I sat down and gratefully poured myself a glass of Bogle Chardonnay. I was soothed by its tasty citrus flavors and a touch of vanilla at its finish.

It had been a frustrating day — appointments had been canceled, the national news was such a downer and I had to sit through one of the most boring and long meetings I’ve ever attended. I was thankful the day was finished and the beautiful Chardonnay did its best to relax and comfort me with its tropical fruit flavors.

As I mulled over my glass, my mind reminded me that the opposite of being down was being up and I began to think about the people/places and things for which I should be thankful. When that thinking began, my basket runneth over very quickly.

During this time of the year when we celebrate Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for and how do you show that gratitude? I realize that other huge celebration in December is overwhelming us with advertisements and it’s hard to focus on Thanksgiving but, allow me to list some things for which I am grateful.

I am thankful for my siblings. I have a warm bunch of siblings who have supported me through many trials. For that, takk skal du ha!

I am humbly thankful for my family — my wife and our children, grandchildren and extended in-law family. My wife has stood beside me through thick and thin even when I didn’t deserve her backing. I am a lucky man — to her, danke schön! Our four children are such terrific people –they feel for others, stand up to injustice and are there for each other and their parents. They make me very proud — merci!

My in-laws are such fine people — they give me something to strive for and I am so appreciative of them loving our children — bedankt!

My Chardonnay glass was empty, as was the bottle, so I opened a bottle of Conquista Malbec from Argentina. Its heartiness was welcome — such a full bodied and sturdy wine. I was so pleased with it that I raised a glass to our South American neighbors! Then, it was time to continue my list of gratitude.

I am thankful for my friends — obviously, they are extremely important to me. In spite of my fumbles, they have laughed with me, cried with me and have been there for me. I only hope I’ve returned a modicum on their generosity. To them — gracias!

I am grateful to Mother Earth. Without this very precious and delicately balanced planets, we would not be here. I am thankful for the beauty and peace it provides for me. When I need that chunk of serenity, Mother Earth is there for me and is always willing to share her beauty with me. We should always respect our home. For Mother Earth — grazie!

I am thankful for my health. For those healthcare providers who have always been there for me and to my parents from whom I inherited a pretty darn good body — ua tsaug!

I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve been presented with over the years. I’ve been able to obtain a very fine liberal arts education, to learn what the democratic values of our nation are and to work with many, many outstanding people. That’s a short list — I could go on for quite sometime. For my opportunities — mahadsanid!

I am thankful to my grandparents. They had the strength, courage and faith to come to this country and try a new life. Because of them, everything above this paragraph occurred — go raibh maith agat!

When I was in ninth grade, I was asked to read First Corinthians 13, 1-13 to the parish. I’ve never forgotten the words of that Biblical chapter and will always believe that faith, hope and love abide but, the greatest of these is love. Thanks Pastor Eitrheim!

Sometime today, I’ll have a little glass of Dampfwerk Apple Brandy and toast all the influences to whom I am thankful. Its soft apple and vanilla tastes always reminds me to say thanks.

In the midst of the chaos of today, always find time to say thanks — someone is listening and will smile.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!