uploaded to flickr.com by rfduck
We often spend a lot of time and energy creating a feast of turkey, potatoes, vegetables and pies on Thanksgiving, noting how grateful we are for all the bounty around us. We here at The Hill Is Home want to pause for a few words this day of thanks to note what we are grateful for around us. Indulge with us for a moment and share in our thanks for the neighborhood we call home.
I can say I am thankful for family and friends, pleasant neighbors, walkable streets, and the wealth of small businesses in our neighborhood. I am also grateful for peaceful Occupy protesters in our city, the invention of the Parkmobile phone app, and being able to find out so much information in such short increments via Twitter. Oh, and baked goods. And copious leftovers.
Sharee notes, “I’m thankful all the Bikeshare stations within walking distance of my house doubled in size. And, continuing my transportation theme, I’m thankful for people who actually know how to parallel park. Do they even teach that skill in Maryland and Virginia?”
Kyra has a very focused appreciation this year. “I’m thankful for a strong end to the Nationals 2011 season, Wilson Ramos’ safe return to his family and the Phillies loss in the first round of the playoffs. I’m also thankful that pitchers and catchers report in a short 88 days!
Lauren notes, “I’m thankful that after a year of renovations (front yard, kitchen, back yard) my Hill home has put the days of major demolition and construction in the rear view mirror! Of course, none of this would have been possible
without Frager’s, where we have, on several occasions, made multiple trips in a single afternoon. And here’s to plenty more (minor) home projects in the new year!”
Claudia feels grateful for a variety of gifts. “Along with being thankful for having such a loving and supportive family, a great group of friends, and amazing opportunities (cliche but true)…I’m grateful for living so close to the Mall so I can see the sun rise behind the Capitol as often I do; having Yards Park so close as a place to walk the dog and enjoy a sunny afternoon; strolling through Eastern Market every weekend; living in a neighborhood with so many great friends; living in a neighborhood with so much charm and history (and quirkiness); and being able to have watched this city grow and change so much.”
Perhaps Maria sums up our feelings for the holiday best (and provides me with an easy closing to this post). “I am thankful for my nearest and dearest; for old friends and new acquaintances; for sweaters and boots and falling leaves; for food and for good cooking; and cheesiest of all, I am thankful that I ever moved to Capitol Hill, because the Hill is truly where I feel at Home.”