It's really feeling like winter now.  After a warm autumn, I was really beginning to wonder about this winter.  Today, it started out in the 20's and hopefully it will rise to the 50's (okay, wishful thinking on my part).  I'm not too fond of the cold, but I am a huge fan of snow and ice and of the delicious flavors that this season brings about.

Gone are the days of fresh berries, now we are enjoying squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and nuts.  We are decorating our homes with evergreen garlands, lights, and trees.  And we are getting closer to our friends and families.  We gather together by the fire, sipping our hot chocolate, and enjoying the retelling of our stories.

This time of year tends to be hard on me.  But no matter how lonely I feel, I'm never alone.  I have good friends and my family who are always there.  My support system is so intricate, I could have never designed it myself.  I'm always thankful for the people around me and the way things always work out.

It's time to venture out and do something a bit different.  This season brings out a lot in people.  There is nothing wrong with making the most of what we have.  I'm always ever so grateful for the road I'm traveling, even if it gets a bit icy, rocky, or difficult to follow.

I'm truly thankful for the varieties in life and the fact that I'm not in control of it all.