Winding down my Thanksgiving Eve here alone at the restaurant. Everyone has gone home for the holiday and I took the time to do some deeper cleaning than would normally get done in an average day. I’ve poured a glass of Old Stock, put on some Bill Evans Trio, and reflect on all for which I am thankful.

I’m thankful to have a business that is succeeding despite the downward gust of the Economy. With many out of work and out of luck, I humbly accept the good fortune than has come my way.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to craft a dream like this one, and to live in a land of opportunity that gives permission to one such as me to make a living as I see fit.

I’m thankful for the look on a customer’s face when they walk in for the first time, or when they say thanks for opening a place like this in our town, or just to see a table full of friends lingering over a bottle of wine after the meal, cherishing the moment we’ve helped create. I am privileged to feel this joy.

I’m thankful for my staff that has believed in the vision, even though their paycheck does not represent the quality or skill they execute. I love coming to work with these folks I can call my friends. Many people I know have to drag themselves to a workplace that eats them alive everyday with pettiness, envy, and distrust. I count my blessings that I can look forward to getting my day started here.

I’m thankful that I have a staff that gives each other nicknames, and those names stick so well, you forget what their real name is. I even yelled at one of my kitchen staff the other day, and once things cooled down, he pointed out to me that I furiously addressed him by his nickname. I’m thankful we had a good laugh about it.

I’m thankful for the one who has chosen to walk through life with me now for 18 years. Starting a business like ours from scratch is a major invitation to stress and uncertainty to come and take up residence with you. Karen, thank you for believing in the dream, and for letting me dream for you, when you weren’t able to do so for yourself. Remember what your father-in-law always said:

“The best is yet to be.”

Happy Thanksgiving to all.