Happy Thanksgiving!
Several years ago, my boys and I started a tradition of going down to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade. We were fortunate enough to live less than a mile from the parade route, which made it that much easier to attend. Now, however, we are about 1,500 miles from the Philadelphia parade, living in Texas.
As I contemplate going upstairs and waking the boys so that we can drive down to the Houston version (I have learned that just about everything in Houston requires at least a 30 minute drive), I thought about all the reasons I am very thankful on my favorite of holidays.
There are far too many people to thank on this day (particularly given a rapidly failing memory), but I wanted to point out a few:
- I am thankful for all of you out there who take the time to read this blog from time to time. I really am humbled by the number of people who have said they read this blog, which serves as invaluable fuel to keep plugging along.
- There are some wonderful people in New York and Healdsburg that saw something in this little blog several years ago (when I thought there was no one reading) who still inspire me today to keep writing, for which I will always be thankful.
- I am lucky to have met several people “in the business” during my travels who I would now consider friends (they are really all over, but there are heavy concentrations in Sonoma, Lodi, and the South of France). I am thankful for their support, encouragement, and most of all, their friendship.
- The many other writers and bloggers from all over the world whom I “see” either in person once a year at the Wine Bloggers Conference, or nearly every day while sitting at my computer. Their writing is not only a pleasure to read, but motivation for me to continually strive to improve. The wine blogging “community” is an odd blend of people, but I am thankful to be a part of such a vibrant and eclectic group.
- There are many people here in Texas who have welcomed me to their state with open arms, and for that I will be eternally thankful. I approached this move with more than a healthy dose of trepidation and the support I have received from Texans has been invaluable.
- A special thanks goes out to all those who work in public relations and have to deal with writers and bloggers on a daily basis. They are really a fantastic breed since there is no way that I could ever withstand some of the horrors that they have recounted. While there are far too many to thank individually, I am particularly thankful to a few who reside near and work in New York and San Francisco, several of whom, again, I would consider good friends.
- Last, I am thankful for my incredible family: my two rapidly growing boys who patiently wait (most of the time) for me to finish an article before heading outside for a catch; and my far too forgiving wife who has never wavered in her support to pursue this passion of mine.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Thanksgiving 2015
Thanksgiving 2014 (we flew to Detroit to visit my mother)
2013: Sebastian and Nathan trying not to be cold.
2013: Sebastian up on my shoulder, looking for Santa.
From 2012: My son meets one of his heros–a donut.
the drunken cyclist 
Happy Thanksgiving, Jeff. Great stuff as always. And thank you for continually being an inspiration.
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Ah, you are far too kind Mr. Eckles! My best to your family!
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Same to you and yours my friend.
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I hope the Houston parade starts a new tradition…I’m gonna guess horses and Bramha Bulls will be involved!
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It seems as though there might be a new tradition: sleeping in on Thanksgiving. My older son did not get up until a few minutes ago (it is now 10:00).
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Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family
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The same to you Michelle!
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Happy Thanksgiving Jeff to you and the family!!!
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Thanks Anatoli! My best to your family as well!
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Happy Thanksgiving, Jeff and family. Enjoy the parade; whichever one you watch.
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Thanks so much—it looks like we will be watching it on TV at this point….
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Happy Thanksgiving to you, your lovely wife, and the boys! I love your pictures of Thanksgivings past. Does Thanksgiving feel strange without the frigid temperatures? And more importantly, are you going to root for Dallas today? 🙈
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Thanks! Happiest of Thanksgiving to you as well! Cowboys? Really? Wow.
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Gratitude transcends space. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Cheers!
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All the best!!
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To you as well!
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I am so glad the Texas folk welcomed you with open arms, and probably a pie, too! Happy Thanksgiving Jeff and family! xo
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Thanks so much!
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Hope you all have / had a great day!
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Thank you so much–it was a great day!
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Happy Thanksgiving from the other side of the ocean Jeff!!! Keep the fun stuff and your lovely family stores coming, they are heart warming 🙂
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Thank you so much Meilin, hopefully I will see you again soon!
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Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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It was a fun day, thanks!
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