Thanks Gracias

Sometime today, between the Lions game and second slice of pie and melting jello or dressing that isn’t as good as your mom’s, we say thanks.

We pray for parking spots and good lab results and for lost dogs to be found and for wars to end and for willpower to lose the ten pounds we put on after the meal. We pray to Harold or at least that’s who I thought we prayed to, the closing line of the Lord’s prayer confusing generations of kids.

I pray because I’m thankful for big things and for life’s small potatoes, including Peru’s four thousand varieties.

I am thankful for cats, including this one who has a doppelganger in Kunming.

I’m thankful for sunsets and the ocean, where on the other side, it’s already tomorrow in Asia

I’m thankful for my juice lady who could cure Covid with her celery detoxer.

I’m thankful for the Franklin doggy cafe in San Isidro, even though I don’t have a dog. Dogs are thankful they have a dog menu.

I’m thankful for old guys with interesting stories…

and for new fall colors in Parque el Olivar.

Im thankful for printed newspapers on every corner in Miraflores even though I hate the news.

And for safe places to gather during a seismo (earthquake)

I’m thankful for cool coffee shops that are off the tourist path…

And secondhand shops where you can get three shirts for $10

I’m thankful for being on a first name basis with God.

Yeah, Harold, thanks.