hearts in my path

I was thinking the other day that I neglected to say anything about the things I'm thankful or grateful for in my Thanksgiving post. It was all about food! Well now, food is important, I grant you that. I enjoy me some good eating, especially when it's been prepared with love.

There are a few other things that I'd like to give thanks for. Actually, it many ways, it boils down to one thing: the hearts in my path.

I have had the great good fortune to have gathered around me, near and far, a number of wonderful people to love and be loved by. This circle includes friends and family.

Recently I have been reminded of these connections on my hikes with Tiika. I've been noticing in my path, literally, a multitude of hearts. Mostly they are rocks embedded in the dirt but sometimes moss, sticks, or plants have created a heart for me to notice. I've begun to make it my habit when I see a heart in my path to bring one of the real heart connections I have to mind and give thanks for that person.

Today we are going out to get a Christmas tree. We haven't had one at our place in several years since we are usually traveling at this time. We're planning to bring it home, dress it up while a Christmas movie plays (Scrooge anyone?) and then wrap the presents that have been piling up. I'm even planning to indulge in a little eggnog.

In the meantime, Rob is making another foray into hollandaise sauce and poached eggs. Yum! Definitely important ingredients in the making of a good day.

T Day breakfast YUM!

Yesterday was a lovely, relaxing day spent with just the three of us, mostly at home. It began with this scrumptious meal: farm fresh eggs benedict with uncured ham and homemade hollandaise sauce (no bread though it wasn't missed) and fresh brewed coffee with real half and half. Oh my! Rob truly outdid himself with this one. (side note: you can't really see it in these pictures, but the eggs were heart-shaped! We finally used the heart egg poacher we received as a wedding gift!)

As you can tell from the photo, it was a bright and sunny day here. We took full advantage of it and went for a hike with Tiika. It was great to see how many other people were soaking up some rays and stretching their legs pre-Thanksgiving Dinner.

We came home and feasted on an anti-pasta plate then played our own version of Scrabble. It was cooperative in nature and more fun than I thought it might be. =) Then it was time to get dinner going.

We had a pork roast with homemade mustard rub, roasted carrots, onions and beets and parmesan-garlic green beans. This was followed by a unique pumpkin pie (made with an almond meal and coconut oil crust and coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk) and real whipped cream. I felt full and satisfied but not overly stuffed.

It was a good day. Many thanks were shared and received. Though we missed seeing family, it was kind of nice to just laze around and not have to be anywhere at any particular time. As for next year...who knows what it will be like...we're looking forward to finding out!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It's pretty darn cold and white here this morning. When I took Tiika out for her morning constitutional, it was snowing lightly. It's too cold for it to be much more than that.

Rob is in the kitchen making us a hearty breakfast. We intend to head out into the cold and hike the morning away. This afternoon we are heading to the Furey's house for feasting, fun and extended-family celebration of the richness and wealth of our lives.

We hope all of you are surrounded by your dear ones, enjoying each other today.

Much love.

.Jenn, Rob & Tiika.