Bob's Blah Blah Blog

November, you’ve changed. And there are times I don’t like the month you’ve become. What ever happened to your sense of humor, waking me up by tickling my toes as they stuck out the bottom of my down blanket. Remember when you used to sneak up on me and slap me in the face when I walked out the door? Remember when you played that trick on us by making it look like the creek was frozen? Remember when I fell in up to my hips? That was a good one, November.

I also remember you had a warm side too, the roaring bonfire up at that farmhouse we used to hang out at. The blankets we all used to wrap ourselves up in as we sat on the hill overlooking the golf course. Remember fleece-lined, leather-sleeved Pirate jacket that you made me wear? That was one of my favorite Christmas presents by the way.

Oh man November, we really had some fun too. We hunted, played army, hiked in the mountains and played football on Sunday mornings. Heck, sometimes we even got to ski together! Those were the days, November.

Speaking of football, what have you done to my Steelers? You used to be their best friend. Now you sit back and do nothing. If you have a little nostalgia in you Nov, give ‘em a little kick in the rear would ya?

Remember how you used to make fun of the Penguins? I guess things have really changed with you. I know, I know, it’s still early and your cousin December probably has some tricks up her sleeve.

So this is what it’s come to, November. I am sitting on my back deck in shorts and t-shirt, grilling apple sausages, staring at the color in the trees October left behind. (Thanks October, you know you’ve always been my favorite.) I guess as I sit here and smell the fresh, cool air infused with the scent of grilled apples and sage; as I think about the holiday past and our plans for the weekend; as I see my children growing up before my eyes; as I learn of my sister’s wedding plans — you’re really not so bad November.

And honestly, November… change looks good on you.

It’s just before noon and I am heading out to the store for a couple of last minute things I forgot yesterday. Sandy finished up most of the housework yesterday while I ran errands and met some friends for a long lunch, and by early evening, we were relaxing together on the sofa with a glass of wine.

This morning picked up where things left off. A few friends will be joining us shortly and we have planned this Thanksgiving day the it should be — low-maintenance. I can’t tell you how many holidays have past that by the end of the day, the only thing I was thankful for was that it was over. It took a long time to realize life is too short for that. We are slowing down to enjoy the gifts that are all around us.

May your gifts be plentiful as well.

I sat up in bed fast this morning — my heart racing as I was convinced I slept through the alarm. As the cobwebs slowly dissipated, I realized I was on vacation — a sort of gift from Sandy as she marked me out of work today without as much as telling me.

The next thing I noticed was how stunningly beautiful the light was streaming through our window.

Inspired, I pulled the air-chilled sheets over me and drifted back to a peaceful sleep.