18 Comments
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Bob Pockney's avatar

That's long list 😁 I seem to score 3, First Responder and read and like Immigrant Chronicles. Have a great Thanksgiving !

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

And a fine and honorable three they are, Bob! Thanks for the shout-out and have a wonderful Thanksgiving yourself!

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Daniel Puzzo's avatar

Wow, what a list! I was thinking of posting a mere note on Thanksgiving day itself with a handful of things to give thanks for, but this has given me pause and now I'm not sure if I can 😂

My favourite was "...despite copious ingestions of gin" - what a phrase! (I too should be thankful for the same, and I can also add whisky)

The one about younger women enjoying opportunities - it's not quite the same, but there's a tenuous link here. I really enjoy some of the perspectives of the younger women writers here on Substack. It's fascinating to hear their thoughts, experiences. Perhaps because I have a young daughter and I'm trying to envisage a hopeful future for her.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thanks for this, Daniel, and also for your own more sardonic list, which I've just restacked. I'm glad you're interested in the opinions of today's young women because I agree that they're an interesting bunch. They inhabit a world which holds so many more opportunities than my generation's world did when we were their age, and I'm both delighted to see it and proud as Punch that our generation were the crowd that helped make it happen. We done good there, our crowd.

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Angela Mary Patrick's avatar

That’s a long list

I can agree with many

Ax

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Another cousin from St. Angela's! I'm glad you liked it, Angela, and yes, when I looked around me I did find a fair number of reasons to be grateful. The challenge for this dour old soul will lie in remembering all of them throughout the year ...

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Ruth Kelly's avatar

Love your long list! Agree with many!

Really enjoying your musings.

Happy Thanksgiving from a fellow transplanted Brit from London! 🦃

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Happy Thanksgiving to you too, my fellow immigrant! I'm glad you enjoyed my list and hope you had as joyful a Thanksgiving as Mr. Los Angeles and I did!

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Jan Turnquist's avatar

And Happy Thanksgiving to you, my dear friend!!! XO

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

And to you, dear Jan - one of the many reasons why I'm grateful to Louisa May Alcott is that she led me to magical Orchard House and the joy of your friendship. Looking forward already to seeing you in July ... xx

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Alice's avatar

Love this! I share many with you, including Mr McCartney, who I am going to see in concert tonight!

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

I'm pretty fond of the cousins one myself, Alice! You're going to see Paul McCartney? I am consumed with envy! Do give him my love ...

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Marianne Jennings's avatar

I love everything about this. Thank you for sharing. We share several of these things in common. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of Miranda Hart, air traffic controllers, autumn leaves and the day after Thanksgiving mood. I'm grateful to have met you on Substack. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thanks, Marianne, I'm delighted to have met you too! I *loved* your post, which I've restacked for anyone who wants to read it, - to anyone who does, you're in for a treat. Happy Thanksgiving and don't work too hard on the day!

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SFB's avatar

Happy Thanksgiving back to you & your Mr x

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

A double whammy - not only another cousin, but also a fellow St. Angela's survivor, heard from! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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Patricia Danaher's avatar

What a jolly list of good things! Lovely piece. I am thankful for your stout hearted friendship and your always exquisite roast potatoes.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thank you, Patricia! The friendship is always here, the toast potatoes upon request ...

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