I haven’t been updating my blog during this crazy time. In the midst of the pandemic, I sold my house and moved into a senior independent living community. I love it here, but we have been in quarantine several times—including today. Staff will deliver our turkey and the trimmings to our apartments for us to enjoy alone. We had COVID tests today and will get the results next week and have to remain in quarantine until we have a negative test.
In spite of the challenges of this year, I have much to be thankful for. I love my apartment and the beautiful backyard here. The food is great, and when we’re not in quarantine, I enjoy seeing friends in the dining room. My family calls me often, and my sister has been able to visit me in the backyard during a short time when we were allowed visitors. Although I can’t get to my church, when we’re not in quarantine, we have church services here, and I belong to a prayer team.
I continue to edit Simply Pets Magazine and head Simply Pets Books. We have released three wonderful books in the last year: Mercury and Sirius by Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, Running Silently by Betsy Waterman, and Lisa and the Pet Detectives and Their Camping Adventure by Lisa Smith Putnam. These would make great Christmas gifts! Running Silently is a memoir telling how a decidedly one-dog family ended up with six dogs and discovered the sport of skijoring. The other two are delightful children’s books, though I confess I love them myself and it’s been nearly seven decades since I was a child. We’re planning more great issues of the magazine and more great books in the coming year.
I’m thankful for my family and friends, my church family that stays in touch even though I can’t attend, and the opportunity to pray for missionaries and others serving God in private messages. Most of all, I am thankful for the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Who makes it possible for me a beloved child of God with the righteous of Jesus imputed to me and for the promise of eternal life.
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving with many blessings to be thankful for.
O MOST merciful Father, who hast blessed the labours of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; We give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect for Thanksgiving, The Book of Common Prayer 1928