Thanksgiving

We have noticed that many retirees, like us, were out shopping Friday. Hubby received a compliment for solo shopping. I am grateful for a hubby who shops. He explained he did it all the time. His fan suggested that her hubby might screw it up. She felt that men in her age group were not in the habit. Au contraire! My father did theirs, once mom retired. It is a whole new world.

We are grateful The stores are lovely. The oranges and browns of the season decorate many stores. The cut flowers are beautifully chosen; the mums are everywhere.

We are grateful to the florists who brighten our spaces. Hubby brought me home a delicious bunch.
The roads, on the way to shopping while wet, are lined with my soldiers and First Nations ghosts. It is a feast for the eyes. The beauty is only marred by the complainers. Now, I have complained about them on my rants blog, but it seems rather bizarre. Here we are, retired in cottage country. They are in the stores complaining about the rain. It is Friday.

Most in Muskoka anticipate children and grandchildren for the occasion. They shop Friday, to stay out of the stores on the w/e when it is busier. But grumpy grandfolks are preparing for delightful company with all the traditions of Canadians. Circle one: Too wet, too buggy, too dry, too snowy, too cold, too hot. Holy liftin snappers. When told, "What a terrible day", I always disagree. It is a glorious day, for which we are grateful.

Be grateful you are together. We seldom see family in the cold weather, our weather is too unpredictable for the 450 km between cities. We are grateful for Skype. We are grateful to have to have seen our friends on our whirlwind October Ottawa visit. Most here have dear friends of many years in Muskoka. Snowbirds, those with the big bucks, remain here for their obligatory 153 per year to keep their OHIP - health care. We choose to live here permanently. The snowbirds can have their sun. We are grateful for the rain, snow, sleet and hail. You appreciate each one differently. Shovelling is good exercise, when you need not make it out of the driveway for work.

The Raft
As an update, the raft is further along the lake into the lagoon behind the island. I know we are expecting snow next week, and I hope the family comes to retrieve the raft.= this weekend! It is being wind blown SE and SW with various storm fronts. Like a sail boat, it is floating slowly off into the distance. The storm clouds are gorgeous with the contrast. Ain't nature grand?!