I’m down in Kentucky, visiting family — and having a few retro renovation kaffee klatsches, too! Gearing up for Thanksgiving: Ann Landers – who definitely made a huge imprint on me growing up.

Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me. I think it’s perfect to run on Thanksgiving. — Bee in Fairfax, Va.

Dear Bee: Please send my best wishes and warm thanks to your friend in Australia. Here’s the thoughtful piece she sent:

Things to Be Thankful For

• Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.
• Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.
• Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you’re employed.
• Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.
• Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.
• Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.
• Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.
• Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.
• Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
• Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because itmeans you’re alive.

~ Taken from Ann Landers’ column—11/22/01