It's Thanksgiving today. The year has flown by, as they always do, and it's now time to reflect on all of our blessings as we gather with family and friends. What's the history behind Thanksgiving? Did you know that the first Thanksgiving was shared in 1621 after a particularly difficult year for the Pilgrims? Governor William Bradford declared the day one for the colonists to give thanks and share their bountiful harvest with the Native American Indians. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln signed the first proclamation for a national day of thanksgiving. Every President since then has proclaimed the fourth Thursday in November as a Thanksgiving holiday.

So what generally happens on this day every year? Family and friends travel miles and miles to come together and share good times. They cook like crazy throughout the days leading up to the big event, then pig out like never before and plop down on a comfortable chair or sofa to watch the football game. Oh, and lest we forget - what is Thanksgiving without the Macy's Day parade! I still remember as a kid sitting in front of the TV and watching every minute of the parade as I enjoyed the performance and, most of all, the floats and balloons. And the big finale? Santa Claus heralding the beginning of the Christmas season. How cool.

It's Thanksgiving today and I have many, many things to be thankful for. My wonderful husband and family (my dad just turned 85 on Sunday and is still going strong). Our cute and cuddly four-legged boys and girls (almost cuddly - Girlfriend is still the mystery. She's the one on the right.) constantly keep us entertained and love us just because they can. We live in a house and neighborhood we absolutely love and we truly want for nothing. We are so lucky and very blessed. And tomorrow I have a day off to go play in the garden! What more could a person ask for. Happy Gardening and a happy holiday wish to everyone.