Day Three – A Year of Gratitude and Joy – Avocados

Travel takes you places. Growing up one of three daughters of a career Air Force officer, I’d traveled to more than half the states and a dozen-or-so countries before graduating high school. But, no matter where we went, my parents were very connected to their roots. Dad was from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (yes, the home of the Groundhog). Mom is from extreme northern New York … closer to Montreal than New York City.

That meant we grew up with small town flavors. Oh sure, we learned to eat fresh Gulf of Mexico shrimp when we lived in southern Mississippi. We ate bratwurst in Germany. But a lot of foods that are common to western states never made it into our diets.

I met Greg when I was almost 50. When we got together, I had never even tasted an artichoke or an avocado. Not even once! In fact, I had probably sampled guacamole, but didn’t know how it was made or what was in it. Greg said I couldn’t earn my “California Merit Badge” until I mastered the art of making guacamole. I must have earned the badge because he always asks me to make it now!

These days, we buy avocado in bulk. We split an avocado every day.

It’s popular because of its great health benefits. Avocados are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are high in fiber and provide good fat to your diet. 

I’ve made deviled eggs with avocado instead of mayonnaise – delicious! 

Today, as I stabbed a fork into a slice of this creamy and luscious vegetable, I realized I am grateful for them. Not only because of their flavor and healthiness, but also because I found a new food late in life that’s not just good, it’s good for me.

It’s silly, but finding little things that bring you joy just makes you smile a little brighter. 

There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Embrace the joy of discovering new foods.

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