Ah, yes....it is that time of year again...

I am sitting here at my computer, sipping a steaming mug of hot cocoa, having (finally!) finished all of my Christmas shopping. We’ve had a lovely snowfall the past 36 hours of that wonderful powdery snow so envied by skiing enthusiasts. The kids are on winter break from school and the relatives have arrived for the holidays so I am spending most of my time in the kitchen... which is truthfully where I am happiest. I love cooking for others... most of the time.

But the house is quiet now, for the moment. And it gives me pause to reflect - this time of year turns me even more introspective than usual. My heart fills with gratitude for all the many blessings I have experienced in my life’s journey, the BTD certainly being one of them. And I how much I treasure time spent with my family, I often think I am the luckiest person in the world on that score. They have enriched my life beyond what I thought was even possible. My family is truly the greatest gift I have ever been given.

So here’s wishing you many wonderful, heart-filled moments this holiday season. And may you be blessed by the presence of family and loved ones in your life.