The patchwork flock of ducks, no two exactly the same, raced excitedly out of the coop into the bright morning sun - and then promptly turned around back into and through the coop, out the opposite door leading into the greenhouse. It was chilly out, and they knew if they kept busy exploring all the corners of the greenhouse for while, it would give the sun time to work its magic and clear the heavy frost. They might even get some snacks from The Momma and Their Boy to help pass the time.

We've had seasonal weather for the most part this past week, which means nights that dip below freezing and days that aren't much above. The duck patrol has been doing a lot of napping, though there were a couple of warmer days when the big pond opened up again and they had a blast.

It feels so good to come in and warm up by the fire after morning chores, especially when whoever's still inside the house has breakfast started and the aroma is drifting down the stairs. There's nothing like cold to make you appreciate warmth (and vice versa).

With the waning daylight hours as we approach the first day of winter, it's important to get outside early in the morning if possible, to help stay more alert during the day and sleep better at night. I know it may be tempting to throw on all the lights inside once the sun sets, but it's kinder to your eyes to use task lighting and not stay up too late.

Remember, winter is a time when nature rests to bloom again in spring. It's no bad thing to allow ourselves some grace as well. Create a special spot in your home with a comfy chair and gentle light to unwind. Make sure your feet are warm so you fall asleep quickly when you go to bed. Take steps to conserve heat so the house stays warmer, or layer up in the right clothes to keep cozy. Rest, recharge, and hit it all again later.

This is the first Thanksgiving without Grandpa Gus around, but I know he'd want the family to be there for each other and enjoy the holiday. One thing we do when we gather together is to go around the table and have each person share something that they are thankful for. (My husband always says running water and electricity...)

Ways to Put a Little More “Thanks” in Thanksgiving

Here are some other ideas that you may want to try during holiday gatherings.

• Share a favorite memory. Invite each person to offer one story about someone they’re grateful for — whether they’re present or remembered.
• Name a quiet blessing. Encourage folks to mention something small they appreciate this year — a kindness, a habit, a moment of joy.
• Give thanks for each other. Go around the table and have every person say something they appreciate about the person on their right.
• Express gratitude for the meal. Acknowledge the hands that cooked, the farmers who grew the food, and the land that provided it.
• Start a gratitude keepsake. Write thankful thoughts on slips of paper and place them in a jar or bowl to revisit next year.

Focusing on gratitude may help reduce depression, lessen anxiety, support heart health, relieve stress, and improve sleep - in addition to simply making life better. We all have the same number of hours in a day. It's up to us to decide if we're going to use them to make our lives and the lives of those around us better - or not. I choose to aim for better.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)

This week's featured articles...

We've been baking more holiday recipes this week, both savory and sweet. A neighbor stopped by on baking day and some of the first words he said were, "Something smells good!"

First up, Christmas tree pull apart bread. You can bake it in the Christmas tree shape, or line the buns up in a circle or rectangle for serving any time of year. These rolls are yummy with our homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Next up, eggnog bread. I know this may sound weird, but we drink eggnog year round, because the ducks and chickens keep us blessed with many eggs. This quick bread has a great texture and yummy flavor.

Other Thanksgiving recipes that have been passed down from my family include Hungarian nut rolls and kolache.

In case you're dealing with some seasonal "yuck", try these 10 Natural Sore Throat Remedies.

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