We are going to a friend's home this year, for good and sufficient reason; I will be very grateful for the energy and skill that others expend on my behalf, both directly and indirectly.

Other things for which gratitude wells up: the love of good companions, of family, and of kind souls in small towns. The wealth provided by long experience and a sense of humor. A life free of entangling bureaucraciers and multi-tiered administrative gobbledygook (except, of course, when dealing with gummint agencies, health care organizations, insurance, taxes, and large corporate help desks.) A long life in good health, more or less, and a head full of wonderful songs and the will to sing 'em (regardless of ability). A wife I could not live without, a son in whom I am right proud, and a dog who seems to adore me, when hungry.

Merry hols to one and all, Pilgrim-inspired or no.

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