This past Monday was Canadian Thanksgiving, our first (and perhaps, only) in Canada. We had a full turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce, fancy green beans a la Barefoot Contessa, and pumpkin pie. We had just one additional guest at our table, which means I am still enjoying leftovers from our 14-pound, free-range, organic turkey that I was on a waiting list to purchase. Not that I am complaining; those Hutterites sure can farm! (I totally get the wait-list thing: seriously delicious bird.) It was strange having Thanksgiving in October, but it does fit nicely with harvest time, and I was able to bring out my Crate and Barrel turkey towels a few weeks early and enjoy my gourd-centric decor a bit longer. (Bonus!) I also actually used what little fine china I packed onto our moving van six months ago. Every time I use something especially heavy or fragile that we moved here, I rejoice a little.
As we usually do on this holiday, we took time to express our gratitude. I continue to marvel at how, in six months, so much has happened and how we have met so many new people and explored new places. I am truly thankful that we have had this experience. While we certainly miss aspects of our Virginia life, I want to write down a few of the things and people that I treasure about Sherwood Park, Edmonton, and Alberta. In no particular order, these include:
A vital economy that gives Christopher the opportunity to work.
A strong cultural community that gives me the opportunity to make beautiful music with two very different groups.
A kick-tush library.
A caring school for my child to attend.
Lots of affordable recreational opportunities for all ages.
Parenting resources, completely free.
A wonderful group of new friends we have collected from many sources.
Proximity to beautiful mountains and lakes.
Great National Parks.
The Northern Lights!
Low humidity!
Beautiful, comfortable summertime. It is possible!
Polite people, as a rule.
Lots of adorable boots available for purchase.
Being just enough like home to keep me from being too homesick.
Roads in a grid system.
Curb-side composting.
Free trips to the doctor.
Delicious grass-fed beef.
Delicious poultry.
Yummy butter, even if it doesn't come in sticks.
OK, now I am getting hungry, but you get the idea. Canada, you are OK by me, and I am glad that I have had the chance to get to know you better. Thanks for making me feel at home. I am thankful for this time we have had together. I know winter is coming, and everyone asks me if I am ready. I think it's good I have made this list now, so I may consult it in January.
