we do truly all get along, it's always a great time. Anyway, back to my story: So over time a few of my family started coming by for dessert later in the afternoon and now it's grown to the point that I will probably have around 40 guests at my house this afternoon. This year is special because in the past year two nieces and one nephew have moved back to the Ozarks from Florida, so they and their families will be with us today. I think as we age, we begin to realize that nothing can take the place of family and I'm so thankful that I will be surrounded by a lot of family today.

Here's a few things that I'm thankful for:
a) Doyle--I can't even begin to list all the reasons, so I won't even try!
b) Brad--That despite having us for parents he has grown into a good man.
c) Chely--She's a great Mother (and she's learned to put up with Brad)!
d) Grand kids--There is truly nothing better in this life.
e) My Job--Most days I don't even mind going.
f) My home--It may be humble, but it's almost paid for!!!
g) Our families & friends--We regret all the times we missed family functions with the Kruse side and we're trying to change that as much as we can living so far away. I feel like my family (the Finley's) are finally starting to come around and realize that there is more to life than getting somewhere or getting something. Family is where it's at!!! I'm trying to make a conscience effort to be a better friend because you know: to have a friend, you have to be a friend!!!

Okay, that's my list, and reading back over it I can say that I have a pretty good life. My wish for everyone this Thanksgiving is to take a minute and think about what you are thankful for this year. Now, I'm off to get ready for a great meal at Don & Sharon's, and to put the finishing touches on a few things here at home. Happy Turkey Day to all!!!!!

Deer Season 2009

This weekend has flown by, it's already Sunday morning and I am dreading Monday!! I don't think one more day will be enough to accomplish everything that I need to get done here at home before heading back to work. Course it's pretty much my own fault, I spent my day off Friday doing shopping in West Plains, and yesterday I spent most of the day down at the Abbey's. It was opening day of rifle season, so I helped Steve and Kurt make a big breakfast for all the deer hunters, then after just a little while here at home we went back to the farm to help with a big supper. Brad saw a buck but let it go because he's waiting for a "big" buck, which translates to he wants a deer with a big rack. Chelsea (my nephews girlfriend) shot two deer at the same time. She came up to her spot and they were standing there feeding. She shot the one and the other just stood there and looked at her, so she shot it too. Good for her, she showed up all the guys hunting down on the farm on opening day!! So right now my plan is to stay home today and get some things done around the house, course that all could change with just one phone call from the farm.

Tuesday=Sad Day!

Today was sad for two reasons--the first being that today was my last day off until Sunday. Hopefully the hospital has slowed down a bit with the nice weather we've been having. Today was beautiful, bright and sunny. I just dread going back to work, even with 5 days off, it wasn't enough to accomplish everything that I needed to here at home. The second reason today was sad is because the salvage yard came and took the Grand Am away. I figured I would cry but I made it through without a tear. I just hate it, it's like losing a part of me. I keep telling myself it's just a "thing" but I've had it for so long, payed for it myself, and it was such a good car. Had I not wrecked it I would have driven it til it totally quit on me. Hopefully the Focus will be just as good. So far I like it, except for the fact that I didn't realize it didn't have cruise control until I was driving out of the lot. I didn't even think of it NOT having it, I really thought it was pretty well standard on all cars these days. So I'll have to check into having it added. I also plan on tinting the windows like I did on the Grand Am, it makes a big difference when they have to sit in a parking lot all day. I had to go to the doctor this morning in West Plains and it was so strange to go in the garage and see a different car sitting there--weird, I know!!!