I have so much to be thankful for in 2015. But, it all starts with family, and the time I was lucky enough to spend with them this year. The trip to New York City with Mom and my sisters is one I’ll never forget. I made a trip home in August, had lunch with Linda on the way to Mom’s, and then had a nice week with Mom and Christie’s family at the fair where her daughter shows her Pygmy goats. And, now I’m spending Thanksgiving weekend with Mom and Linda’s family. I’m so thankful that we all enjoy each other’s company, and can enjoy laughing together.

I’m lucky I was able to travel this year. I went to New York City three times, and saw so many Broadway shows. You all know I’m passionate about theatre. And, if it’s a favorite show, I may see it a couple times. (Well, OK, I saw Les Miserables four times in the last year, all with Ramin Karminloo in the lead.) I’m grateful that I was able to make those trips, and attend shows while I was there.

I went to St. Louis a couple times with my friend, Donna. And, I FINALLY met Kaye Wilkinson Barley! She and I have been online friends for what seems like forever. We were roommates at Bouchercon in Raleigh, with plans to do it again in New Orleans. I’m grateful for wonderful friends, including Chantelle and Jamie and Anna. And, all of you who are online friends are blessings as well.

And, how can I not include the cats in my blessings? They’re warm and cuddly, and they give so much for so little. Food, and a warm place to sleep.

And, I’m grateful for co-workers I enjoy, a supervisor who is wonderful, and high hopes for the new director in January. After forty-two years in libraries, it’s still great to work here.

And, of course, what would this blog be without saying I’m grateful for books and authors and publishers and publicists and friends who love books and mysteries and attend conferences?

I’m just grateful I have the life I do, working in a public library, surrounded by books, with a loving family, great friends, warm cats, and the chance to travel. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Whether you’re hitting the road to spend time with family and friends, hosting them, or spending it alone in the comfort of your own home, I hope you find a moment or two to count your blessings. And, I hope you have at least one person in your life to share those blessings, because that person may be the most important gift.