Wildly, widely random thoughts make the miles on the morning and evening daily commutes seemingly fly by.

In no particular order, here are things for which I am randomly thankful this year:

Two kids who, while they don't communicate as often as I'd like, still occasionally text and hit send.

The friend who accompanies me on adventures as big as Las Vegas and as small as assembling furniture.

The friend from junior high who will always be there - regardless of where either of us lives.

Friends of varying longevity who for whatever reason - or no reason - call, e-mail, stop me in the grocery store aisle or other assorted places - to say "Hi."

Seven Saturdays at War Memorial Stadium, where the outcome didn't matter nearly as much as the experience.

The wind, which usually keeps the snow away.

The sun, which usually keeps the chill away.

The Salvation Army, Joshua's Storehouse, Holy Cross Food Bank and Glenrock Community Services, who are all about giving help to those who need it the most.

The potential for a full house on Thursday.

The morning and evening daily commute, during which I can plan, decompress or daydream.

Cramming Thanksgiving groceries into the much tinier refrigerator, without spilling or breaking anything.

Having the money to buy Thanksgiving groceries.

Having a job I love to provide the money …

Living in this place that we do, being the independent people we are, with no apologies.

Setting the cruise control at Exit 185 and not braking once until Exit 165.

Finding Thanksgiving cards that exactly contain the appropriate sentiment for Peggy Jane the Mom, Vickie the Sister-in-Law and Sooz the Sister.

Receiving greeting cards from people whose names I do not recognize, hoping that some day I'll figure it out.

Having the chance to write "Enjoy! Sally Ann," as many times as it takes.

Black fine point Sharpie markers.

Pink wine.

Red and white Christmas lights.

The lights of Vegas at night.

Salt and lime - fruit juice right? - at 10 in the morning.

Leather seats with electric heaters - at the back and the bottom.

Christmas lights in November.

Filling the girl truck's tank for $25.

Self-blending cappuccino and getting charged the coffee price - even after I tell the cashier.

Anticipated lights on the walking path, so the tiny dog and I can walk after work.

This short week, when we're all trying to complete our highest priority work and still clean and shop and cook and be the perfect host or hostess, it would be great if we could all find minutes - just little minutes - to remember what it is that makes us thankful.

From our tiny house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Reach community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com