A Crooked Pole: November 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year, I am thankful for so much, it's hard to pick a few things to focus on.

Without further ado, here's my 2009 small list of gratitude:

1. I am thankful for my faith.

2. I am thankful for my loving and brilliant husband.

3. I am grateful for my two amazing families.

4. I am thankful for my wonderful friends.

5. I am thankful for my health and happiness.

6. I am thankful for my FUN puppy and the joy that she brings to my life.

7. I am thankful my puppy won't ever know that she came to mind sixth on my list. Does that make me a bad pet owner? I sure hope not...

8. I am thankful for my mom who agreed to make my favorite stuffing recipe just because I asked.

"S" is for Family.

In September we ventured back to Ohio for a little family reunion with my Dad's maternal side of the family. We all had a wonderful time, shared some laughs, celebrated my Dad's birthday and enjoyed a beautiful day, together!

Here are some pictures:

Mom and Andy.

My sister and I can rarely hold it together for pictures. We can never decide what is so funny but we have plenty of pictures similar to this one.

Maebe even enjoyed some time with her "cousin," Rocky

Getting ready to sing.

Steady...

My Dad's nickname has been "Moxie" since he was a kid.

The youngest cousins had a blast aiming full bottles of water at one another and jumping on them. Look closely, you may see an impending "shower" headed for Alex's face.

We ended the day on a beautiful note.

Social Media - Just a Fad?

I think not.

OregaNO Go.

Despite giving my Oregano plant plenty of sunlight, water and loving care, the time had come to deal with reality. My plant is now on it's way to its final resting place.

Basil, Rosemary, Chives and I are in mourning.

Veteran's Day Eve.

My dad is the most selfless man I've ever known and he never ceases to amaze me. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and my dad proudly represented the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Every year, I call my dad to thank him for his service to our country, not only as his very proud daughter but as an American citizen.

This year, at my dad's urging, I plan to not only thank him but to extend my thanks to other men and women who have served our country. As Americans, we are very lucky to have people all over the world made up of the same selfless fabric that I've seen in my dad.

I will end with a recent e-mail from my dad to our family. I sure hope he doesn't mind me making this public without his consent but I think he's got the right idea, as usual. I plan to draft some letters tonight.

Love you, dad!

All:

I really appreciated all you've written to me personally on Veterans Days past. I know you all recognize and value my service time. This year, and in future years, however, I have a special request.

Please ----- instead of a heartfelt note sent to me ----- send a note, written, or emailed, card, or postcard to the resident veterans at one of your local VA hospitals. I know they'd appreciate hearing from you. If so inclined, even consider a volunteer visit, or task, at the same location at some time. If you call and inquire, I'm sure they'd be able to outline many opportunities for you to consider. I'm planning on doing the same, although the service part probably is not going to happen with me until I've retired.

Another thing you may wish to consider is making a donation of various items, not money, that are needed through the USO. They provide stuff in real time to military folks worldwide. Beef jerky --------- yessssss.

Like I said, I know you're appreciative of what I've done in the past. And I do sincerely appreciate that. This year, and in the years that follow, please turn that effort toward others significantly more deserving.

OK?

I love you all, and I'm glad I had the opportunities to serve! (Go Navy!)

Me/Dad W.
xo, xo, xo, xo, xo

As a side note, Navy beat Notre Dame this past weekend - truly an early Veteran's Day present for many football fans!!

One of a Kind.

This weekend was beautiful here in Chicago. It was almost as if Mother Nature gave us one last parting kiss before she goes through with her plan to sucker punch us in the stomach with the impending winter season.

We decided to seize the day and explore the Baha'i temple in Wilmette. It is the only temple of its kind in the United States and one of only seven worldwide. It was an architectural treat and a sight to see!

Click here to learn more about the temple.

Sweet Nothings.

Kim: "Can you stop and pick up a birthday gift for Gabe?"

Andy: "Sure; I'll stop on my way home."

30 minutes later the phone rings

Kim: "Hello?"

Andy: "Hey, it's me and I'm in the store."

Kim: "Okay, great. What's up?"

Andy: "Well, I'm in the store but I'm not sure what to do next."

I proceeded through step-by-step shopping instructions over the telephone for the next 20 minutes and Gabe ended up with a gift. I guess we make a great team!

xoxoxo.