When it comes to life,
the critical thing is whether
you take things for granted
or take them with gratitude.

It's Thankful Thursday, a weekly pause to appreciate people, places and things. This week I am thankful for:

Little Cuties
It's holiday season and I know because Little Cuties have arrived.

Little Cuties are actually Clementines but I'm a softie for a successful marketing effort so I'm sticking with the Cuties moniker. Known as the darling of mandarins, Little Cuties are small, seedless, sweet and easy-to-peel. A common sight during the winter months, Clementines have earned the nickname "Christmas Oranges" and are related to, but not the same as, the beloved Satsumas (though they all taste good to me).

Graupel
It's not hail. It's not snow. It's graupel, a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when supercooled water droplets coat a snowflake. On the Oregon Coast it's the closest thing we have to a White Christmas. (Go here to listen to pronunciation — this site should also be on my thankful list).

What gives you pause this holiday season? On this Thankful Thursday, for what do you give thanks?