Thanksgiving, that most quintessential of American holidays, when our forefathers gave thanks for their very survival, we are likely to contemplate our own good fortune. We are reminded to be thankful for friends and family, for the bountiful dinners most of us are able to share, and to be living in a country where we enjoy the precious privilege to disagree. But there are many small, and perhaps not so small although often overlooked things, we take for granted, that upon reflection, we are also very thankful for.
As a senior, most of the following items were not conveniences I enjoyed while growing up, and yet I have become so accustomed to their help that I forget to fully appreciate what they add to my life.
Microwave ovens: I never had one until we bought our present condominium. At that time, after reading the complex instructions that were mostly “don’ts,” I was afraid to even use it. My daughter-in-law came one weekend and with the self-assurance of someone both young and in-the-know, said, “Forget all the instructions, Mom. Just push this and this and then the start button.” How did I ever exist without the micro to warm up coffee and soup, defrost the bagels, quick-cook a baked potato and a dozen other essential uses?
Cellphones: As much as I am annoyed by their misuse (on the street, in doctor’s office waiting rooms and on trains or while driving), I can’t blame the device for owners’ improprieties. Cellphones have saved the day when I have missed an appointment, been delayed, had an emergency or car troubles. Used with restraint and consideration, they are a wonderful invention. I enjoy mine because nobody has my number (which my daughter thinks is idiotic). I use it only when I need to make an outgoing call.
Wash and wear: Although I have been known to iron anything not nailed down and love all cotton, freshly ironed sheets, the fabric blends in blouses, pants, etc. are great time and labor-savers and a boon to travelers. Remember when we ironed hubby’s shirts and our own silk blouse, every day before going to work? Now it’s pop in the dryer, shake it out, hang it up and it’s ready to wear.
Frozen foods: Not so long ago, you either spent endless hours preserving and canning or went without anything even resembling “fresh” during the winter months. Now, frozen fruits and vegetables are available any time of the year, as well as tasty entrees or complete dinners. My freezer is my best friend.
The Internet and my GPS: This column gets written on and delivered to my editor via the Internet. Research on anything and everything is a click away, and I can find and order most anything from theater tickets to swimsuits. I even located some additional prints I had originally spotted while in Thailand, ordered and had them mailed to me all courtesy of my computer and the Internet. They are today’s magic carpet.
As for the global positioning device which speaks in a male baritone named Dennis, it is my trusted companion to get me to any address and home again. No longer do I feel confused, lost and alone when I take the inevitable wrong turn. Dennis is there to “reconfigure” and put me on the straight and narrow once again. Even my husband has led me astray at times, but Dennis is incorruptible.
In addition to the many devices that make my life easier and more pleasant, I’m thankful for our latest cat addition, Ginger, a 4-year-old red head that captured my heart when I happened to be “just looking” at the Branford animal shelter.
Although, as two females, Ginger and Chibi-chan, our Siamese, were not thrilled with each other at first, they have more or less divided the downstairs into “territories” and have come to a mutual understanding. Ginger’s realm is a cat bed on my desk where she oversees my phone calls (with an occasional misstep on the answering machine button). She purrs and demands I take frequent breaks from work to talk and to rub her, which we both thoroughly enjoy.
Lastly, I never want to overlook the pleasures of long-lasting friendships and meaningful work. This weekly column helps to fulfill both those needs. Thank you, dear reader, for continuing to share my thoughts and life experiences. May you have a warm and loving Thanksgiving holiday.
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