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Farmhouse Window: Getting a thank-you note feels good, but sending one feels even better.

Carol Ann Gregg

October 7, 2022

3 Min Read
Male hands holding a pumpkin with a "give thanks" tag hanging from the stem
TIME TO BE THANKFUL: Thank you is never too late. As you think about the people you have encountered recently, are there any that you would like to thank for their efforts or kindness? Take five minutes to find their address, and another five minutes to write a note of thanks and send it off. Catherine Lane/Getty Images

While going through the daily pile of mail, the usual bills, ads and newspapers are rather “oh hum.” Occasionally, the mail brings something on a more personal level. A handwritten note of thanks brings a smile to my face and the memory of the person who sent it.

When was the last time you took the time to sit down and write a note to a friend or acquaintance to thank them for their visit or kindness? We are much more likely to give someone a call, text or email than write a note or letter.

I am as guilty as anyone for not writing those notes. I enjoy receiving them, so why don’t I write them? It is a habit that needs to be nurtured. Thank you doesn’t have to be just for a gift.

Recently, I called a friend and asked her to meet me for supper at a family restaurant. We had not seen each other for some time, and we had a great visit over a warm meal. About three or four days later, I received a touching note from her saying how much she had enjoyed our visit and thanked me for calling her. It probably took her five minutes to write the note.

I so appreciated the time she took to write that note. I am sure it has helped me recall the warm feeling of spending a couple of hours together.

greeting card with message written on the inside

THE LETTER: Recently, I called a friend and asked her to meet me for supper at a family restaurant. We had not seen each other for some time, and we had a great visit over a warm meal. About three or four days later, I received a touching note from her saying how much she had enjoyed our visit and thanked me for calling her. It probably took her five minutes to write the note.

At a recent ag meeting breakfast I attended, state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding began his talk thanking all the different groups and people that make Pennsylvania agriculture what it is. His sincere appreciation for how farmers and processors worked through the pandemic was felt through his message.

Thank you is never too late. As you think about the people you have encountered recently, are there any that you would like to thank for their efforts or kindness? Take five minutes to find their address and another five minutes to write a note of thanks and send it off. You will make their day, just like when you receive a note it makes your day.

Dreary season

The seasons are changing. In my opinion, the dreariest month of the year is November. The landscape is grey and dull. If it wasn’t for elections and Thanksgiving, it would also be boring.

Everyone should participate in the annual elections. Whether it is local, county, state or national officials on the ballot, we all should exercise our right to vote. It is how our voice is heard.

This is a time for boots, hoodies and gloves. Garden cleanup needs finished, and the house needs to be prepped for winter. I have several flower bulbs and tubers that will overwinter for next spring. It has been a long time since I have done this. I hope I will have lots of flowers to plant next spring.

Garden hoses need drained and put away, and outside faucets turned off and drained before freezing weather arrives.

I am not looking forward to the cold weather, although I have several projects to work on this winter. I hope I can finish up some knitting items that are tucked away in several different tote bags around my house. I may even get out a jigsaw puzzle this winter. We will see.

The goal is to stay warm and safe throughout the cold months ahead.

Gregg writes from western Pennsylvania. She is the Pennsylvania 2019 Outstanding Woman in Agriculture and is a past president of American Agri-Women.

About the Author(s)

Carol Ann Gregg

Carol Ann Gregg writes from western Pennsylvania. She is the Pennsylvania 2019 Outstanding Woman in Agriculture and is a past president of American Agri-Women.

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