Thankfully

Tomorrow Mrs. Bloggy and I are hosting 28 people for Thanksgiving dinner, so clearly I have no business taking time to blog this morning. But isn't this the time of year to stop, take a breath and reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for and then to eat several of them? Of course it is. And besides, she's still asleep so she can't yell at me. So before I get back to house cleaning and napkin folding, a few things on my list:

• I'm thankful...For all of you who traveled from near and far and sometimes ridiculously far to join us at Irish Fest in 2009.
• For the wonderful roster of musicians, singers, dancers and comedians from America, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and Germany who honored our stages this year.
• For the vendors who made sure that all our patrons went home well supplied, well informed and well fed.
• For the 1000 dedicated volunteers who are the real engine of Irish Fest.
• For our generous sponsors who saw, even in a difficult economy, something worth supporting in what we do.
• For all of you who take the time to stop by here and read every day.
• For the most remarkable, hard working, tireless and fun crew of staff members that any event in any place ever had.
• For the board of directors that I've had the great honor of serving on for another year. You are my great friends, every one of you.
• For the great weather, the well behaved crowds, the memorable performances, the laughter, the memories and another amazing weekend with 95,000 friends.

Thank you all!