I have been thinking over the last few weeks that I am more hopeful than I was this time last year.  With all the many things that are obviously wrong in this upside-down Orwellian world, there is much we Americans must be thankful for.  Last year this time, within 24 hours, I lost my cat Nancy and had to put my beloved dog, Teddy, to sleep.  Trump had lost* the election and I was so bitter about it, I flew to Florida to pick up Orange Man Bad; a Maine coon kitten I hoped would rival his namesake.  November was also the beginning of the year-long (and continuing) saga of my favorite sister refusing to speak to me.  So it can be a challenge some days to remember that we are still incredibly blessed.  I also see some trends in the world that lead me to believe we have much to be hopeful about.  Let me count the ways!