Another year's Thanksgiving

Too often, we take for granted the many things - large and small - that enrich our lives. Here are a few of the people, places and things we appreciate, to help get you started on this Thanksgiving Day. Some are familiar from past years, some are new. All are worth remembering in 2009:

Charitable agencies, serving our communities more and more these days.

Your donations.

Our troops and the sacrifices they make.

Their families and their strength.

That this month's nor'easter wasn't worse.

That this year's gubernatorial campaign wasn't longer.

The many people who came to the rescue during the storm.

The many people who helped - and are still helping - return lives to normal.

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

The Food Bank of the Albermarle.

A leisurely canoe or paddle-boat trip at Chesapeake's Northwest River Park.

A stroll at Virginia Beach's First Landing State Park.

Children in toggle coats.

Visiting Grandma's house in a town with no traffic jams or tunnels.

Dogs and cats.

Cats and dogs.

The Beazley Foundation.

United Way of South Hampton Roads.

The sight of a child absorbed in a book.

Bookstores, small and large.

Fresh vegetables from a farmer's market.

Fresher vegetables from your garden.

Carolina barbecue.

Hush puppies.

The smell of boxwood.

The blinking of fireflies in the summer sky.

Edmarc Hospice for Children, which does work we wish no one had to do.

ForKids, for families.

Neighborhood watches.

1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Football, or whatever it is the Redskins play.

Football, even between Dallas and Oakland.

Shopping on Black Friday.

Not shopping on Black Friday.

Norfolk's refurbished Town Point Park.

Portsmouth's nTelos Pavilion.

The Sorensen Institute, reminding public officials of the value of civility and cooperation.

Public officials who remember what they've learned.

Wildflowers by the roadside.

Planting bulbs in the fall, dreaming of daffodils.

Chicken soup bubbling on the stove on a rainy day.

A wooden spoon to stir.

A grandchild's hug.

A hug from anyone else.

E-mail from a faraway friend, or one forgotten.

Jobs, even in trying times.

Jobs, especially in trying times.

Faith, hope and resolve, in any order.

Redemption, wherever, however, whenever you may find it.

The 10,000 letters to the editor we received this year.

144 years of devoted Virginian-Pilot readers.

Friends and family.