Autumn is my favorite time of year, as it is the dawn of the holiday season. In Cincinnati, where I was raised, I loved both seeing the changing of the leaves, and feeling the cool air as the temperature declined. Here in the Desert I gather gourds and pumpkins, light spiced candles, and put Mr. Scarecrow near the front door. The dining room table is decorated with warm colored linens, turkey candle holders and a cornucopia my dear friend, Laura made me filled with an abundance of goodies.

Halloween was a blast when Gina was a little girl. Warmly I remember the nights of our ‘trick or treating” in Los Angeles. I giggle thinking of Gina in a super girl costume. She would whisper, “Don’t tell anyone, but I really am super girl!” Beautiful memories!

As I listen to holiday music while writing this missive, hearing the lyrics, ‘He will bring us goodness and light’, I am again reminded why I love autumn. It is a time of thanks, a time of prayer for peace and well being. It is time to reach out to those less fortunate and give the gift of love to all we meet.

This Thanksgiving I will give heartfelt thanks for my family, my dear friends and all of those who have touched my life. I especially will remember those who serve our Country and have given their lives for our freedom.

May God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving!