It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the US and the holiday season has officially begun. From now through New Year’s Day, the work pace will slow down to a skeleton crew at most places, with people’s minds on their Xmas holidays or parties. The commercialism of it all will kick into high gear this year more than ever, what with Black Friday sales now starting just right after you cut the turkey instead of at 4am on Friday.

I don’t know about you, but this year I’m staying out of the stores. If I can’t find it online, I’ll live without it.

After reading about the recent natural disasters and going through all the family stresses this year, I’m going back to the true meaning of Thanksgiving, when we’re supposed to sit back and reflect on the year that’s about to end and focus on what we are thankful for…the roof over our heads, food in our bellies, shoes on our feet, and freedom outside our door. Very basic needs met for most yet wishful thinking for others, even in this bountiful country of ours.

No turkey for me, but as you can see from all of today’s pics (taken at the Dallas Arboretum), I’m going to double up on everything pumpkin and say thank you to everyone I know, for being a part of this sometimes incredible experiment I call my life. And to all my readers, thanks for another year.