I'm thankful!

Right now, despite all the problems in the world, I'm feeling very much in the spirit of the season. On this day after Thanksgiving, it's gotten very cold and I'm thankful my daughter knits for me. I'm wearing a hat and mitts that were knitted with love and it keeps me warm inside and out.

I'm thankful that my city still has the werewithal to put up holiday decorations - and used some this year that, while very colorful, don't have a lot of lights and use less energy.

I'm really uplifted by student activism on campus. There are highly effective campaigns this year for recycling and AIDS day. It it good to realize that our students are not just thinking of themselves, but are concerned about the world around them. I doubted that for a few years, frankly, but am glad to be reassured.

I'm thankful that construction has finally begun on our newest residence hall and that our students can look forward to living in less crowded conditions in the forseeable future. Space is something to treasure.

And I'm thankful that tomorrow, friends and colleagues will be coming to my home to enjoy a belated Thanksgiving feast. I'll be baking and cooking up a storm tonight and I can hardly wait to get started!