What?! Two posts on the same day?? That’s an awful lot of Betties. But I have a story to share.
Once upon a time, way back in November of aught-6, Matthew and I were in Australia. On the day of American Thanksgiving, we bought ourselves some special items at the grocery store (kangaroo steak!) and went back to our camper van, which was parked in a beautiful beach trailer park. This particular park was primarily occupied by retirees who had built impressive compounds and were living their golden years in community, sharing morning exercise classes and evening game nights. We needed a key for the “barbie” in order to grill our steaks, so Matthew went to the park office to get one. While our host was looking for the key, Matthew told him we were gonna grill our Thanksgiving dinner, and the guy said, “Every day is Thanksgiving around here, mate!”
We repeat that quote frequently, and I’ve definitely been thinking of it A LOT these last few weeks. I’m happy to report that my sister’s surgery went very well: the post-surgery pathology reports show that all residual cancer was successfully removed from her abdomen/pelvis, and the surgeon said her chances of living a normal life span are very good! Oh my goodness, so much relief and gratitude for that news! She’ll have 3 more rounds of chemo to further address the tumors in her lungs, and then likely be put on an anti-hormonal therapy for life to keep those guys in line. I’m heading back to Grand Rapids next week to be with her for the first of these last three chemo rounds; I’m looking forward to spending more time with her and hopefully joining her in some Advent observations and a little Christmas decorating.
But even in addition to that great news, there’s so much to be thankful for. I love my job; this crazy camper dream of ours might actually be coming together (knock on wood!); there’s a lot of laughter and music around here; and our families are in good health and doing well. And boy oh boy am I grateful for all our amazing friends. I feel like I haven’t been very good at being in touch with you lately, but I have been thinking a lot about all you lovely people, and feeling so truly blessed to have you in my life.
So THANK YOU!! I’m sending out lots of love and looking forward to whenever I get to give you a big hug again!
And because no post is complete without some photos, here are a few more:
Getting trailer advice at the bar from some experts. 
Jim and Tammy inspect our progress … 
… but then it was time for them to pack up the bus and head back to Florida. 
Buster does NOT like riding in the bus. Poor Buster. 
Beautiful fall day here on Cobbs Creek. 
Hooray for Thanksgiving dinner! And for Matthew!
AGREED
Such good news coming from you both! I sigh a huge sigh of relief with you!
We love getting your updates and seeing the progress, bitxbit! But I’ll really look forward to seeing you, hopefully in Jan? Many hugs
I was so glad to hear the news about your sister. Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis to remind us of what we have.
I was building an anchor years ago to drop in front of our cabin in Tacoma. I asked nearly everyone in our community for suggestions. Big mistake, everyone gladly offered an opinion and rarely did any two agree. Kelly, a wise resident, said, “Charlie, don’t you know, whenever you ask someone for their opinion, they feel obligated to give you one. “. Great advice.
Anyway looking forward to seeing it in real life. I have some thoughts on what you might do to improve it.
Kayla I am thrilled with the recent news your sister just received. I’m convinced that the circle of love helps with the healing. I love everyday is thanksgiving here! Love your diligence with the trailer and I’m sure thee has been some disappointments and it is moving forward, Yahoo!! Miss you even more now thinking of holiday gatherings. You and Matthew are always our most energetic gathering. Talked to Cleo about us getting together for dinner one night and perhaps we can zoom you in for cocktails? Hugs to both you and Matthew.