Hello again. It’s Thanksgiving Day and a perfect time to talk about some things that have happened recently and to reflect about the many things I am truly thankful for.
But first I wanted to mention the new look for the website. A superhero with a “G” on his chest? How in the world could I turn that down. Not that I consider myself a superhero or anything, actually I’m probably the opposite of super depending on who you talk to. But he can fly, and if I could have any super power, that’s the one I’d want. So, like I said, it seemed like a natural fit.
Secondly, thanks to the seventies super group Emerson, Lake, and Palmer for the inspiration in today’s title. From one of the great albums of all time, “Brain Salad Surgery”. I realize that my graying roots are showing more clearly than ever, but what the hell. I don’t believe I’ve been fooling anyone to this point anyhow.
Now then, what have I (we) been up to? Well, first of all we had parent teacher conferences last week and it seems the girls are both doing great, The funny thing is how much different they are from each other. Both the girls had the same 4-K teacher, Grace last year and Ella this year, so she has gotten a first hand look at both of the girls individually. And at Ella’s conference, she told us what we already knew, that Grace is a little more quiet, a bit more reserved, and Ella is a loud, confident, and extremely good natured ball of energy. Their differences are always apparent to us, so it’s interesting to see someones else’s reaction from time to time. And despite their differences, they are both very loving girls and seemingly normal in every respect. They and all my children represent the best of me and I’m in love with them all and proud to be their dad. And for this I’m truly thankful.
Last Friday morning after dropping the girls at school, my wife Tracee and I actually went out for breakfast alone, without children. Now that might not seem like a big deal to you, but we had only been out alone as a couple three times in five years before last Friday. We try to include our kids in anything we do, if possible, so it’s no surprise to me that we don’t get out alone much. But it still is very nice to take my best girl out alone every now and then.
So we tried a new place here in Kaukauna called Plum Hill and we couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. First of all the place is totally charming, from the use of natural woods and brick to the walls lined with a variety of different items made by local artists for sale.
Secondly, the service was fantastic. Granted it was a slow morning, but we were waited on immediately, given plenty of time to look through the extensive menu, and never felt rushed in any way. Our waitresses attention to the small details really enhanced our experience.
Finally, the food was great. I had a skillet with eggs, sausage, cheese, etc. and Tracee had a breakfast pizza with veggies and bacon. Both were delicious and they didn’t skimp on the size of the portions.
The prices were reasonable and overall, this was one of the more pleasant dining experiences we’ve had in our brief time in the area. I would certainly recommend Plum Hill to anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience.
Now on to Thanksgiving and the other things I’m thankful for. Number one, given the current state of the economy and the volatility in the job place, I’m thankful for my job. I’m very lucky to be working for a great company and the future looks good.
I’m also thankful for all of the friends I have, both old and new. There is a certain amount of risk associated with a move to a new area like we made last year. And it’s hard to leave behind friends and family that you’ve become accustomed to seeing on some kind of a regular basis. But we’ve made new friends here as well as maintaining friendships back home , so I’d like to say thanks to all of you. I wish I could find more to say about how I feel, but know that my simple thank you is from my heart.
Finally, I’d like to save the biggest thank you of all for my lovely wife Tracee. We’ve been together for thirteen years and have been through a lot together, both good and bad. She has been a calming influence and voice of reason for me in those times when I’ve needed it most, and has helped me to become a much stronger and more confident person. She understands me like no one else could, and seems to understand instinctively what I need from her without me ever having to say a word. She love’s me in spite of my many shortcomings and flaws and has chosen to stay with me despite some real craziness in our life from time to time. That was the promise she made when we got married and she’s kept it. She is truly my “better half”, the person at the end of every day that I need to see, and my true love. For her I am truly thankful.
Hope you all have a had a wonderful holiday and that you can find at least a couple of things to be thankful for. Think about it for a minute, it’s not really all that hard.
And if life’s not going as well as you had hoped that it would at the moment, here’s a bit of advice I try to live by. Don’t take life to seriously. You’ll never get out alive.
See you next time I go out to play in quicksand.
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