Regardless of how frugal we try to be in cooking holiday dinners, there are still many plastic containers with leftovers in our refrigerators, right?
I don't know about you, but I'm one who thinks the turkey-with-all-the-trimmings is much better the day after Thanksgiving.

As I was removing the turkey meat from the neck bone and scooping the congealed turkey juices in a container, I began thinking of leftovers and what I could make for meals that could be frozen for another time.
Tomorrow is turkey stock making day...you know, where you toss the bones and the bits of meat from the bones and the juices into a pot with some parsley, onion, carrot, celery, garlic and a pinch of freshly ground pepper. When all the flavors have been extracted and melded, I will strain it so all I have left is luscious liquid that will be used as the base for soup...add to this carrots and a host of other veggies and either rice or noodles or potatoes...and you have a yummy all in one meal.

How fortunate we are to be able to re-purpose our food into other meals. How fortunate we are to be able to share with loved ones a meal that was prepared with our own hands. 

As I picked at that turkey, I also thought about leftovers in a whole different light. Growing up, I always felt like a leftover...for a while I was special, then I got put in a container, tossed in the refrigerator, and only removed when it was time to take out the trash.

My sweet darling little Boo, my rescue kitty...she was a left-over, too. She was homeless, hungry, cold, and abandoned.

It's cold out, people. Many animals and people have no homes, no food, no friends. So, when you are re-purposing your leftovers (whatever those leftovers are)Please consider sharing with those less fortunate than you. I've always given until it hurts then I give a little bit more. It does your heart good to know you've helped, even just a little morsel.

Enjoy the ending of November as we move into the anticipation of Advent and the new possibilities December has for each of us.

It just doesn't seem like Thanksgiving should be here already, does it!

Next Thursday people will gather with family and friends, fill their stomachs full of turkey and all of the yummy trimmings, watch football, fall asleep...or a combination of all. There will be laughter, free flowing wine or beverages of your choice, games, and tons of left overs.

For some odd reason, this year my heart is sad.  I see the photos of homeless veterans who are cold and hungry. I see the faces of children who haven't had a hot meal or a hug for a very long time. I see pets left out in the cold, dumped at shelters or sometimes just by the side of the road.

If only I had a magic wand. None of this should be happening in my America. None of this should be happening in our world. The sad truth is that it's reality for many.

How can you make a thank-filled difference this year?  How can you touch the life of a human or an animal and make it better? Please consider the following suggestions.

**Volunteer some time at a homeless shelter or a church that is serving a Thanksgiving  meal.
**Stop at a local VA hospital and visit with one or more of the Veterans. You may learn something you didn't know!
**Provide a warm coat/gloves/hat for a child that may not have them.
**Volunteer/adopt a pet/provide bags of food to the local animal shelter or Humane Society.
**Hug your own children, regardless of their age. Make them feel loved and wanted.
**Show kindness and love wherever you go for the holidays...with no family bickering, with no one-up-manship. Do it because this may be your last time together. Do it because you've changed your heart.

It isn't rocket science. It's common sense. Be kind. Be loving. Be thank-filled for all you have. Share of yourself with your neighbors, friends, those less fortunate.

We have so much more than we need or ever use. Think about that when you see the ten pairs of shoes in your closet, or the eight purses hanging on the back of your bedroom door. Think about it when you go to your pantry and see there isn't room for one more can of anything to fit on the shelf. Think about it when you go to your freezer and can't find what you're looking for because there is such a surplus.  

Adopt a new way of thinking...Be a blessing this Thanksgiving.
Wishing you a very thank-filled week.