I am thankful for pungent wisps of smoke upon the autumn air, and skeins of Canada geese unravelling across the western sky at sunset.
I am thankful for farmhouses nestled at the ends of tree-lined lanes, for neatly mowed ditches and dustings of wildflowers along country roads.
I am thankful for humble sunflowers standing with bowed heads, for pungent marigolds withstanding fall frosts, for maroon vines entwining themselves around a white trellis.
I am thankful for tardy robins feasting on clusters of orange berries, for brilliant blue jays landing in backyard feeders, for the cheery song of black-capped chickadees.
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I am thankful for the laughter of little children waiting for big yellow school buses.
I am thankful for cheeky red squirrels scolding busy gardeners, and mellow cats sunning themselves on south windowsills.
I am thankful for green globe cabbages and big bold pumpkins, for bulging gunny sacks of new potatoes and braided ropes of yellow onions.
I am thankful for baskets of red tomatoes, clusters of orange carrots and a box of burgundy beets.
I am thankful for combines gobbling up fields of Prairie grain, and for the herds of cattle grazing in broad pastures.
I am thankful for provisions, and for all those who provide them.
I am thankful for plenty.
I am thankful for peace.
– Alma Barkman writes from Winnipeg
