Wednesday, November 23 -- Gratefotos!

I am thankful for Gracie Mae -- my dog! She is just the sweetest thing. Most of the time. Her favorite activities include sitting on Mom, taking a walk, sitting on Mom, eating chicken, sitting on Mom, chasing squirrels -- and, of course -- sitting on Mom some more! Here she is modeling her Sherlock Holmes look. People often ask about her breed. She's a mutt! Shows that a little style and attitude is more important than pedigree!

I am also thankful for my friend Connie who is kind enough to let Gracie Mae stay with her while we are out of town.

Monday, November 21 --- and Tuesday, November 22

That's right -- two days in "Gratefotos"

I am so thankful for my kids, Woody and Dwight. I am counting a day for each of them. Neither wanted to let me take a picture, so I dug this one up from last summer. They are with their cousins. Woody is on the bottom of the pile -- Dwight is on the far left in a red shirt. I know it's not nice to brag -- so I'll refrain. Sure am thankful for them, though!

Sunday, November 20 -- "Grateftos"

These might look like just an old pair of shoes to you. To me, however, they are my happiest pair of shoes. When I am wearing them, I am in one of only two places -- on stage or on the dance floor! Tonight we went ballroom dancing with our Oshkosh dance friends. I was so busy "cutting a mean rug" that I forgot to take a pic while at the dance -- which is sad. For years I wanted to learn to dance, and finally John agreed to take lessons with me. Turns out -- he's pretty good at it! One week when we had already been dancing twice, and I was talking about a third dance, he reported: "Sweetie, I don't go dancing because I love dancing, I go dancing because I love you!" So -- not only am I thankful for dance shoes -- and a place to dance -- but for a great partner as well!

Saturday, November 19 -- Gratefotos

Tonight the Cooley family came over -- brave souls! I didn't subject them to my cooking. We made sandwiches. We did subject them to a rousing game of "telestrations" though. And, we thought we would warm them up with a beautiful roaring fire in the fireplace. They have recently move to WI after living in Brasil for 5 years. They really miss that equator -- let me tell you! Well -- we haven't used the fireplace yet this season, and it must have some issues. Clouds of hazy smoke backed up into the house. We had to open doors and vents to clear the air. So much for warming up our friends! I thank God for my new friend Karen and her family and feel blessed to have them all here -- in freezing cold WI!

Friday, November 18 -- Gratefotos --

Today I am giving thanks along with my friend Mary Jo. She closed on her new house! Mary Jo actually works in my office -- which is great! Unfortunately, she works in it when I am not there. She has a different day job. This summer, her schedule was different, allowing her time to come in and visit -- and paint and help redecorate our office. She definitely brightened my summer! And I thank God for her. When she talked about buying a house, I introduced her to my dear friend Sheri Knepel -- Realtor extraordinaire! When Mary Jo started house hunting, she let me tag along. We all fell in love with this house on the very first day of looking. And -- she ended up getting a good deal on it. I am looking forward to seeing how she will feather her new nest! And -- happy as I am for her -- I am so glad that all of the moving boxes in this picture belong to her -- and not to me!!!

Thursday, November 17 -- "Gratefotos"

No -- I'm not really trying to say that I am thankful for this pizza place. This is just the spot where a monthly amateur film-makers forum is held. Last year, Woody filmed a short that was entered in a Wildwood Film Festival. Mr. Mata-Sanchez, one of his friend's dads, helped him enter. I had no idea what the whole thing was about. Anyway, his piece was accepted and was shown (along with tons of other work) at the PAC in Appleton. He was one of the few kids who had stuff in the festival. Since then, he has been invited to this forum. I am thankful for the adults in this industry who take time to encourage and mentor my kid as he pursues his passion. I guess I could have gone inside and tried to get a picture of these guys -- but I think Woody would might have complained: "So awkward!"

Wednesday, November 16 -- Gratefotos:

Today I got a haircut. My dear friend Connie cuts my hair in her salon that is attached to her house. I absolutely love going to get my haircut! Connie is so fun --laughs at all of my stories -- gives me a great haircut. I am so thankful for her!