Dear Reader:

To gather simply means to come together or assemble …which can be good …but haven’t we all seen too many gatherings recently from entertainment stampedes to terrorist invasions of Christmas parades go terribly wrong-gatherings that started out happily turning into tragedies?

Thanksgiving has become synonymous with the word ” gathering ” -family and friends coming together to share food, news, celebrations and stories. A long-standing tradition in our country’s culture.

But just because we gather doesn’t mean Thanksgiving will be a fond memorable event-it takes everyone sharing their own unique stories and strengths to bring everyone else in the fold-activities that include everyone’s participation and acceptance.

I am looking forward to sharing time with my youngest son, Tommy and wife Kaitlyn along with her parents.. Susan and Butch. As close as we all live near each other… it seems that everyone’s lives are on high speed and the growing traffic in the popular Charleston area is an increasing hindrance to gathering as much as we wish.

So to have a few days to slow down and actually be able to ” talk turkey” is so appealing right now-especially this year.

We are staying at the Skyline Lodge in Highlands NC. I know it will be wonderful-and am taking my decoration to add to the table .

I want to take a moment to thank friends for Thanksgiving cards-here are Honey’s and Gingi’s -actually matching the garden arrangement!

So until tomorrow-using Dee’s message inside hers… May this holiday be meaningful, May happiness surround it, May good things fill your table, and May love bless those around it!

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh