Happy Thanksgiving from The Clarks!

You know what I'm thankful for? It was a great day outside! The weather really cooperated today, only providing a chill but no rain (like last year). In the early morning Sherry, David and I snuck out while Jack and Grandma were sleeping and got some donuts at Krispy Kreme over in Seattle. Naturally this required cameras, because Krispy Kreme is near trains. As America's first great industry, the railroad never stops working even on Thanksgiving - especially now that freight traffic has increased in the last ten years.

The afternoon was spent with with the extended Clark family at sister Janice's home in Bothell. Emily was home from college this week (Go Cougs!). Jan's in-laws - the elder Rendahls - also joined us. As usual there was a jigsaw puzzle out in the corner of the living room. Dinner had it all - turkey, ham, two kinds of potatoes, snacks, snacks, gravy, snacks, and pickles. Jack got to eat Chex Party Mix for the first time, this batch made with macadamia nuts. Without giving him the nuts I gave him several of the Chex, with no ill effect from nuts thankfully. David was more interested in playing with cousin Eric's toys than eating (wish I had that kind of will power). Jack wowed the family with his ability to move step by step on his prosthetic behind a walker. He still is a lot faster without the leg, but he's getting better and more balanced when he wears it. The physical therapist recommended that we reserve something that he really likes - in his case it's throwing a kid basketball through a low hoop - for when he wears the prosthetic so there is incentive for him to practice.

In an effort to get a good picture for our Christmas cards this year, we asked my Mom to take the shot below. Behind us is a blanket that was made by one of my Great Grandmothers, between 1900 and 1910. She died in the Spanish Flu Outbreak of 1918, and the blanket was passed from my Grandmother Clark to my Aunt Carolyn - who in turn gave it to my Dad. It's now at my sister's place, in full view for us to love. Considering its advanced age, it's in phenomenal shape. Click on the picture to see it closer.

We had a wonderful time today. It's great to reconnect with family, and in my case take a quick nap on the couch. My hope for you - ClarkBlog readers - is that you also had a great day today are can find things in your life to be thankful for.

Enjoy! Kurt