Thankfulness

Today, the day before Thanksgiving, was a perfect day to spend some time on my balcony, drinking in all the sights, sounds and smells of a Fall nearly gone and Winter breathing down it's neck.

I watch birds soaring and dipping high in the thin, blue sky. I think for a moment that they are eagles but soon I realize, that's just buzzards. Plain, ugly buzzards searching with their keen sight for something to sustain them on the ground. Even plain, ugly buzzards have a grace and elegance in the air.

Ripples rise up on the far side of the pond and grow as they shimmer toward me. It's a flock of Mersanger ducks. They dive under water, splash each other, swim away. I watch with fascination. They are like children at play.

The golden trees shimmer in the breeze, trying desperately to hang onto the last of their gaily-colored attire. A leaf falls and then another.

Winter is on it's way. 

I am so thankful for God's guidance, His presents of nature, His presence in my heart. I am so thankful for family, friends and for each of you.