Sunny St. Louis & giving thanks

We just returned from 5 days in St. Louis, MO.  Jeff is already back in the skies, somewhere in Minneapolis as I write this, awaiting his flight to New York. 

Upon arrival to St. Louis we were greeted by a very dapper Dad at the airport.  After greetings and baggage collection we were treated to a remarkable sunset that made me wish I would have brought my camera with me.  It was left behind as we awoke for our flight an hour and a half late!  I cannot do it justice, but will try and give you a mental picture by saying that it was spectacular!  There were multiple layers of clouds lined in bright oranges and yellows, against a opalescent tangerine backdrop.  Gorgeous!  We then got to witness a rainstorm.  It may sound unexciting or even unappealing to most, but Jeff and I having grown up in the Midwest, miss rainstorms complete with thunder and lightning.

We greeted Stephanie upon our return and caught up, at one of Dad's favorite Mexican restaurants Casa Galliardo.  While Dad was displeased with the service the food was good and the drinks welcome.  They do know how to make a very tasty Margarita.  By the time we ate Jeff and I were famished, having not eaten anything all day, save those big bags of peanuts we were provided on one of our flights.

Each day holds a special memory, but the highlights were Oberweis Ice Cream on Tuesday.  YUM!  I highly recommend it should you find yourself in St. Louis. 

We visited their new Riverfront Casino and donated a few bucks.  We had fun looking around and were treated to lunch by Stephanie with her winnings! Wednesday evening found us viewing Christmas lights just outside of St. Louis.  We were among the first ones there for the season!  They had a brilliant display of lights.  They had so many lighted figurines like an elf putting finishing touches on a teddy bear, a tunnel of white lights, skaters on an ice rink, and each one of the reindeer.  It was over much to quickly, but we will take the memories home with us.

Thursday was touched with a bit of seasonal magic.  A whisper of snow fell early afternoon, blanketing everything but the streets with a fresh touch of pure white.  I was preparing the salad and watched from the kitchen window.  As cold as it looked outside, I am filled with a warm memory.  We were invited to Stephanie's brother and sister-in-laws home. Gerry and Katy, our hosts welcomed us warmly and we got to see the people we so often hear of, and caught up with those we have not seen in years.

We reflected on how much we have to be thankful for in our lives.  Personally, I am thankful that my Dad and Stephanie did not have to make the journey out to Portland to share Thanksgiving.  I am grateful that Jeff has a job which provided us the funds to fly out, stay at a nearby hotel and treat to a few meals here and there.  We have made great friends this year who were able to mind Finnegan (our pug) and in fact were happy to have the opportunity.  This makes going out of town so much easier than thinking of him in a kennel for days on end.  We are especially thankful as we lost one of our beloved pets because he was in a kennel, rather than with us.  I am grateful that we were able to provide our family here in Portland with the main components of a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner without anyone straining their budget too much.  I am thankful for the peace of mind knowing my loved ones were safe and sound.  While the thought of our not sharing Thanksgiving together was difficult on Brandon, most of all, I am thankful that he was surrounded by the rest of his family and that I had the presence of mind to stay in the present,and enjoy the moment.  I was so grateful for everyone's health, including my own, on Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for insights and lessons learned while away, which I shan't elaborate on further, but affirm they will be beneficial to me along life's path.  Lastly, I am thankful that I have so much to be thankful for, that there is neither the time of the space to enumerate all that includes.

I hope that each of you found and continue to find many things for which you remember to give thanks.