Once again it is time to pay your taxes. Oops, wrong month!

Actually, it is not tax season here in the United States but rather, a special time of the year. On the fourth Thursday in November, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Traditionally, families and friends usually share time together; some to express prayers of gratitude followed by a thanksgiving meal that can be as simple or as elaborate as one chooses to make it.

For those without family or friends to celebrate with, or maybe experiencing tough financial times, many options are available. Many good-will organizations want to make sure no one goes without a thanksgiving meal.

For example, a local community church here recently had an early thanksgiving gathering last week that not only offered a free turkey meal with dessert, but the first 300 people received a whole frozen turkey–FREE!

How awesome is that!?!

Of course, lots of people showed up…parking became incredibly tight…
Not to mention waiting in line…but everyone had fun,  especially the church volunteers who helped cook and serve the meals.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Day prior to the over commercialized Christmas holidays is actually a good thing. I love being able to slow down a bit to spend a least one day in the company of loved ones and naturally, eating my favorite meal: roasted turkey with lots of stuffing, gravy and large scoops of cranberry sauce!

Since I usually eat and eat and eat, leaving me completely lethargic and useless, I am thinking ahead this year.

Here are my top five inventions I am so grateful for…
1. Cell phone–this is my memory part of my brain…if I leave home without it, or–don’t say it–misplace it, this could activate instant meltdown and total body failure!
2. Internet–no words needed…you and I both know this invention has revolutionized the world.
3. Light bulb–I so love my light source!
4. Refrigeration–Thanking the person who invented this neat appliance…a cool place for all the leftovers and expired bottles of whatever(s) to hang together in one spot…
5. Washer/dryer–I love doing laundry since these modern appliances make it so easy!

No longer a chore but crazy fun! You know it is an obsession when you actually go out and hunt down dirty laundry just to run the machines!

If you are wondering why I did not list my car, well, I figure you all know how deeply grateful I am for my wheels. Absolutely grateful.

I could go on and on because, truly, my life has been abundantly blessed, but for now, my prayers of gratitude focuses on the simply charming top five inventions.

So, what are your top five inventions you are absolutely grateful for this season?

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Want more gratitude and inspiration?

Head over to Island Traveler’s very charming Weekly Image Of Life and enjoy all the best of this week’s theme: I Am Thankful For….