RAVE to the radio stations that don’t play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. It is great listening to music that does not add to the “noise” of the very early/dominating commercialism of Christmas. It feels like a big loss when Halloween in October and Christmas in December so overshadow the beautiful and meaningful Thanksgiving in November. Perhaps we could all benefit from taking time for reflection, counting our blessings and pausing to enjoy and appreciate this special holiday as we do the others.

RAVE to the person who found my purse in a grocery cart at Costco and turned it in. I am forever grateful for your honesty.

RAVE to the truly outstanding displays of vivid autumn colors in Seattle and nearby suburbs this year. Private and public property owners made great choices years ago by selecting trees that show off big time before the leaves fall.

RAVE to the young man from Kirkland for helping us, an elderly couple, change our flat tire the other night. I had just started loosening the nuts holding the flat tire to the wheel when he happened to walk by. He immediately offered to help and took over the tedious task of changing the tire in the poor light made by only a smartphone flashlight. Thanks to his wonderful help, we were on our way much sooner.

RAVE to drivers who change lanes or merge into traffic smoothly, without making the right-of-way vehicles slow down at all. Nice job! (I’ll bet you are a great dancer.)

RAVE to the wonderful woman who helped me get up after a fall. She walked me home with my dog. Then she came by a few days later to see if I was OK.

RAVE to the taxi driver whose ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colman Dock was an act of compassion. I had just flown home from my mother-in-law’s passing and discovered the light rail was delayed. In the taxi waiting area, I was drawn to an older gentleman standing next to his cab. When he asked if I needed service, I blurted out that my last taxi trip was traumatic; the driver was speeding and refused to slow down. “You will always be respected in my cab,” my new friend said, and we talked about love and loss as he delivered me safely downtown.