Thanksgiving is coming right up, and for me, Thanksgiving means reflecting on what I am grateful for, spending quality time with family and close friends, and enjoying preparing and eating comfort food.  I will call my relatives and friends again today to refresh our plans. 

As for the comfort food, I am not in charge of the menu since I will be a guest, and I do have a bias.  I want to eat healthfully and sustainably!  Sound like a tall order?  Perhaps, however, as with any change, small consistent steps are sustainable and can add up to big results.  So, as I plan what I will take to another friends Thanksgiving feast, I am thinking local foods, in my case, I will be take an apple pie, so local apples, wheat and dairy.  I invite you to join me in having at least one dish that is sourced locally whether it be apples, wine, potatoes, squash, you get the idea!  And, if you find some great recipes featuring local food*, share them and I will pass them on!

Taking this small step toward sustainability can also shift the conversation at the Thanksgiving table.  What are we grateful for?  How does nature contribute to our quality of living?  How do we return the favor and care for creation?  As a woman in the Second Half of My Life, I have a wonderful opportunity to serve as a mentor and the realm of caring for creation offers me lots of ways to walk my talk.

With Gratitude, Sandra Jones

*Cooking Light’s Culinary Postcards has several Seattle tips and recipes for local foods that will make your mouth water in anticipation!