Giving Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our dear friends and family!  We have so much to be thankful for and the special people in our lives are definitely at the top of the list.  The photo above was taken just a short while ago.  It's a beautiful day here in Charleston - mid to high 70's - and we are preparing for the big potluck dinner to take place in the marina building.  They have a function room with a beautiful view of the marina and the Cooper River (the part of the harbor we are on).  Two large turkeys have been in the oven since early this morning and everyone has signed up for a side or dessert.  Paul is preparing a delicious antipasto platter for an appetizer and I have made my famous Ginger cookies and just put together some centerpieces for the tables.  It has already gotten out that Paul used to be a Chef so I imagine he'll be making gravy and carving the turkeys too.  They expect about 40-50 people - all boaters who are staying here at the marina.  The friends we met in Elizabeth City - Don & Sue (from Nova Scotia who kicked our butts in Shuffleboard) and John & Melissa are here, as well as Rick, Linda, & Kirby the wonder dog - our neighbors and new friends - and we've met so many other nice people.  We feel very blessed that we have met so many fun, interesting and friendly people along this great journey. 

So many of you write us and tell us how much you are enjoying reading our blog.  It brings us great comfort and makes you feel so much closer to know you are reading this and following along.  We are truly thankful to have this opportunity and Paul and I are so savoring each and every day.  I am staying busy with work - another reason to be thankful - and Paul keeps busy with boat projects.  He really worked hard to prepare the boat for this trip and because of all his efforts, the transition has been smooth and enjoyable. 

Tomorrow we will see Catharine & Kevin Sullivan - they are visiting Charleston as Kevin's two youngest kids are here and we're really looking forward to spending time with them.  We have plans to do a walking architectural tour on Saturday and of course continue to eat our way through all of Charleston's great restaurants.


It will be a nice day spent with our new friends yet we hold all of our dear family and friends from afar close to us in our hearts - you are all missed.  Happy Thanksgiving - with love and gratitude, Jen & Paul

All the great blessings of my life are present in my thoughts today.

—PHOEBE CARY