By Dody Denman

This is the second entry into my “gratitude” list.  What you are most grateful for?  I am also including a recipe for “Chicken Spaghetti” that can use some of that leftover turkey.

November 11

Today, I am thankful to all the Veterans. They, and their families, have made sacrifices in life to assure the freedom we enjoy. Thank you to all veterans that have served, are serving or will serve in the future. You are appreciated and your efforts are not in vain. May God continue to bless our great country…

November 12

Yesterday was Veterans Day and I thought of my father in law, Pa to me, all day. A few days ago I spoke to my granny (my mother in law). I am certain that is why I am grateful today for the “parents” I had in my life. My mom was incredible, my dad worked hard for his family. I met the Denman’s when I was fifteen and began dating Rob. They became my parents by marriage when I was seventeen.  They were as wonderful as my own parents and I love them much.

Then I was blessed to have aunts and uncles who loved me unconditionally with constant support.  The “parenting” didn’t stop there. Mom and Dad had very close friends…so close they were called “Aunt and Uncle” although there was no relation. They were two of the kindest, warmest and most loving people anyone could hope for in their life.

These women had as much influence on my cooking as mom did.  For this, Mike is grateful!

November 13

Those that know me best know that winter is not my favorite time of year. However, one of the things that make me happy is to wake in the morning to find ice still in my water glass from the night before. Grateful and happy…

November 14

Today I am grateful for “Spontaneous Soirees” and this week has been filled with such delightful events. Four days in a row I have spent with those I love regarding different get-togethers and none were planned. Mike always says that these are the best times and I agree.

November 15

Today I am thankful for tomorrow…because tomorrow is the birthday of my first grandchild, Justin Wilson. He has always been an adorable and amazing person. When he was about five months old he seemed to have disappeared!  After Kristie and I searched the house, in a bit of a panic, we realized he had climbed onto the sofa, over the back and was sitting on a table behind it.  He has never slowed down!

Justin is my Army and fireman guy.  This direction was set in motion years earlier.  He became a lifeguard at an early age. He has saved a baby from drowning.  If he never does another heroic thing that one act is enough.   Like most of my family he has a great sense of humour, loves his family and is just so cute!  He will always be my hero.

November 16

I am grateful today for my family. I may use this one again before the month is up, but this is specific. Kristie called this afternoon and invited us over for Justin’s birthday dinner. Austin made burgers…but the special part comes from Tyler, Mason and Jeremi also being there. It was a treat for me, but Mike nailed it. He said, “I think it is special that those boys would rather be with each other than going out on a Saturday night.” I told him, “Yeah, hanging out with your aunt and grandmother on a Saturday is impressive!” This is something I have always been so proud of; how much my family, children and grandchildren, loves each other…and I love them! So very thankful.

November 17

Many of us have been a part of the FB game of writing a number of things that people don’t know about you. I found this fun, but one in particular touched my soul. My cousin, Rachel, wrote, “Bathing and feeding the sick and dying is the most rewarding thing i have ever done with my life.  The technical knowledge and skills I possess allows me to do the rest of my job, but I thank God for being in this position with the opportunity to serve people in that way, the most human way I can imagine, and to connect with people on that level.”

Today I am grateful for those that answer the calling to be a nurse.  I consider myself a caretaker, but I could never do what you do and you have my utmost admiration.  Many of my friends and family are nurses…you are all amazing!

November 18

Today I am grateful for the ocean and the peace I find when there. I have never complained about the sand or the sun while there. I truly love the water and can spend hours alone in the ocean. I can pray, sing, swim, and meditate to my heart’s content. One of my favorite memories is of being in the Caribbean waters with a friend of mine as it began raining. It was a light rain and we didn’t want to leave. As the drops grew heavier and fell faster it appeared as if pearls were dancing on taffeta. I will never forget the beauty of that moment and somewhere there are pictures…

November 19

I am grateful for my husband today.  I am always grateful for him, but today he has made me laugh when I needed it most.  Last night I chicken fried chicken breasts served with potatoes and green beans.  Sunday I made awesome chili.  I just told him he had his choice for dinner; leftovers from last night, buffalo chicken sandwich, bowl of chili, frito pie, hot dog or chili sandwich.

He grabbed his head and says, “No, No, too many choices!  I feel like Moxy in the country…I don’t know what to pee on first.  There are too many places to run, too many bushes and too many chickens to chase.” Then in this crazy, animated voice he does, he yells, “I don’t know what to do!!!”

I laughed and told him when he got hungry enough he would make a decision.

November 20

This has been a peaceful and restful day and for that I am most grateful.  I needed the break from searching for health care.  It shouldn’t be this difficult, but sometimes life is difficult.  However, I know God is in control (always) and it will work out.

Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 4 -6 chicken breasts, cooked & chopped or shredded (or turkey)
• 1 T. olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can chicken broth
• 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes
• 1 lb white American cheese, cubed
• 16 ounces spaghetti, cooked & drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.  Meanwhile, heat oil in large pot. Sauté onions, bell pepper, and celery in olive oil.  Add soup, broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer.  Add cheese, stirring to melt. Stir in spaghetti and chicken. If needed add 1/2 cup broth or milk.

Turn into buttered baking dish.  Cover and bake about 30 minutes.  Remove cover and continue baking 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Cook’s note:  Mushrooms or corn would be a good addition.  Another option is to add a buttered cracker or bread crumb topping the last minutes of cooking.