A Day of Thanks and Gratitude

I will confess right now, I don't eat meat, which means I am not responsible for any of the dead turkeys this year! Today I posted some pictures of one of my most favorite Thanksgivings ever. It was 2008, and all of my little family made the decision to "simple" and go out for Thanksgiving dinner. We went to an Irish pub, O'Malley's, in Old Towne Seal Beach. Had our dinner, then walked down to the little playground that is on the beach. It was a beautiful night out, clear, not too cold and I loved listening to the waves crash into the shore! Afterwards, we walked over to Brande's apartment a couple of blocks away for dessert. Here are a few of my Thanksgiving memories below!





This year Katie is hosting a BIG Thanksgiving gathering. Vinnie has a large family, so I'm guessing it will be a bit crazy, but hey, I do like crazy. Brande is gone this year, so for me there will be a void at the table, and she will be missed. Today is a day that we all, especially with the way the world is now, need to take a few minutes to really appreciate who and what we have in our lives. Even if you are struggling right now like so many, thanks to our great economy, there ARE family, friends, and people to be thankful and grateful for! I send out Country Roads emails to our customers here and there. It is always so heartwarming for me to read some of the responses I get. And I DO read them all! I got the one below yesterday, and it really warmed my heart. Thought I would share it with you!


don't know if you will read this, but I am a loyal customer for a number of years and am SOOO thankful for your store. with the economy as it is I don't get to buy as much right now. however to be able to come and just be able to wander the isles and maybe still pickup a little trinket along the way well it is such wonderful therapy for me!! the atmosphere and the way the store is setup is such a great way to remove myself from the "everyday stuff" that can crowd me into a corner...
you are all such a blessing, I cannot think of my life without you !!!!!!

I just want you all to remember today, that Thanksgiving isn't about what is "on" the table, but "who" is at the table! Wishing you a day filled with both thanks & gratitude!