Of course it's Thanksgiving and I'm going to take a few minutes to reflect on what I am thankful for. It's a simple list really.

1. I have an absolutely wonderful husband
2. I have three great children, oh okay, four great children (I am NOT thankful for the trials of teenagehood, however)
3. I have friends who care what happens in my life and I get to see many of them regularly
4. My parents are still very active and independent, enjoying their retirement
5. I have no debilitating illness and my mind still works most of the time
6. I live in the country, out of the hustle and bustle of the city
7. The company Andrew works for is still keeping its nose above water, even if barely
8. I live in a country that allows free speech, the freedom to worship as I choose, and gives me a say in the government by way of my vote (when I can figure out how to use the voting machine accurately, of course)
9. I have a wonderful hobby that keeps me interested and excited, provides me with a sense of challenge and accomplishment, and keeps me always looking forward (yes, that would be rabbits)
10. I get to educate my children at home and spend time with them that many other parents must miss out on (of course, there are those parts of having children around 24/7 that other parents get to miss)

Notice how rabbits are on the list of things I'm thankful for, but they're not the first thing. I hope I can always keep my perspective in my hobby. It's so easy to get sucked in to thinking it's more important than it is. Important, yes. The most important thing, not by far.

Within the area of rabbits itself, there are quite a few things that I'm thankful for:

1. Andrew helps me with the grunt work of cleaning and hauling
2. Gestation is only 31 days - I wouldn't have patience for much more than that
3. Rabbits are vegetarians - could you imagine the odor if they weren't?
4. It only takes 7 months from the time that a rabbit is born until it can be a parent, and 14 months until it's first grandbunnies are born (see the "patience" comment above)
5. I chose one of the lighter breeds of rabbits - those carriers get heavy!
6. There are shows in my area every month of the year; I get antsy when more than two weekends pass without a show
7. There are other people as crazy about rabbits as I am - which makes me feel more normal and gives me folks to "talk bunnies" with
8. I have several show does that have turned out to be great moms, too
9. My mini van
10. Convention and Nationals allow me to see much more of the country than I ever would have without my hobby

I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for. And I'm thankful that we have a day set aside just for that purpose.

Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry
Holland Lops Of Distinction
Precious Pet Rabbits
Pet Rabbit Care Information, Quality Pet Rabbit Breeders, and Rabbit Fun

¶ 10:38 AM