Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Before I begin to enjoy the great bounty of food and wine the day will bring, before my family and friends arrive at my house, I want to reflect on the past year. Much of my thoughts at this time are very similar to those I voiced a year ago.

Though this is a time when many of us reflect upon our lives and consider everything we should be thankful for during the past year, this type of reflection should not be limited to Thanksgiving. We should regularly reflect on our lives and be thankful for what we have. No matter how bad our lives may seem at times, there will always be something of which to be thankful. Seeking the positive may help brighten the darker parts of our lives.

After voicing these sentiments last year, I tried to remember those words throughout the year since last Thanksgiving. It did work, as I sporadically spend time contemplating all for which I should be thankful. I hope to spend more time this year doing the same.

I have much of which to be thankful.

I am very thankful for my family, especially my loving wife, my wonderful mom and my special nephew Thomas. I look forward to spending the holidays with them, and the rest of my family, and sharing the bounty of the year.

I am thankful for my friends, both old and new. This includes my Thursday night wine buddies, my poker friends, my gaming buddies, my North Shore Winer friends, and the wine/food bloggers I have met online, and off, during the past year. It also includes wine store owners, wine distributors, wine makers, chefs and more who I have met this year.

I am thankful for so much. My good health. My job, with my fine boss and co-workers. My two affectionate cats. My home. My new car. My weekend trips this past year.

I am thankful for my position as a food/wine columnist at the Stoneham Sun. I am thankful for all of my readers, of my blog and newspaper column.

The list could go on and on for all of which I am thankful. But I won't make this much longer of a post. Just make sure that you consider your own lives and be thankful for everything you have. Raise a glass of wine today in thanks. Enjoy your family and friends. Savor life and dine with passion!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.