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What am I thankful for this year? It has been such a weird year that I don’t know how to start. I do know that I am thankful for very different things than in the past.

A year ago, I was in the midst of moving to the San Francisco area to start a new job and a new life. I was leaving behind Phoenix, my home for almost 18 years. Leaving behind my friends and functions that had been my life. Leaving behind the independent life of a consultant. Leaving behind, temporarily, my husband.

Fast forward a year. Bruce joined me here a few months ago. Life changed in September. This week, we are packing to leave the San Francisco area.

The new start taught me much about myself and about the corporate world. I learned, much to my surprise, that I like working in an office environment more than working at home. I learned, not to my surprise at all, that a one bedroom apartment in an urban environment was not for hubby and I.

This week is Thanksgiving. It’s hard to put into words what I am thankful for right now.

• I am thankful for a car that holds the stuff we need and which will make it to Iowa.
• I am thankful for family that cares and supports in the best ways they know how.
• I am thankful for a community of friends who are always there, no matter where they actually live.
• I am thankful for a skillset that allows me to reach out to those who need help.
• I am thankful to live in a time of hope. Where even if things aren’t what I expected, they are good.

Sharing always makes things easier. What makes you thankful? Join those of us participating in #tweetsgiving at http://tweetsgiving.epicchange.org/

To get you started, check out the “recipe” for tonight’s supper.

Clean out the kitchen soup: Ham Style

Ingredients

• 1 ham bone with some ham still attached
• 1 bag of ham pieces (frozen leftovers from Easter)
• Water
• Misc. herbs – garlic powder, Italian seasonings, etc.
• Can of diced tomatoes
• Half head of garlic
• Can of whole mushrooms
• Can of creamed corn
• Rooster sauce, just a touch

Prep

Put the ham and ham bone in a pot. Cover with water. Add first round of herbs.

Bring the pot to a boil and let it boil for awhile. Stir infrequently.

How long do you let it boil? Until it seems ready…

When you are ready for the next step, remove the ham bone from the pot. Cut off any ham left on the bone and return the meat to the pot.

Place the garlic in a bowl. Sprinkle with oil and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. Listen for it to start sizzling. When it sizzles, pull it out and remove the paper. Add the garlic to the pot.

Add the canned tomatoes, mushrooms, and creamed corn. Stir the concoction regularly.

Add a dash of rooster sauce if desired.

Let it boil for 30 more minutes. Lower the heat. Taste. Thicken if desired.

Enjoy.