That is so sweet of your brother and his family — your mom must be enjoying Carlita so much. She really is an adorable dog.

Thanks, Allie. By the way – my brother and his family are back in Canada. They decided to let my mom keep Carlita…The two had really bonded, and there would’ve been two broken hearts if they’d had to part. Take care!

Tracy, THANK YOU!! And I am grateful to have incredible women like you in my life. We did have a very special Thanksgiving, the travel was nearly without incident. We drove in tandem with my brother and sister-in-law to PA and Charlie got carsick. But in THEIR car. It was one long rest stop getting all that cleaned up. (Poor them.) I hope you had a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving with all your sweet boys. XO

Dear Shashi – Thank you for running that contest on your site. It was a blessing to Erica and to me and to many others who read this post. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you through our blogging friendship and look forward to meeting you in person in the new year. You are a very special person and a funny one too. I rely on you to make me laugh throughout the week with all the shenanigans between you and your daughter. Have a beautiful week my friend. XO

Dear Carina, thank you. You are one of those people who are quietly making this world a better place. I look forward to reading about Carlita and the difference she is making. (So your brother must still be in France. Woo hoo!) I have a friend whose dog was trained to be a therapy dog and she takes her into nursing homes to visit with the residents. It brings them so much joy! Yet another way people are quietly doing good things behind the scenes and making a difference. Have a wonderful week my friend! XO

Dear Auntie M – thank you for taking a few minutes to comment here. I know your life is more than busy right now, so I’m especially glad you could drop by. Your contingent was not that much smaller, 17 is quite a crowd I’d say. Love and prayers for you — always. XO

Dear Denise, It always makes me happy to think of you sitting in your cozy chair with a cup of tea reading my little posts. You’re a very special person in my life and I’m thankful for you. Sniff. I’m so glad you have family around here, because that insures that we’ll see you often in the coming years. Love you friend. YOU, are one of those people working quietly behind the scenes, and I’m especially thankful for you this Thanksgiving season.

Dear Puja – thank you so much. Thanksgiving was a very nice time here and a great way to remember all those things we are blessed with. I sure hope the currency situation has improved there. I have thought about you and I know it has been a difficult time.

SUSIE!!!!! Hugs to your family too. Erica IS a heroine, and I so appreciate her ever single day. It makes putting Hudson on the bus so much easier. How was Thanksgiving for you? I can’t remember if you were traveling or stayed put. Hope it was a wonderful time, and now we have Christmas coming. ‘Tis the season. I love Christmas, now all we need is some snow. XO

As always, thank you for the kindness Barbara. Erica was easy to write about. I know you had a very busy Thanksgiving week between your entertaining on Thursday and your time with family over the weekend. I hope it was a wonderful time. Love you. XO