We had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a fun weekend following - time with family partying with friends - my idea of a perfect weekend! In the midst of all that fun I realized I didn't take much time to think about being thankful. So on Sunday I sat down and made a list. Here are the things that came to mind. I'm thankful for:
Having enough to eat (More than enough, obviously, since I'm currently dieting!)
A nice house and a warm bed - and someone special to share it with, which brings me to
My man! He's a good guy and a loving husband. And he can even admit when he's wrong. How's that for impressive?
Immediate and extended family that I love and enjoying being around
My health
That fact that God has brought me through some very difficult times in the past few years but I'm still here and can smile.
Forgiveness of sins and the hope of heaven
Parents who instilled faith and godly principles in their kids
My mom's great example of hospitality
Hair! (I still remember - not fondly- when I didn't have any)
The gift of writing
The ability to earn a living doing what I love
Loyal (and fun!) friends
A beautiful view out my living room window
 A paid off house
A husband who is a good money manager (hence the paid off house)
Being able to still see and hear (not as good as when I was twenty but oh, well)
Medical insurance
Living in a democracy where I can vote and express my opinions freely (and hopefully always politely)
The ability to worship without getting put in jail or tortured
Dentists (If I'd lived in another time half my teeth would have fallen out by now!)
Chocolate (and all those chocolatey treats that keep the dentists in business)
Holidays and the special celebrations that come with them
A car that runs
Books
The ability to travel
A good night's sleep (when I can get it)
Life!

     I love book signing parties! We always have so much fun. This last Saturday was no exception. We had games, goodies and give-aways and a drawing for a fabulous gift basket. A big thank you to all the friends who came out to join my pal Marie Bostwick and me as we celebrated the release of our latest holiday tales.
     After the signing some of us went out to eat and keep the fun going. All in all, my idea of a perfect day!
     If you're wishing you could have been part of the fun, here is a copy of the game we played at the party. Take the quiz and see how many Christmas characters you know. I've got the answers posted below the questions, so no peeking ahead. Okay, you ready to tell me who's who? Go!
1. He started out as a stingy man
2. He sees you when you're sleeping (isn't that kind of an ick factor?)
3. His nose turned out to be a plus
4. He played a mean drum
5. He blessed us, everyone
6. She never sees her husband on Christmas Eve
7. He nips at your nose
8. An old silk hat brought him to life
9. He stole Christmas
10. A famous holiday dancer
11. A good king
12. He was the first ghost to haunt Scrooge
Okay, how many do you think you got correct? Let's see. Here are the answers.
1. Scrooge
2. Santa
3. Rudolph
4. The Little Drummer Boy
5. Tiny Tim
6. Mrs. Claus
7. Jack Frost
8. Frosty the Snowman
9. The Grinch
10. The Sugarplum Fairy
11. Wenceslas
12. Marley